Best DIIC | Faith Abudu Podcasts (2025)

1
Dean - Prima Systems 35:20

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8d ago35:20

35:20

In this episode, Faith Abu Do sits down with Dean Halfpenny to explore the challenges and opportunities facing today’s construction industry. Dean shares his personal journey from a non-academic background to a thriving career in the trades, highlighting the value of practical skills, adaptability, and resilience. Together, they discuss the need fo…

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Sweena Badhan - Managing Director at Steel Homes 37:16

1M ago37:16

37:16

This episode features Sweena Badhan, Managing Director at Steel Homes Construction, who shares her inspiring journey from teaching to leading in the construction sector. She talks openly about the challenges of being a woman of colour in a male-dominated industry and the role of mentorship, diversity, and inclusion in breaking barriers. Sweena also…

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Rachel Potter - OWS Fire Rated Ltd 40:29

2M ago40:29

40:29

In this episode, Faith Abudu sits down with Rachel Potter from OWS Fire Rated Ltd. Rachel is a standout voice in the construction industry, championing the role of women in a traditionally male-dominated field. As a member of the Women Talking For group, she’s passionate about supporting and empowering women at every level of the industry.…

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Temi Agunbiade - BP 25:15

3M ago25:15

25:15

In this episode, Temi Agunbiade, a qualified accountant with experience in the oil and gas sector, shares her journey into the world of treasury and why it plays a vital role in managing cash, debt and corporate structures. She challenges common myths about treasury careers, explaining how people from a range of backgrounds - even outside of financ…

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Ben Campbell - CareSpaces 49:59

3M ago49:59

49:59

In this episode, Ben Campbell - from Wealden Rehab shares the journey behind launching the CareSpaces brand in 2022, which focuses on installing essential care equipment for disabled people. Ben explains the importance of Changing Places toilets, detailing their key requirements such as a minimum 12 square metre space and specialist features like h…

1
Karen Robinson - Ruby Red Interiors 18:02

3M ago18:02

18:02

In this episode, Faith Abudu sits down with Karen Robinson, founder of Ruby Red Interiors and a finalist for the Can Women in Business Award. Karen shares her inspiring journey from a career in television to launching her own interior design business in 2009 - right in the midst of the economic crash. She opens up about the early challenges of buil…

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Martin McLean - Waterfront UTC 38:55

4M ago38:55

38:55

In this episode, Faith Abudu sits down with Martin McLean, Director of Specialism at Waterfront UTC, to explore the hands-on, technical education that UTCs (University Technical Colleges) provide. With a strong focus on construction, engineering, and design, Martin explains how students can study at levels equivalent to GCSEs, A-levels, BTECs and T…

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Mollie Gallagher - MEP Quantity Surveyor at Evaluation Consultants Ltd 33:16

4M ago33:16

33:16

At just 26, Molly Gallagher is making waves as a Quantity Surveyor in mechanical & electrical services — despite starting with no construction subjects at school and living with dyslexia. In her chat with Faith Abudu, she breaks down the differences between contracting and consultancy QS roles, and why consultancy gave her access to niche sectors s…

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Abena Akuffo-Kelly FRSA - Former Mayor of Folkestone 1:00:17

4M ago1:00:17

1:00:17

In this episode, we sit down with Abena Akuffo-Kelly FRSA – a speaker, mentor, coach, and a champion of inclusive leadership. Former Mayor of Folkestone (2024–25) and Chair of Folkestone & Hythe District Council (2023–24), Abena brings a unique blend of public service, education, and advocacy to everything she does. We explore her work in diversity…

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Kat Lees - KaNect Limited 36:19

5M ago36:19

36:19

In this episode, we’re joined by Kat, a Chartered Environmentalist and Chartered Resource and Waste Management Consultant with over 17 years’ experience. Kat has worked across the UK and Ireland specialising in waste and resource management for major urban regeneration projects. She shares insights from her career journey, from starting at Veolia a…

1
Melissa Dizon - KPO Architecture 45:30

5M ago45:30

45:30

In this episode, Faith Abudu sits down with Mel, a dynamic entrepreneur who shares her inspiring journey from the Philippines to the UK, where she co-founded KPO Architecture and Martello Building Consultancy. They delve into the power of networking, the value of outsourcing architectural services to the Philippines, and how this approach offers sm…

1
Ellie Farlow MRICS - G4C Kent Club 33:32

6M ago33:32

33:32

In this episode, Faith Abudu is joined by Ellie Farlow, a project manager at G4C Kent Club, to explore the concept of the "next gen" in construction – defined as professionals with up to ten years of experience. They discuss the vital role of Constructing Excellence in driving best practices and creating opportunities for networking and collaborati…

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Naureen Ullah - Chair of Women in Social Housing (WISH) South East 54:24

6M ago54:24

54:24

In this episode, we sit down with Naureen Ullah, a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in the housing sector. As the Partnerships Manager at SEC, Chair of Women in Social Housing (WISH) South East, and a dedicated Mentor for the Housing Diversity Network, Naureen shares her insights on driving positive change in the industry. We discuss…

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Building a Better Future: Greg McKenzie from AW Group on Sustainability and Social Value 55:24

7M ago55:24

55:24

In this episode, we’re joined by Greg McKenzie from AW Group, a growing rail and construction company, to discuss their commitment to sustainability and social value. Greg shares the challenges they face in implementing social value initiatives, particularly in fast-paced projects with complex logistics. Despite these hurdles, AW Group has achieved…

1
Lucy Druesne - Chief Contracts & Policy Officer 28:48

7M ago28:48

28:48

In this inaugural episode of the DIIC podcast, host Faith Abudu welcomes Lucy Druesne, a dual national from France and the UK, to share her inspiring career journey from project management to leading the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) for Kent and Medway. Lucy sheds light on the pressing challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises …