Name: Emma Hendry
Position: CEO
Company: Hendry – National, Melbourne
What do you enjoy the most, working in the field of construction & development?
Right now for me it’s tremendously exciting to see and be a part of the incredible tech that is allowing us to not only tackle problems that exist with infrastructure today such as safety & sustainability, but also really consider the end users and develop engaging, comfortable & optimised spaces for tomorrow. On a personal note, I am determined to take action where I can around issues such as diversity & inclusion, as well as future proofing workforces, I enjoy seeing & playing a role in change, positivity & progress.
Where do you see your life in the next 5 years, what possibilities are ahead of you?
‘Proptech, Contech, Regtech’ are on the precipice of explosion, being at the forefront of this change is exhilarating and I see myself & my organisation playing a significant role in the adoption of solutions, but also in shaping the outcomes for our cities & people. Through driving collaboration and taking a whole of life approach to buildings, I really believe we can make a significant impact in the way people live, work and play.
If you could write a letter to a 13-year-old ‘you’ what would you say?
Hold on tight & get ready for the ride… I don’t believe there are many words that can prepare us, Women, in the sector for the unique positions we will come to face in our journeys, nor is there prescribed advice that can prepare us for leadership positions & how to manage in the face of adversity or when seeking change in a resistant environment. But, what I would say is
“Things won’t change overnight, you won’t feel resilient right away, however you will push through the friction & discord to realise tremendous achievements and create lasting change. To get there, be sure to remain eager, humble and authentic.”
What are 3 skills you have had to develop to get to where you are presently?
- Adaptability – first and foremost, the most important skill of any leader
- Brevity – You need to be understood to be heard, which can at times mean adapting the language you use to your audience.
- Delegation – As a leader, you cannot control everything, and it is in your best interest to allow error, error leads to learning & ultimately growth.
… and I must add, a thirst for transformation is critical in today’s business environment.
