Episode 12 - Bidisha Sinha

In this episode of Recon, host Bev speaks with Bidisha Sinha, Associate Director at Zaha Hadid Architects, about her journey in the construction industry, emphasising the importance of resilience, visibility, and self-belief. They discuss the challenges faced by women in architecture, the necessity of effective communication and trust in team dynamics. Bidisha shares her experiences of overcoming stereotypes, the value of authenticity, and the lessons learned from failures. Bidisha highlights that resilience is crucial in architecture, where each project presents unique challenges. She emphasises the importance of clarity of vision and trust within a team. "If you want everyone to buy in and take ownership, it's really important that you know what the value of that project is and the value of your own input on it," she states. This approach fosters an environment where team members feel empowered to communicate openly, especially when challenges arise.With Bidisha's current projects spanning across Asia and Europe, managing different time zones and work weeks can be daunting. She candidly admits, "I'm not sure I'm doing such a good job of looking after myself always." However, she recognises the importance of prioritisation and delegation in leadership underscoring the significance of self-care in sustaining effective leadership.Takeaways:·      Control in leadership is a positive attribute.·      Clarity of vision and values is essential for leaders.·      Delegation is key to maintaining self-care.·      Earning respect is more effective than demanding it.·      Authenticity is vital in professional interactions.·      Planning for challenges is essential in construction.·      Things will inevitably go wrong; preparation is vital.·      Authenticity and kindness are important in professional settings.·      Navigating stereotypes requires self-awareness and confidence.·      Maintaining relevance in a team is essential for success.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Resilience and Self-Belief04:31 The Rewards of Reinvention07:43 Leadership Mindset and Actions09:38 Managing International Projects and Self-Care13:02 Overcoming Challenges in Construction19:07 Lessons Learned from Mistakes23:22 Navigating Tough Conversations in Design24:13 The Importance of Communication in Leadership27:42 Overcoming Gender Bias in the Workplace31:09 Learning from Failures and Stereotypes34:04 Authenticity and Self-Confidence in Career38:31 Future of the Construction Industry40:30 Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders