In the recent episode of “The GSC Executives Podcast,” we were treated to an insightful conversation with Carol Cairns, the Head of PMO at Northumbria Water Group. Caitlin Tye delved into Carol’s transformative journey from a passionate civil engineer to a leader who champions curiosity, diversity, and inclusion in a predominantly male industry.
From Foundations to Frontiers
Carol began her career as a civil engineer, laying her foundation in water and wastewater capital investment schemes. Her innate curiosity and passion for project and program management led her to significant roles outside traditional engineering paths, encompassing delivery strategy, business planning, and regulation before rising to her current position. This journey highlights a theme that resonates deeply in today’s business landscape: the importance of adaptability and lifelong learning.
The Core of Leadership: Vision, Communication, Integrity
One of the most compelling aspects of the conversation was Carol’s discussion about the essentials of effective leadership. She believes that a strong vision, stellar communication skills, and integrity are fundamental. Moreover, she emphasizes the importance of empathy and resilience, qualities that enable leaders to support their teams genuinely and navigate challenges successfully.
Advocating for Diversity and Inclusion
Carol’s advocacy for diversity and inclusion is not just a professional commitment but a personal one. She underscores the necessity of role models in industries where diversity is still emerging. By sharing her experiences and the evolution of her career, Carol provides a blueprint for women and other underrepresented groups in engineering, showcasing that successful careers are built on the pillars of opportunity, inclusion, and respect for diversity.
Articulating a strong business case for diversity: Carol talks through the richness of ideas and perspectives that diversity brings to business, which are crucial for innovation and problem-solving. This diversity leads to better business outcomes, a message that resonates across sectors and is particularly poignant in industries traditionally lacking diversity.
A Lesson in Career Evolution
Listeners to the podcast will find Carol’s career choices particularly instructive. Her decision to explore roles beyond engineering—only to reaffirm her passion for it—speaks to the value of exploring diverse career paths. This part of her journey emphasizes that sometimes stepping away from one’s comfort zone provides clarity and reaffirms one’s core passions.
A Blueprint for Future Leaders
Carol Cairns’ story is more than just a career biography; it’s a blueprint for aspiring leaders in engineering and beyond. It serves as a reminder that leadership is an evolving journey, where curiosity fuels growth and diversity enriches not just workplaces, but industries at large.
Listeners can find more insights and inspiration by subscribing to “The GSC Executives Podcast,” where we explore the journeys of leaders who are shaping the future of business.
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This blog post is based on the GSC Executives Podcast episode “Engineering Success: Carol Cairns on Curiosity-Driven Leadership”.
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