Interview with Gabriela Guizzo - Operations Director
Gabriela provides actionable steps and realistic expectations catering to both newcomers and seasoned professionals seeking career advancement. Please read the interview below for insightful information.
What’s been your biggest achievements made in your career?
I really believe that every achievement is a big achievement and I do celebrate small victories all the time! But to look at what I did during my professional journey, do bring me a lot of joy and proudness. The construction market still has majority of male workers and although its clear that women are taking their space bit by bit, in higher leadership positions there is still room for more female leaders, so to achieve a high management position in an amazing company as Mace it is definitely a big achievement.
It allows me to work with many other women that are pursuing their paths in the construction industry and develop them to their future. I’m sure these girls will also be celebrating big achievements very soon!
What’s the best career decision you’ve ever made?
Every decision I made brought me to where I am today, even the bad ones… Because every decision gives us a chance to learn from it. But of course, there are some decisions that I still remember today, to leave my country behind and adventure abroad is one of those.
Every woman in the world will understand that having the family, the grandparents, uncles and aunts close to us when you need to balance your professional life and your kids is a must, but I made the decision to left my behind, between my husband and I, we had to balance both, we had to cover all the gaps and make sure we were doing the best we could. This has been the most difficult, but also the most rewarding decision of my life, today I have the career I pursued, and my daughter learned from me, she never gives up, she pursues her victories on what she does, and she will take this strength with her forever.
Are there any mentors who have helped you throughout your career?
I could write a book only with the names of all the people that helped me during my career! In every step of the way I was guided and mentored, I still am. And we must be able to see that even on minor things, we still have room for learning, everything can be improved and there is always something else that we can refine! The funny part is that looking back from all the mentors I had, only one was a woman, this just confirm that we do need more woman in construction.
To have nearly 20 years of project experience you must require strong client relationships, can you tell us how you have managed to maintain these for so long and the three most important pieces of advice?
Relationships are essential in our professional life, it’s so important to know people in the market and to be able to count on them. There is no secret on how to maintain, and my advice is very simple, be honest, be truth and stay connected! As any relationship you may have in your life, with spouse, family or friends, the professional ones are achieved and maintained the same way, respect others, understand their culture background, and be always honest.
What do you believe will be the biggest changes in the construction industry over the next 10 years?
In the past 10 year the construction industry massively developed its H&S procedures, organisation, manufacture, industrialisation and technology, these changes perhaps, ended up being what was missing to attract more and more women. I’m sure in the next 10 year we will see a significant increase in women finding their success careers in the construction industry. More opportunities will also bring more equality and inclusion, and this is exactly what will drive us in the next 10 years.
If you want to advance your construction career give us a call on 020 3998 7671, and speak to one of our specialist consultants.
