โA challenging world is an alert world. Individually, we're all responsible for our own thoughts and actions - all day, every day.
At LVI Associates, we choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality. We choose to seek out and celebrate women's achievements. Collectively, we can all help create an inclusive world.
From challenge comes change, we have an interview with Kayleigh Regan, Senior Vice President at LVI Associates, let's find out how she chooses to challenge.โ
What does the #ChooseToChallenge message mean to you in the Engineering & Infrastructure industry?
I see the #ChooseToChallenge message as an opportunity to build a culture of being able to stand up for what you believe in. It means to challenge the standards and create a world where people can be comfortable in expressing what they feel. It means to not be comfortable with being uncomfortable and stand for change for both yourself and people who will be in your position in the future.
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What sort of conversations around gender equality do you have with your clients and candidates in your role? Has Covid-19 had an impact on gender equality?
Gender equality is always a hot topic in the construction/engineering sector as it is notoriously known for being a male-dominated environment. However, in recent years we have seen many companies make a huge conscious effort to change this by promoting more female leaders and looking to hire more female graduates to diversify the workforce. We have had many of our clients ask us how they can attract more females to the workforce and what they can do to promote diversity which is refreshing and great to see.
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What role can recruiters play in challenging norms and creating change?
Recruiters can have a huge influence on gender diversity in the workforce by consulting clients and educating them on the reasons why having a more diverse culture in the company can benefit them. We can also play a part in challenging clients if they state a preference for a certain gender by explaining why they should be more open-minded.
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What advice would you give to a company trying to create a diverse hiring strategy?
Be open-minded! Not everyone is attracted by the same benefits and perks as you so make sure to speak to different people from various backgrounds and be open to different suggestions and points of view. The way that adverts are written and benefits are outlined can play a part in the type of people you attract to your company. For example, working from home or flexible working hours could be a great option for those who have children whereas advertising Friday work drinks as a benefit/perk may be more attractive to those who do not have children. Always remember, it really depends on the target audience that you are looking to attract.
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As a female leader, what advice would you give to other aspiring leaders in overcoming potential gender biases and achieving career success?
I would advise you to tell yourself that gender biases do not exist and to never let this idea hold you back! Work hard and express what you want to achieve to others so they can help to get you there - you can never get to the top alone so do not try to do it all by yourself.
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About Kayleigh Regan
Kayleigh Regan has been working in the recruitment industry within Phaidon International (LVI Associates' parent company) for the past 5 years in which 4 of those has been in a management role. She has worked in both London and Singapore office with exposure to working for both LVI Associates and EPM Scientific.
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