· Sum up 2025 in one word. Challenging
· Do you feel more or less optimistic than you felt 12 months ago (or the same)? The same
· What do you think will be the key watchwords/industry trends in 2026? Fractional roles /intrapreneurship vs entrepreneurship
· Sum up your hopes, fears and expectations for 2026 in fewer than 200 words:
Hopes – I hope through our work at The Circle Partnership that we start to see expedited progress in retaining women at mid-level roles across the built environment. This is where too much talent is lost—quietly and preventably. Our focus on training and development, community and mentorship aims to create an environment where women can thrive, progress and lead.
Fears – Change still feels slow. The Built Environment remains one of the industries where diversity initiatives are often first to be cut when budgets tighten. That pattern worries me. I’m also concerned about the wider political climate, particularly in the US. Regressive narratives there have a habit of crossing borders and influencing policy here, could undermine hard-won progress.
Predictions – Despite these challenges, I expect to see a rise in female leadership and also entrepreneurship. More women are building businesses and defining leadership on their own terms. Fractional and portfolio-style roles will also gain traction, offering flexibility and breadth that traditional career paths rarely provide. These shifts could unlock new opportunities for women and reshape leadership in the sector.
