Lauren Lebedevas’ Post

A Closed Mouth Doesn’t Get Fed, Speak Up. I learned this lesson firsthand at 23 when I got my first Foreman opportunity at the Empire State Building. 🗽 I was working hard, like many of us do, and felt ready for the next step. But I knew that waiting for someone to notice my efforts wasn’t enough… So, I spoke up. I approached my superintendent, made my case, and asked for more responsibility. It wasn’t easy, but I believed in my ability to lead. Because of that conversation, I was given the chance to step up as a foreman in one of the most iconic buildings in the world. One decision—to speak up, changed the course of my career, I never went back. Too often in this industry, were told to just show up. keep our heads down, do the work, and hope for the best? Nope🤦♂️ Staying silent won’t get you that promotion, raise, or opportunity. You have to advocate for yourself and take action. The construction industry can be tough, but if you’re waiting for someone else’s move, it’s more than likely you’ll get disappointed. You want to elevate your career? 1️⃣Make your voice heard and your ability known.🔊 2️⃣Most importantly, Take action 👊 You’d be surprised how life can change when you do. Stop waiting, no one is coming. Tell me, was there a time where you spoke up, took action and it changed the trajectory of your career? Like, Repost and share your thoughts! 📸- Empire State Building NYC, 2011. #Disruptor #Construction #Mindset

Ever feel like your day is more scattered than a bag of nails at a magnet convention? 🧲🔨 Well, you're not alone! I came back from holiday this week and was reminded again that the humble to-do list is the scaffolding of a productive day. Here's why everyone in Scotland's construction industry should have their 'to-dos' lined up like bricks in a wall: 👷♂️ **Structure**: Without a to-do list, your day might crumble faster than a biscuit in a brew. It's the blueprint for success, ensuring you're building your career one task at a time, rather than just winging it like a seagull at a chip shop. 🎯 **Focus**: A to-do list is like a hard hat for your brain - it keeps you safe from the falling debris of distractions. It helps you nail your targets without getting hammered by the little things that chip away at your day. ⏰ **Efficiency**: Let's face it, time management is as crucial as a spirit level in laying bricks. A to-do list keeps you on the straight and narrow, so you're not left measuring your day with a wonky tape measure. Remember, a to-do list isn't just a series of tasks; it's the concrete foundation of a well-constructed day. So, grab your pen and paper and start drafting that list like it's the plan for your next big project! I expect you to comment below with your top to-do list pun or share your most satisfying task to tick off. Let's hammer out some engagement! 🔨😄 #ConstructionCareers #ScottishJobSeekers #RecruitmentRedefined

Our article with Career Transition Partnership has gone LIVE! Please click on the link below to find out how Acorn can help you kickstart an amazing career with us.

Think your resume is enough to land your next construction gig? Think again. In this field, “Lead Superintendent” can mean anything from managing a critical data center build to overseeing a luxury residential project. A resume doesn’t capture those differences. But your portfolio does. A strong portfolio shows exactly what you’ve done and the regulations you have experience with. It’s where you highlight your best projects and demonstrate your ability to handle complexity. If you’re early in your career, start building that portfolio now. Document your work, focus on the details, and attach it to your resume. When the next opportunity comes up, your portfolio will set you apart.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had many people reach out to ask about my plans moving forward, and I’m grateful for the support and interest. Recently, someone in the recruitment industry asked what type of roles I’d be interested in. My response was, “Construction Manager or possibly Director of Construction—it seems in line with my progress and experience.” Their response surprised me: “I disagree, your resume says out-of-work Superintendent.” It got me thinking about how the perception of certain roles has evolved. Being a Superintendent was once a prestigious and highly regarded position in construction, a role that blended leadership, technical expertise, and on-the-ground decision-making. Yet, it seems that prestige has shifted over time. I can’t help but wonder: Are we losing sight of the value these roles bring to the industry? It’s no surprise that many seasoned professionals are heading back to the field, operating equipment, and focusing on their craft. I remain proud of the work I’ve done and excited about the opportunities ahead. If you’d like to connect or discuss opportunities, I’ve attached my CV here for reference. Let’s keep the conversation going about the evolution of our industry and the roles that drive it forward.

I once worked with a manager whose modus operandi was detached from mine. It felt like lots of bottleneck approaches and practices, which was unlike me - I'd find the easy, simple way that makes the job seamless. But if you do office stuffs, that might see like a mirage and almost an impossibility. At first, I resisted the practice from a radius. Like the saying, "If you want to dine with the devil, use a long spoon." However, it didn't make the job easy but exhausting. I decided take a detour at some point. If you want something to work, take time to understand it. It isn't just a rule of thumb but practically, what makes a difference. I began to understand how and why this manager of mine works. Soon, appreciation began to develop: which further flattened the curve. My manager was quite thorough, astute with experience only taught in the "corridors of office affairs." I can attest that I learnt more those times through appreciation than I ever thought I did. It started with my 'perception', then 'understanding,' and finally, 'appreciation.' My detour worked. This rule, though unwritten, applies in varied context as necessary and needed. If it's a curve, a rough patch, try to understand it, then appreciate it. It works a difference in human relationship, either internally, externally or environmentally. A simple rule that covers what is being said - perception, understanding, appreciation. It flows that way. #BalancingLife #WomanOfLetters #MrsD #Engraced

🥁 THE RESULTS ARE IN... 🥁 We recently asked, what matters most when considering a new role? Here’s what you told us: ⚖️ Work-Life Balance – 33% 🚀 Career Growth Opportunities – 31% 💸 Competitive Salary – 31% 🌟 Working Environment – 5% 🥇Work-life balance came out the winner following the poll earlier this week. Professionals are looking for balance and a workplace that invests in their future. Aqua Consultants recognise the vital role work-life balance plays in overall well-being and success. We actively promote and encourage this among our peers, seeing first-hand the positive impact it has. If you're ready for a change and want to be a part of a growing company that values your well-being and supports career journey, take a look at some roles we're recruiting for: 💧Head of Commercial & Pricing 💧Project Managers 💧Senior Quantity Surveyors 💧Estimators 💧Civil Engineers - all grades Manny Pooni Ashleigh Guy Esther Paul Ryan Stockwell Lucie Davis Cleo Thomas

Today's #AskKatie Question is: What is a service people may not be aware that Riggs & Co offers? Her Answer: Junior planner mentorship. I love to mentor and support those coming up in our industry and the reality is that in meetings and events while a formal education is amazing most of what will really launch your success will be learned on the job or from connections with senior planners. I love the opportunity to spend time with someone eager to learn and grow and at Riggs & Co we offer this as a contractible service. This can be a great resource if your budget is limited to hiring a planner who is less seasoned.

This is the perfect tool to learn how to move up in your career! Find out average wage, standard positions, and what it takes to move 🆙 Dive into the free Career Ladders resource on our website now for these industries: 🔹 Accommodation 🔹 Agriculture 🔹 Arts, Entertainment & Recreation 🔹 Aviation 🔹 Construction 🔹 Construction – Infrastructure Planning 🔹 Food Service 🔹 Manufacturing 🔹 Retail 🔹 Transportation Dive into the free Career Ladders resource on our website now!

Admins early in their career often ask me how I progressed in construction, but underneath that question, they are asking: "How can I get the next promotion?" This question can be difficult to answer when you factor in the company's needs, the admin's experience and strengths, and other situational circumstances. I remember being a construction admin, yearning for the next step in my career, but feeling like I was hitting a wall at every turn. It was frustrating and defeating. I tried to follow the common advice of writing down all my "accomplishments" to pitch to my boss. I researched career progressions to prove I had the skills for the next level. I went above and beyond in everything I did. Nothing worked. Eventually I left the company. When I joined my next company, I tried a different approach and found myself excelling to the next level within a year. What was the difference? Well, there were some key differences in the structures of the companies, but I can only report to you the things within my control. After some thought, I can boil it down to 3 simple things. It wasn't an accomplishment list to pitch. It wasn't the research. It wasn't even being GREAT at admin. There were 2 simple internal steps. And a bonus 3rd step because I know how hard this can be for the hiring manager 😉