The theme for IWD this year is ‘Accelerate Action.’ Morleys is supporting the campaign to accelerate action for gender equality.
At the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158, which is roughly five generations from now, to reach full gender parity, according to data from the World Economic Forum.
Focusing on the need to Accelerate Action emphasizes the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality. It calls for increased momentum and urgency in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women face, both in personal and professional spheres.
There are still certain roles in the workforce, such as construction, engineering, leadership and
project management positions, that are often male-dominated and stereotypically viewed as
careers more suited for men.
We caught up with Katie Kerwin and Alix Galer, both Project Managers at Morleys, to raise awareness about women in project management roles and highlight their experiences, achievements and perspectives, as young women working in a predominantly male-orientated industry.
We explore their personal journey, while celebrating their contributions to the field:
Name: Katie Kerwin
Role: Project Manager
Location: Morleys (Bicester) Ltd
Career Journey
What inspired you to pursue a career in project management?
I had never thought about a career in project management. I came from a retail/sales background with the intention of eventually becoming a manager in my previous role. I’ve always been a people person and aspired to ensure I always give my best, with the customer at the heart of everything I do. The end result is important, and the lasting impression is fundamental, so when I joined Morleys I saw the hard work and dedication of the Project Managers and this resonated with me. Their goals aligned with mine and so I set out my personal development plan to pursue a career in Project Management.
Can you tell us about your journey to becoming a project manager? What challenges did you face along the way, and how did you overcome them?
I started as a Project Co-ordinator. I remember it being extremely busy, with back to back projects over the summer, and so I had to quickly learn the ropes and be able to offer support to the Project Manager I was paired with. Locations of the projects were nationwide, from Wales, to Oxfordshire, then up to Scotland. It was a task to ensure each project was completed on time and within budget, keeping the customers informed and not getting flustered. Being organised and on top of things really helped to keep me focussed.
Workplace Culture
How have you seen the role of women evolve in the project management field over the years?
I am yet to meet and work with another female Project Manager from another company. I hope this will change over time, however I have worked with Architects, Designers and colleagues that are women and I can see their determination and strive. I hope in the near future things will change and women will be seen more in our field.
In your experience, how can the workplace be made more inclusive for women in roles like project management?
I believe it is up to companies, like we are doing at Morleys, to shout loud and proud about women in this industry. More women need to be present across all professions, all roles should remain inclusive of gender, race and ethnicity. When companies are hiring, women should not be overlooked in project management and women starting a family should not be seen as a barrier.
Gender Stereotypes
Have you ever faced any gender-related challenges in your career? How did you navigate those situations?
The main issue I encounter is turning up on site and being asked if I am in the right place. Or being watched, which makes me feel I am not trusted to carry out my job beacuse I am a woman. However, I put comments and eyes aside. We are all onsite with the same end goal – to get the project over the line. Often my strength as a woman is another thing that comes under question, it can be frustrating when people don’t believe you are strong enough to carry furniture or equipment, or do something typically a ‘man’ would do. Heavy lifting is often associated with being a masculine attribute. I often experience people wanting to take over, and carry things for me. I know the intention is well-meant, however I am quite comfortable asking for help if I need it. Women have evolved and can hold their own, we are more empowered, determined and independent.
Work-Life Balance
How do you manage work-life balance, especially considering the responsibilities that come with project management?
2023/2024 was a mixed year for me. When I joined the projects team I was up to my eyes in wedding planning, my family had received disappointing health news and I welcomed our labrador puppy into our lives, so it was safe to say my personal life was just as challenging as my professional life. However I have a great support network around me who guide me through the turbulence. At times work became a great distraction. When I am not onsite I am lucky that the office is close to home – so popping home at lunch time for a quick puppy snuggle and play has kept me grounded.
Impact of Women in Project Management
How do you think women bring a unique perspective or strength to project management that benefits teams and projects?
I think women are rational and understanding, stepping back to gauge the full picture instead of going all guns blazing into a situation. I feel we are more empathetic, which makes us good problem solvers, and we have good ideas when given the confidence and platform to speak.
Can you share a project or achievement that you’re particularly proud of, where you felt your contributions as a woman made a significant difference?
I have been proud of every project I have had the privilege of working on. My favourite project so far has been Garden Village Primary in Tamworth, Staffordshire. I finished this project feeling so confident and comfortable in my role, with men and women working on all areas of this project together in unison. The support from the Multi-Academy Trust, headteacher and the contractor was everything I needed to carry out a very successful project.
Role Models and Inspirations
Who are some of the women in your life or in your career that have inspired you? How did they influence your professional journey?
My mum and mother-in-law are my closest inspirations, they have both been dealt harsh cards in life, however they still get up every day, are present, and remain kind, caring, and thoughtful of others, doing anything for their family. Their strength and determination to keep going, and to not sweat the small things, is something that I will always abide by thanks to them, in life and work. People don’t have to make a mind-blowing impact in the world to be your heroes.
Advice for Future Generations
What advice would you give to the next generation of women who aspire to be project managers?
Never lose sight of the end goal, there will be setbacks and hold ups, frustration and confusion, however these things will help you to grow in life both professionally and personally. Have patience, fight for what you believe in, and most of all enjoy what you do! Ask for help if you need help, and ensure you have the best support network around you to manage stress.
Celebrating Women in the Workplace
How do you think we can better celebrate and support women in the workplace, not just on International Women’s Day, but all year-round?
Ensuring that women’s ideas are heard, encouraging women to go for it, celebrate their accomplishments in and outside the workplace, donating to women’s charities, equal pay and even the little things like ensuring sanitary products are available. The most important thing, is making sure that everyone has a safe and fair working environment and providing training, equipment or guidance on important matters like health & safety, equality, and well-being.
Name: Alix Galer
Role: Project Manager
Location: Morleys (Bicester) Ltd
Career Journey
What inspired you to pursue a career in project management?
Growing up I would watch my father who is a architectural engineer and I was intrigued by his line of work. I am artistic, creative and a good problem solver so this attracted me to project management.
Can you tell us about your journey to becoming a project manager? What challenges did you face along the way, and how did you overcome them?
I initially joined Morleys within a hybrid sales/projects role with the intention of increasingly using my design skills, but within no time I progressed into the Project Estimator position to support our field sales team with pricing FF&E projects. Within 12 months I was promoted to Project Co-ordinator. I was excited to get stuck in and learn, but this did not come without its challenges – as I had never been on a construction site – and at first found it quite daunting. However, my confidence grew and as I completed more and more projects I gained valuable experience. Two years on and our projects business was growing, and I was given the opportunity to step up again and become a Project Manager. I haven’t looked back and we are busier than ever!
Workplace Culture
How have you seen the role of women evolve in the project management field over the years?
I would not say I have seen a major change as it is still very much a male dominated industry, but with more women becoming project managers and learning the trade you can see the impact we can have onsite in the future.
In your experience, how can the workplace be made more inclusive for women in roles like project management?
Never judge a book by its cover. Women are great Project Managers! We all should be mindful that in this day and age it is all about equality and giving all genders equal opportunities to succeed in their chosen industry.
Gender Stereotypes
Have you ever faced any gender-related challenges in your career? How did you navigate those situations?
On site it is very male dominated and there can be a certain culture which as a female I need to navigate. I have found that if I remain unfazed and carry on with my work, others soon realise I am not going to react to any negative comments or ‘banter.’
Work-Life Balance
How do you manage work-life balance, especially considering the responsibilities that come with project management?
It’s all about forward planning and ensuring that on the weeks I know I have a project due to land I do not over-stretch my commitments, as I can be onsite longer than expected if there are complications, or I could be staying away from home depending on the location and duration of the job.
As a team we help each other where possible, so if one of the team has an important commitment but it conflicts with work, we can work across projects to ensure we achieve a good work-life balance but also maintain a professional and high standard of project delivery across the business.
Impact of Women in Project Management
How do you think women bring a unique perspective or strength to project management that benefits teams and projects?
Women generally speaking have really good attention to detail so I find I can spot inaccuracies or potential problems before they occur. I am often asked how I managed to pick up on certain details and I can only explain it as ‘female intuition.’
Can you share a project or achievement that you’re particularly proud of, where you felt your contributions as a woman made a significant difference?
I am extremely proud of my project St Edburg’s CE Primary School as I feel that as a woman I have a softer approach to project management, which helped me gain the trust of the project stakeholders, and in general helps me form good relationships with my customers/clients so they feel comfortable asking me anything. Throughout the St Edburg’s project, I was asked by the Business Manager for my opinion to overcome a few challenges, so I am pleased my perspective was valued and it helped the client to overcome difficulties using my knowledge and expertise.
Role Models and Inspirations
Who are some of the women in your life or in your career that have inspired you? How did they influence your professional journey?
Our former Senior Project Manager was a great mentor for me and gave me confidence. She passed on her project management knowledge to me which enabled me to flourish and develop into the position I have today. Also my manager is supportive and helps me grow in confidence. She encourages me to be the best version of myself and believe my goals are achievable.
Advice for Future Generations
What advice would you give to the next generation of women who aspire to be project managers?
Work hard, be confident, and always remember that your gender is not a weakness. In this world when women and men come together they can achieve any goal.
Celebrating Women in the Workplace
How do you think we can better celebrate and support women in the workplace, not just on International Women’s Day, but all year-round?
By creating an inclusive working environment, and investing in professional development so companies are creating a culture where female employees feel valued and empowered.
The Morleys Group is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. Through our recruitment policies and L&D programmes, we actively ensure we are inclusive and free from bias. We promote and support an inclusive workplace culture and diversity. Through mentoring we help to grow and develop our people and encourage a healthy work-life balance.
As we celebrate all the wonderful women across the globe today on International Women’s Day, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all 575 women across the Morleys Group for their passion, hard work, and commitment. Together we are a strong and diverse team providing best in class service to our customers across the UK.
If you have an education project in the pipeline and would like to know more about the benefits of working with Morleys and the service we offer as FF&E design consultants, please get in touch, we would love to hear from you.