I was born on a sunny day in August, the daughter of an Engineer and a housewife. Throughout my life, I have always been the black sheep of the family. My parents hold very traditional values, so when I announced my intention to attend university, they were shocked that I wasn’t simply planning to secure a conventional job and wait for my prince charming. While they supported my decision, they never pushed me in any particular direction. Being the first in my entire family to pursue higher education, my parents likely viewed it as another one of my peculiar endeavors. I ended up studying Public Policy and Management at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen. Initially, I had considered attending a university farther away from my parents, but my father insisted on a closer proximity. Despite his resistance, I completed my degree and then expressed my desire to pursue a Masters. At that point, my father dismissed my aspirations as ridiculous and refused to entertain any further discussion on the matter.

Undeterred, I applied for a scholarship offered by the European Social Fund to encourage women’s participation in business. Thankfully, I secured one and went on to complete my Masters in Economics, Innovation, and Change Management. By this stage, my father had resigned himself to the idea of me being a perpetual student. I relocated from Aberdeen to Glasgow, much to my parents’ dismay. I. then, managed to secure a temporary job with the Health and Safety Executive in inspection support. Working closely with inspectors, I discovered the fascinating world of Health and Safety and witnessed the sluggishness of the public sector in adapting to change. Although I did apply to become a trainee inspector, they had temporarily halted recruitment that year, so I would have had to wait until the following year. It was during this time that I decided to pursue further studies and broached the idea of a Postgraduate degree in Health and Safety with my father. Unfortunately, the ensuing conversation did not go well.

Undiscouraged, I pursued a postgraduate degree in Integrated Health and Safety and Environmental Management at the Open University, allowing me to work and study simultaneously to afford the course fees. By the time I completed my qualification, I had grown weary of working in the public sector. I noticed a job opening at a large Energy Company for a Health and Safety Manager, although I lacked the requisite experience. Regardless, I decided to apply for it. During the interview, I established a strong rapport with one of the Managers, who eventually offered me the position. He took a chance on me, recognizing my determination, and from that point on, I never looked back. On my way home, I stopped at a layby to call my parents and share the good news. My father remained nonplussed, but my mother was filled with pride.

I worked closely with my hiring manager, Ray, who, for my first project, sent me to the far north of Scotland where a hydro tunnel was being constructed. I found myself among 200 men, staying in bunker bins. Ray believed this experience would either make or break me. A year later, I returned to the office, eager for my next challenge. Ray, who had become my mentor and friend, continued to push me outside my comfort zone. However, he eventually moved on, leaving me as part of an all-male team with no ally. As a result of internal politics and the prevalence of favoritism, my job satisfaction waned. It was at this point that one of our subcontractors approached me, searching for a Safety Engineer for their projects in Scotland. This is where I met Mark, who would become my new Ray. I enthusiastically seized the opportunity to work closely with those on-site, as it was there that I felt I could make a real difference. I relished being on-site.

Thus began my journey with VINCI Energies. Unbeknownst to me at the time, Powerteam was in the process of being acquired by VINCI Energies and later rebranded as Omexom, where I assumed the role of Lead SHEQ Engineer for Scotland. After four years, a downturn in work led to my secondment to another VINCI Energies brand, Actemium, where I served as their SHEQ Manager until a permanent replacement could be found. I thrived in my role at Actemium, and eventually, they offered me a permanent position. Then, one day, the CEO of VINCI Energies UK & RoI approached me and asked if I would like to be his Head of SHEQ. I called home – my Dad answered – he cried.

My journey hasn’t been an easy one—I’ve had to fight for what I’ve achieved. However, I have been fortunate to receive support from people who believed in me and pushed me forward. I put in the hard work, delivered my passion and drive, and although I often found myself as the only girl in the room, as I’ve grown and progressed in my career, I am no longer consistently the sole woman.

My advice to you is this: say ‘yes’ when opportunities arise, seize them, and figure things out along the way. Treasure those individuals who support and motivate you on your path. Work hard, don’t give up, believe in yourself, and have the courage to walk alone if necessary, knowing it won’t be for long.

I mentioned being the black sheep of my family because I always went against the grain—I did things my way. I am unmarried and have no children, but my father gushes with pride when he talks to people about me and I’ll take that!