Leading Change: Gretchen Gagel on Women Thriving in Construction

Whether you’re a construction professional, a leader in a male-dominated field, or simply passionate about driving meaningful change, this episode offers practical strategies and an abundance of inspiration. In this energising and deeply insightful episode of Constructive Voices, Jackie De Burca sits down with Dr. Gretchen Gagel — a trailblazing leader who has spent over 40 years shaping the global construction industry. From turning down Harvard to study engineering against her father’s wishes, to running manufacturing plants in her twenties, Gretchen’s career is a testament to courage, adaptability, and a refusal to accept the status quo. Today, she is an international author, speaker, and founder of the Women Thriving in Construction Institute, a global non-profit driving data-led change to attract and retain more women in construction. If you care about leadership, diversity, or the future of the construction industry, this conversation delivers both inspiration and actionable insight. Gretchen doesn’t just talk about change — she’s building the structures, connections, and data that will make it happen. Here’s what you’ll learn from Gretchen Gagel: The “grounded self-leadership” approach – why leadership starts with personal values and purpose How male allyship can transform workplace culture and open doors for women Why inclusivity fuels innovation in construction, energy, and engineering Four agile leadership routines every leader needs in high-stakes industries The systemic barriers holding women back — and practical steps to dismantle them Gretchen’s vision for scaling what works globally through the Women Thriving in Construction Institute About Dr. Gretchen Gagel Dr. Gretchen Gagel is a distinguished executive in the construction industry, bringing 40 years of management consulting expertise. She holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering, an MBA focused on finance, and a Ph.D. in Leadership, Organization Culture, and Change/Agility. She has served as Chair of Brinkman Construction and is the founder of Women Thriving in Construction, a Global Institute dedicated to fueling global collaboration and funding strategies to accelerate the success of women in construction, mining, and energy inspired by her 2021 induction into the National Academy of Construction, Dr. Gagel is committed to fostering the success of women leaders. Her book, Building Women Leaders: A Blueprint for Women Thriving in Construction, published by Wiley in April 2025, provides invaluable guidance and strategies for women to excel in construction, engineering, and related fields. Mary K. Rhinehart, Chair, Johns Manville Corporation, wrote, “In the decades I’ve known Gretchen, I have watched her grow and excel as a mother, a civic and business leader, and an influencer in the construction industry. We are so fortunate that Gretchen carved out the time to write this seminal book on women’s leadership and I am confident that all will benefit from the knowledge she shares. Gretchen is a remarkable leader and role model who cares deeply for the construction industry, and her passion for helping women thrive helps us build a more inclusive in...