Courtney Hart, Women’s Infrastructure Network Queenstown Chair
What organisation are you with and what is your role?
I am a civil engineer with Beca, I work as part of a small team in the Queenstown office, so getting stuck in is a must. At the moment I am doing a lot of project management for several of our clients in the region. My favourite part of the job is getting to know everyone on the team and the clients and their backgrounds. Before Covid this was more difficult, but now people are a lot more open to virtual meetings – meaning I can lead teams based all over the country and engage in meaningful conversations with them.
What are some moments in your career that you feel most proud of?
I have worked directly with clients across many sectors including Waka Kotahi, Wellington Water, Aurora, KiwiRail, Queenstown Airport Corporation and Queenstown Lakes District Council, so I am proud of my adaptability and breadth of experience.
A moment that stands out is working with Waka Kotahi and KiwiRail on their level crossings programme as part of the Safe Roads Alliance. I assessed level crossings and provided advice on how to increase safety and upgrade the sites. Not only did I enjoy the process, I was able to reduce accidents and ultimately deaths of people who use the crossings. I also got to meet loads of different people and travel to lots of rural places in New Zealand, which was a great opportunity.
Can you offer any reflections on the role your age/experience/diversity has played in your career so far?
Coming from Northern Ireland, and having studied and worked in Scotland, I have been able to bring a different perspective to the industry. This allows me to be more open to challenging the status quo and innovating with regard to sustainability and material usage. Where I am from, we are often told we have the gift of the gab. This has set me apart and integrated me into New Zealand life whilst allowing me to do my favourite thing, talking.
Adam Brown, The Infrastructure Collective Auckland Deputy Chair
What organisation are you with and what is your role?
Kia ora all. I am a recent addition to JFC (John Fillmore Contracting), a market leading infrastructure and civil construction company who has been behind some of New Zealand’s most high-profile streetscape, earthworks, and civils projects.
As General Manager of New Business, my day job consists of working closely with internal executives and my high performing team to secure future opportunities for the business. This includes leading strategic pursuits, pre-positioning, bid management, business development and tendering. Most importantly, retaining and developing long lasting trusted relationships with a range of industry partners. My passion ensures all the above activities are achieved while delivering enduring broader and social outcomes.
What are some moments in your career that you feel most proud of?
I am very proud of many moments in my career and where I am today, but in recent times it is the success of supporting JFC strategically and successfully to enter the Wellington market. In 12 months, we have secured seven key contracts, developed trusted partnerships with local clients, mana whenua, and iwi affiliated sub-contractors and are building a great local team to ensure high-quality delivery.
Can you offer any reflections on the role your age/experience/diversity has played in your career so far?
Reflecting on my career in infrastructure and the variety of positions I have held, I am aware I still have a lot of experience to gain. However, I ensure I surround myself with others who have this skill and learn from them accordingly.
Diversity is critical, especially diversity of thought. Being able to understand and adapt to others’ point of view using your EQ or Emotional intelligence is just as, if not more important than, intellectual intelligence. I believe that treating everyone with the same level of respect and developing the ability to build trust and respect at all levels of the industry have both played a big role in my career.
Please reach out if any of the above interests you. I am very happy to provide connections to industry leaders and infrastructure organisations to help further your market knowledge and network.