Breaking Barriers in Male-Dominated Industries
Season 1, Episode 193, Mar 12, 06:59 AM
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In this episode, Dr. Gretchen Gagel shares her journey from being told “girls don’t study engineering” to becoming a global leader in construction, leadership, and women’s advancement. Gretchen discusses breaking barriers, creating successful women’s leadership programs, and founding the International Institute for Women in Construction to double the number of women in the industry. She shares strategies for building confidence, leading in male-dominated industries, and creating systemic change that supports women thriving in construction and related fields.
🎙️ In this episode of the We Are Women Podcast, Dr. Gretchen Gagel...
…shares her incredible journey from being told “girls don’t study engineering” to becoming a global leader in construction, leadership, and women’s advancement. With degrees in mechanical engineering, an MBA, and a doctorate in leadership and organisational culture, Gretchen’s story is one of resilience, purpose, and impact.
After breaking barriers as Ralston Purina’s first female manufacturing operations manager, she went on to lead major consultancy projects across the construction, mining, and energy sectors, working with companies like GM, Intel, and Newcrest Mining. Now based between Australia and the US, Gretchen is the Founder of the International Institute for Women in Construction, dedicated to doubling the number of women in the industry over the next decade.
In this conversation, Gretchen and Janeen discuss how women can back themselves, embrace leadership in every role, and balance professional ambition with family life. Gretchen shares her 8 steps to greatness, the power of courage, and why collaboration—not competition—is the key to progress.
💡 Three Key Takeaways
…shares her incredible journey from being told “girls don’t study engineering” to becoming a global leader in construction, leadership, and women’s advancement. With degrees in mechanical engineering, an MBA, and a doctorate in leadership and organisational culture, Gretchen’s story is one of resilience, purpose, and impact.
After breaking barriers as Ralston Purina’s first female manufacturing operations manager, she went on to lead major consultancy projects across the construction, mining, and energy sectors, working with companies like GM, Intel, and Newcrest Mining. Now based between Australia and the US, Gretchen is the Founder of the International Institute for Women in Construction, dedicated to doubling the number of women in the industry over the next decade.
In this conversation, Gretchen and Janeen discuss how women can back themselves, embrace leadership in every role, and balance professional ambition with family life. Gretchen shares her 8 steps to greatness, the power of courage, and why collaboration—not competition—is the key to progress.
💡 Three Key Takeaways
- Everyone is a leader—lead from wherever you are.
- Back yourself and don’t do it alone.
- If it feels hard, it doesn’t mean you’re not meant to be doing it—growth happens in challenge.
🏗️ About Dr. Gretchen Gagel
- Founder: Greatness Consulting / International Institute for Women in Construction
- Author: Building Women Leaders: A Blueprint for Women Thriving in Construction (Wiley US)
- Host: Greatness Podcast
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gretchen-gagel
- Email: ggagel@greatnessconsulting.com
- Website: https://womenthrivinginconstruction.org
- Phone: AUS +61 409 133 803 / US +1 720 736 2725
🎤 Connect with Host Janeen Vosper
- Website: www.janeenvosper.com
- LinkedIn: (24) Janeen Vosper - Brand Builder 🎤 | LinkedIn
- Podcast: We Are Women
- 📅 Book a complimentary strategy call: https://www.speechperfect.com.au/contact