This week, I had an insightful discussion with Belinda Coates, a well-known figure in the industry who has made a significant impact within the built environment space. Belinda currently serves as the CEO of the leading Engineering firm, ADP Consulting. Her impressive career includes being a Founder and Director of TEN Women, a previous role as Director of Client and Strategy at Slattery, and various positions at Woods Bagot, Hassell, and even in the legal sector. We delved into her background, tracing her journey from a marketing and business development background to her transition into architecture and, more recently, engineering.
Our conversation covered a wide range of topics, some of which are relevant regardless of one’s industry within the built environment. We discussed the importance of personal branding, influencing others in your network, and effective networking strategies. Belinda emphasised the significance of building relationships and connections in today’s professional landscape, regardless of job titles or market sectors.
We discussed the process of creating a compelling vision for a company and translating it into actionable steps. Additionally, we explored how to foster a diverse and inclusive organizational culture that caters to individuals with different aspirations and work preferences, ultimately creating a stronger and more appealing organisation.
Overall, our conversation with Belinda provided valuable insights into the world of architecture, engineering, and leadership. Her wealth of experience and dedication to fostering innovation and inclusion serve as an inspiration for professionals across various industries within the built environment.
Amongst other things in this podcast, we discussed:
- Reflecting on Career Paths and Unexpected Journeys
- Breaking Stereotypes: Exploring the Misconceptions of Engineers
- Her Attraction to the Built Environment
- Creating Attractive Work Environments, Balancing Remote Work and Physical Presence
- ADP’s Growth and International Expansion
- Leadership Strategies for Supporting Teams in Challenging Times
- Supporting Introverted Employees in a Socially-focused Environment
- Networking and Branding: The Energizing Power of Personal Engagement
- The Importance and Process of Creating a Vision for Your Business
- Harnessing the Power of Teams: Building Stronger Organizations
- Attracting Engineers to the Industry and ADP
- Future Outlook for Melbourne in Engineering and Architecture
- Favourite Cities Beyond Melbourne: Exploring Memorable Travel Experiences
Hope you enjoy the podcast!
If you are interested or work in the built environment, have a listen!