International Women's Day: Celebrating a 20-Year Journey with Genna Gale
The construction industry is traditionally dominated by men, however, with a growing focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, more and more women are finding opportunities.
Around 2 million people in the UK are employed in the construction industry, but according to the UK government's Annual Business Survey, women only account for around 14% of the construction workforce - we’re proud to say that at Elliotts 21% of our employees are women.
Today we celebrate International Women's Day, and in particular one woman who celebrates 20 years with Elliotts on this very day.
Genna Gale, (pictured on the right), our Key Accounts Manager, first joined Elliotts in 2004, taking on the role of Admin Assistant in our Sales Hub and then progressing to a sales role in our Brick & Block department as a Sales Consultant.
After a few years in this role, Genna became our Sales Hub Manager, and then after returning from maternity leave, the Key Account vision in our Sales Hub was born and Genna became the Manager.
We spoke to Genna and asked her about the time she's spent at Elliotts, here's what she had to say...
1. Reflecting on the past 20 years, what are some of the most memorable moments in your career here?
Working during covid and lockdown was the most challenging experience of my career, but also the most rewarding, witnessing the teamwork, support and strength of my team and colleagues is a memory I won't forget.
I also loved the Pretty in Pink charity event with suppliers & customers, it's definitely a favourite memory of mine!
2. What inspired you to pursue a career in the construction industry, and how has your journey been over the past two decades?
This is probably not a great or interesting story I'm afraid, as I actually started here as I didn’t know what I wanted to do!
I only planned to work at Elliotts for 6 months until I figured it out, and the rest is history.
3. How has the company evolved since you first started, and what changes have you witnessed over the years?
I have worked through pen & paper to computerised systems, from faxes to email and I've been here through two Elliotts generations of Managing Director, it's been incredible to be part of the journey.
4. Are there specific projects or accomplishments that you are particularly proud of during your time here?
There's are so many! Completing my youth training scheme when I first started, with a distinction, the friendships I have made with colleagues and customers over the years that are still going strong, achieving my Diploma in Merchanting, and being Manager of the Sales Hub when as a team we achieved a historic turnover in a single month for the first time in the Sales Hub.
I'm also so proud of growing what started out as an idea and discussion with Tom Elliott into an extremely successful Key Accounts team.
5. What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter the construction industry or pursue leadership roles within it?
Be confident, stand your ground and know your worth! There is nothing wrong in showing compassion & empathy, but most of all respect your team and colleagues, and never expect someone to do something you wouldn’t do!
6. In a traditionally male-dominated field, how have you overcome challenges and stereotypes to establish yourself as a leader in the construction industry?
Do what you say you are going to, take every opportunity to learn everything and anything you can and never be too proud to say, “I don’t know”.
But the most important for me is to challenge and disagree (when you have good reason), don't follow the majority, own your decisions and opinions regardless of if they are different.
7. In your experience, how has the construction industry evolved in terms of gender diversity, and what do you hope to see in the future?
I have been fortunate enough not to have experienced some of the extreme challenges other woman in this industry have faced, and having strong females around me I was shielded and protected from some of it.
I also believe Elliotts are miles ahead with gender diversity and they have been fully supportive throughout my career and Elliotts journey. The few negative experiences I have had as a woman in this industry made me determined to change opinion and prove them wrong, knowledge is power, and I made sure to have that in abundance which tended to make people take a step back to listen and understand.
8. How has your role or responsibilities changed over the years, and how have you adapted to those changes?
Adapting from a Sales Consultant to the Sales Hub Manager was the most challenging. I had gone from working in a team to being their boss, and no one can quite prepare you for the change you need to make in yourself and relationships to make it successful.
Luckily, I had a great team, and a supportive boss (Lauren Haines), that allowed me to make changes and decisions that enabled me to grow and learn. I have enjoyed my Key Account manager role the most, every day is a different challenge and I am proud to say I have the most amazing two women in my team (Claire Wilson & Lorraine Rolls) that genuinely make coming to work enjoyable.
9. Are there any colleagues or mentors who have had a significant impact on your career?
Lauren Haines has had the most impact on my career as she pushed, supported, and advocated for me in so many ways, I sincerely believe I wouldn’t have made it to where I am without her.
Lauren saw my potential and gave me the opportunities to progress, even when others may not have. Being only 17 when I started, Lauren Haines, and Helen Lawless now retired, took me under their wings and helped me grow confidence and skills I know I would not have achieved without them.
10. On International Women's Day, what message would you like to convey to your colleagues, especially to inspire and empower women in the industry?
Believe in your power, your voice, and your ability to make a difference!
If you’re interested in joining us at Elliotts, we have a number of career opportunities available: Building futures - Elliotts
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