Built to last

As one of very few women in the traditionally male-dominated world of construction, Siv Axelsson, Group Human Resources and Communications Director, WSP Group Plc is a case in point. Here she shares her experience and work ethic with CXO.

CXO. The construction industry must be one of the most stereotypically male environments going – how have you survived so long?

SA. There’s no denying that construction was a difficult industry for women to work in when I joined it, almost 10 years ago. Thankfully, however, this is starting to change.

I have never viewed men as superior simply because of their gender and have always seen myself on an equal footing. I believe that this way of thinking gave me the confidence to succeed in what is indeed a traditionally male dominated work environment.

CXO. What would you say are the most important things you’ve learned in your career so far?

SA. My mother always said that you should sleep on a problem to solve it and I think this is also true in business. Over time, I have realised that problems are more easily solved if you let decisions come to you rather than force a conclusion. Also, no matter how hard people try, you can’t change your personality or way of working. As such, you need to accept your own strengths and weaknesses and deal with them accordingly. I’ve also learnt that organisations are complex creatures and, because of that, the importance of leadership shouldn’t be underestimated. In my early days in business, I didn’t appreciate how one person in a large company could be so important. Leaders might be judged quickly, but it’s important to look at the longer-term impact. Their performance, whether good or bad, will have an enormous impact across all areas and at all levels of an organisation.

CXO. If you could go back would you approach anything differently

SA. I don’t regret anything in my career and I think all periods have been a good learning exercise. Life is like a big jigsaw puzzle – you can always be sure there is another piece to be found under the table and only when you find the last piece is it time to pass away! The only regret I have is that, if in my eagerness to meet my career goals, I may have unintentionally have hurt someone along the way.

CXO. Do you think it takes different qualities and strengths to succeed in business as a woman? Or are different things expected of you perhaps?

SA. I think that women normally are, and are expected to be, slightly more ambitious than their male colleagues. However, women often have to play the political/diplomatic role in a team and, as such, their own ideas can sometimes be put to one side. At the end of the day, we are all individuals who act differently. For example, I find small talk harder with men than women in the UK as it normally revolves around sport – a subject in which I have no interest. On the other hand, I find it easier to talk about business matters with men who are more comfortable and confident talking about the subject.

CXO. There are still pay gaps between the two sexes and far fewer women in senior roles. Have you noticed any changes or trends yourself?

SA. While I have never experienced the problem myself, women at the very top are still almost as rare today as they were 20 years ago. What has changed is that we have now reached a stage where there are many women now in the middle stages of their careers who, in 10 years time, will be ready to make their move to the very top. However this transition shouldn’t be rushed and women should be promoted on merit, not because of their sex.

I predict that a very dramatic shift in business isn’t far off – already we are seeing female politicians taking on very senior roles, greater numbers of female than male doctors and women in leading finance positions.

CXO. What barriers do you believe still exist to women reaching positions of power? Do women themselves play a part – for example, is there less ambition among women, or a lack of ‘cut-throat attitude?

SA. Barriers do still exist and, while they may be accepted in support roles on the board, women are rarely in top line positions. Another barrier, of course, is external networking. Men tend to build contacts through the ‘old boys network’ at an early age, through education or sport, for example.
I think the concept of women being able to have it all isn’t realistic. A career costs blood, sweat and tears, and sometimes you have to forsake such luxuries as days spent with friends or family. The worst thing you can do as a woman is to blame your lack of career on the fact that you are female. You can’t blame anyone else other than yourself and if things aren’t working out the way you’d like, it’s better to move on to a more worthy position.

For more information, please contact Jillian Alexander, Cohn & Wolfe, Tel: 020 7331 5300 e-mail: jillian_alexander@uk.cohnwolfe.com