In this episode of Building Doors, host Lauren Karan sits down with Emma McCaughey, President of NAWIC Queensland and a highly accomplished civil engineer, to discuss leadership, advocacy, and diversity in the construction industry. Emma’s career, spanning over 15 years at CPB Contractors, highlights the power of mentorship, strategic decision-making, and fostering inclusive workplaces.

With a strong passion for increasing female participation in the industry, Emma shares invaluable insights into career growth, overcoming challenges, and reshaping the future of construction. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or considering a career pivot into construction, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable takeaways.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Navigating a Career in Construction:

• Emma’s journey from civil engineer to industry leader and NAWIC Queensland President.
• How she founded CPB Contractors’ Gender Equality Action Plan Taskforce.
• The importance of strategic career decisions and advocacy in construction.

Building Inclusive Work Environments:

• Why diversity and inclusion initiatives are critical for the future of construction.
• How allyship and mentorship drive success for women in the industry.
• The role of NAWIC in championing equitable opportunities and industry change.

Work-Life Balance & Career Longevity:

• How Emma balances leadership, career growth, and family life.
• Time management strategies for high-performing professionals in construction.
• The impact of flexible working conditions and cultural shifts in the industry.

Lessons from the Field:

• Emma’s most challenging and rewarding projects across roads, aviation, and resources infrastructure.
• How overcoming adversity and career pivots can strengthen leadership skills.
• The importance of continued learning, professional networks, and industry collaboration.

About Our Guest:

Emma McCaughey is a highly respected civil engineer and construction industry leader. She is the current President of NAWIC Queensland and has over 15 years of experience managing major infrastructure projects. As a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland, Emma has been a driving force in creating more inclusive workplaces, founding CPB Contractors’ Gender Equality Action Plan Taskforce, and championing initiatives that support women in construction.

Emma’s leadership extends beyond her company, with her advocacy efforts focused on increasing female participation in the industry and ensuring a sustainable workforce for the future. She believes in the power of mentorship, education, and policy change to drive meaningful impact.

Key Quotes from Emma McCaughey:

• “We need to reshape the construction industry to make it more inclusive and sustainable for everyone.”
• “True success is about lifting others up while building your own legacy.” 
• “The future of construction depends on diversity, innovation, and collaboration.”

About Your Host:

Lauren Karan, founder of Karan & Co. and host of Building Doors, is a recruiter and development coach passionate about helping professionals unlock their potential. Through this podcast, Lauren shares inspiring stories and actionable insights to empower listeners to create opportunities in their lives and careers.

How You Can Support the Podcast:

✅ Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
✅ Share this episode with colleagues who would benefit from Emma’s insights.
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Don’t Miss Out:

🎧 Listen to previous episodes [here].
📩 Want to be a guest or provide feedback? Email us at reachout@buildingdoors.com.au.

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