Question 9
Who is your inspiration?
Tezeta Shimelis,
Sustainability and Net Zero Lead
“My inspiration and role models come from diverse areas of my life.
I draw inspiration from the strong and independent women in my family. My mom has played a pivotal role in shaping my values and character, while my aunt and uncles have constantly supported and
guided me. The love of my family and children gives me the confidence to strive for improvement in everything I do, including my career growth.
My uncles, who are engineers and architects who have also delivered remarkable infrastructure projects in Ethiopia, have inspired me to start my studies and career in civil engineering.
The graduate program I participated in at the beginning of my career exposed me to understanding and implementing a wide range of complex and iconic engineering projects, including constructing Terminal 5 and the hydraulic lift of the installation of the largest roof structures. Other iconic projects that I have been fortunate to be part of are Terminal 2, One Hyde Park Residential Building, and the Olympic Aquatic Centre.
Throughout my career, I worked with talented and supportive managing directors, line managers, and mentors. Their guidance and mentorship inspired me to strive for continuous improvement and taught me to recognise and utilise my strengths, pushing me to tap into my full potential.
The wide variety of career choices available within the construction industry and the continued professional development training I received inspired me to take on a role that positively impacts the environment and community. The leadership position I currently hold will hopefully enable me to motivate individuals, especially women, to pursue careers in the construction and engineering field and to support their career and professional development.
I once received advice from the leader of a business group to always stay curious. As I progress in my career, I am committed to new and innovative ways of thinking to inspire myself and others.”
Question 10
What would you be doing if you weren’t working for Sweet Projects?
Bob Tarrant,
Non Executive Director
“Having had 38 years in the Royal Navy prior to Sweet Projects, you can safely say I have done the job I would’ve done – and am now doing my passion project.
If I hadn’t joined Sweet Projects as a non-exec director six years ago, I would have been missing out on a superb opportunity to contribute to the company’s drive for performance improvement, coupled with its overarching commitment to prioritise the welfare and training of our people. I would have been missing out too on the excitement of joining such a fast growing, innovative company that places great value on building resilience and team development.
And what a great team to join – one with unparalleled skills and determination, with a focus on excellence to build success for the company and its people.
As the director of a business consultancy, had I not been invited to join the team at Sweet Projects, I would have continued to take on new clients in the emerging technology sectors in which I have specialised since leaving the Royal Navy.
Instead, I have taken on a range of hi-viz branded clothing, have become a valued customer at the M4 services on my frequent travels to site, and above all, while mentoring – which I love – I have also learned so much from the rich and broad spectrum of talent in the Sweet Projects team.”
