The firm’s social value manager on moving from South Africa, building her team at Beard, job satisfaction and the food that goes with everything
Why did you choose construction as a career?
Construction chose me, or at least it was the first to take a chance on me.
What are you most proud of in your career to date?
Building our social value framework and team. After working in communications for Beard, I was appointed as the firm’s first social value manager in January 2024. Since then, I have established a fantastic team with a dedicated social value coordinator in each of our regional offices and formalised Beard’s approach to social value through our framework. We generated £8.5m in social value for local communities in 2024 through on and off-site initiatives.
What has been the biggest challenge of your career to date?
A career change to construction, prompted by a move to the UK in 2016. I had been working in my family business in South Africa for 15 years and really had to sell my transferable skills. It was this move that saw the start of my construction industry career.
If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?
Stereotypical perceptions of working in the industry suggesting that it is not an aspirational career choice.
What is the most helpful advice that you have been given?
My dad always said: “If you don’t have anything nice to say, say nothing at all! It has stuck with me, and helps me to navigate challenging conversations with compassion and stay focused on constructive outcomes.
Name your favourite building in the world?
The Sistine Chapel at The Vatican, for its intricate detail and the overwhelming sense of history. I visited when I was 15, and I remember contemplating then how buildings can leave a legacy and connect generations, something which resonates deeply with my work in social value today.
What single piece of advice would you give to someone starting out in your profession?
Recognise and maximise your strengths but never stop working on your weaknesses.
Who do you most admire in the construction industry?
Women in leadership who have had the resilience and dedication to stay with it.
What is it like being you (and doing your job)?
Amazing – I love my job! I have the freedom to shape how Beard helps to strengthen communities. I work with brilliant teams of people and it is super-rewarding to feel like the job you are doing makes a real difference.
Do you have a life philosophy?
Don’t sweat the small stuff – there is always a bigger picture. I am practical but always positive; I like to believe that everything works out in the end and, if it doesn’t open, it was not my door to walk through. It is a mindset that helps me stay grounded and resilient.
What do you think your best quality is?
The ability to communicate and build relationships at any level.
What trait do you most dislike in yourself? And in other people?
In myself, procrastinating. In others, dishonesty
Name three things that you like
Yoga, travelling, theatre
Tell us about a secret skill that we don’t know you have
I am a qualified hatha and ashtanga yoga instructor.
What is your most prized possession?
I’m not rich or materialistic, so I would have to say my health and my memories.
Early bird or night owl?
Night owl.
What is your favourite food?
Cheese goes with everything!
What would your superpower be?
Invisibility. Those who know me, know how important it is for me to recharge my batteries – and I do like a bit of quiet time.
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