Breaking the Mould: Calling Out Adversity and Changing Industry Attitudes

The infrastructure industry is built on progress—on the vision to design better, build smarter, and connect people. But behind the machinery and milestones, there’s a cultural shift quietly taking place: one that asks us to think differently about who belongs here, how we support one another, and what kind of industry we want to lead.

For a long time, adversity in this sector hasn’t just come from the ground we build on. It’s come from within—from outdated attitudes, misplaced assumptions, and a resistance to change disguised as tradition. Whether it’s assumptions made about age, gender, background, physical ability, or mental health, too many people have had to work twice as hard just to be seen, heard, or respected.

I’ve listened to colleagues who were told they "didn’t look like" someone in their role. I’ve seen young talent underestimated. I’ve known people who’ve masked their struggles because they didn’t feel safe to speak up. These are not rare stories—they’re too common. And silence only makes the cycle stronger.

That’s why calling it out matters.

Challenging casual comments. Questioning biased decisions. Refusing to laugh off the things that actually hold us back. These aren’t confrontational acts—they’re leadership. They set the tone for others. They make space for someone else to speak up. They move us forward.

Of course, change isn’t just about what we push back against—it’s about what we actively encourage. It’s about noticing what someone brings to the table, not just what’s on their CV. It’s about checking our assumptions, listening properly, and not being afraid to rethink what’s “normal.”

We work in an industry that’s facing a skills shortage, a generation shift, and an urgent need for diversity of thought. We can’t afford to overlook or alienate talent—not when it’s knocking at the door with new ideas, different life experience, and a fresh perspective on how to get things done.

The good news? Change is happening. Slowly, yes—but genuinely. I’ve seen managers become more open, teams more reflective, and conversations more honest. I’ve worked with people who take pride not just in the work they do, but in the culture they help shape.

We need more of that. Not performative slogans or one-off campaigns—but everyday moments of fairness, curiosity, and action. Because if we want an industry that’s truly inclusive, it starts with each of us choosing to be just that little bit better than yesterday.

And that’s something we can all build on.