It started with a question. Why are we still having a conversation about women in construction? Simon Sinek taught us to start with why, and after 40+ years in construction, my "why" for starting the International Institute for Women in Construction is explained in probably the most meaningful podcast I've ever recorded. Thank you to IIWIC Board member Ale Spray for curating such a beautiful conversation.

IIWIC is not here to replicate efforts to attract, develop, and retain women in construction. We bring passion, we support effective strategies, we accelerate efforts. We share the success stories that inspire action and move needles.

Evelyn Lai recently participated in a leadership panel at the Australian Pipelines and Gas Association annual conference and shared their experiences of being a gender diverse person in our industry. Evelyn takes the time to candidly share their journey and help us understand how we can create an industry where all people feel they belong.

Dean Riha of Fulton Hogan shares a case study of the implementation of the construction industry Culture Standard in Australia that focuses upon increasing 1) time for life, 2) wellbeing, and 3) diversity while improving productivity and project outcomes.

This pilot project finished on time, on budget, and people worked 21 days less with no loss in take home pay and no loss in productivity. RMIT's academic research showed an improvement in engagement and wellbeing. The project had 21% women and over 8% women in the trades versus the typical 2-3% (a third of the senior leadership was female as well).

Angie Cacace and Kate Glantz are two tradeswomen who are doing amazing work to attract teenage girls into the construction industry. Their strategy of a free "sassy little magazine" for not only these girls also but their parents, guidance counselors, and teachers with specific information on how to explore a career in construction trades is incredibly creative.

Perlla makes many great points during this discussion of how to attract more women into construction trades, including the fact that they must like it. She also provides concrete tips for how men can support women in our industry.

Margot Brassil, Director, Construction Leadership Group, Infrastructure New South Wales (NSW), the state containing Sydney in Australia, joins the podcast.

With A$118 B in infrastructure projects in the state over the next four years, NSW is committed to creating a more gender balanced construction industry to facilitate success. An initial A$20.2 million investment has been renewed, funding strategies such as choosing 23 pilot projects with a full time person dedicated to the effort and over 30 $300,000 entrepreneurial grants to fund trail strategies to attract and retain women. As Margot says, this is not a challenge that will be solved in three years, and men must be a part of the conversation.