VINCI Facilities’ Post

To round off the week of spotlight features in celebration of #internationalwomensday, Lee Scragg, Defence Operations Director, reflected on two inspirational women who have impacted his life. He also talks about recognising the work/home juggle, parents, particularly women, face and captures his future hopes for his daughter.   “Earlier this week, I was surprised that I got a mention in a post (https://lnkd.in/eTmU-iX9) about one of my team members – Tracy Breen. In it, she highlighted an email I sent a while ago in which I thanked her for her commitment. I suppose I was surprised because I didn’t realise the impact a simple email could have. But on reflection, I get it. The sentiment was one of equality, I was saying – with the knowledge that being a female in the construction industry can be challenging – that I regarded her work, and that of other women in the team, incredibly highly. I was recognising them for their outstanding skills and talent, alongside the men that they work with.   “We must foster a culture where we are all ‘seen’ for our ability, for what we bring to the day-to-day, the values in which we live by – and not be judged or treated differently because of our gender. Historically construction has been a male dominated industry but I think (and hope) that things are changing.    “When I look back to people in my life who have had an incredibly positive influence on me through my formative years, and still do today, I think of two women amongst lots of others. A primary school teacher and my Auntie. My teacher got the best out of me. I have dyslexia and her support and encouragement was incredible - her early intervention helped plot my path. My Auntie has a successful career in the medical field, with an unwavering commitment to lifelong learning. She juggles being a fantastic mother throughout, and chooses community work, over other opportunities. "Why wouldn’t I champion the rights of women, when two amazing women championed mine!   “All parents, regardless of gender, have to try organise family and work life. But I do see the struggle more in my female colleagues and my own family. The mum/career balance is complex and I never underestimate it’s toil. "I hope, that when my daughter is in the working world, we will have evolved further and that discrimination becomes a thing of the past. It’s a lot to ask for, but we need to be the ones setting the standards for tomorrow’s workforce.” #ally #equality #inspiration #womensday #iwd #womeninbusiness #womeninconstruction #dstrongertogether #future #futureworkforce #settingthestandard