The right opportunity can shape your career—but the right workplace culture can transform everything.
At Tracey Brunstrom & Hammond (TBH), one of Australia’s leading independent specialist planning and management consulting firms, belonging isn’t just a buzzword. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) are woven into the fabric of the company, empowering employees at every level.
Take Principal Andy Chew, who started as a graduate with no industry knowledge:
“After training, I progressed from technical analysis to presenting to clients, speaking at conferences, and leading teams. Today, I help shape strategic business decisions. Professional growth is ingrained in TBH’s culture. We’re committed to ensuring the next generation has the same opportunities.”
So, how does TBH make every voice count? Let’s hear from those who know best.
Standing on the shoulders of mentors.
If you’ve ever been lucky enough to have the support of a mentor who truly believed in you, you understand how powerful their support can be in shaping your career. Great mentors offer advice and help you see possibilities you didn’t even know existed.
Speaking with TBH team members, the impact and value of mentorship was a standout subject.
Associate Director Erin Beckefeld explains how mentorship supercharged her growth and development in addition to unique projects that have challenged her knowledge and capabilities:
“There’s equal access for everyone. TBH runs a mentorship program that pairs every employee with a more senior individual within the company,” says Erin. “The role of a mentor is to provide guidance and advocacy, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to pursue their unique career ambitions. During my time with TBH, I have had a number of mentors. Each has been instrumental in shaping my journey with TBH.”
Kathren (Katy) Salah, a senior Associate, reflects on this experience when she joined the industry more than eight years ago. From her perspective, it creates an environment where everyone, regardless of background, has the opportunity to succeed:
“Entering construction, I was overwhelmed by the challenges it presented. It can be a tough, competitive environment. But the mentorship I received was pivotal in helping me navigate those early hurdles. Inspired by this support and having made it so far, I’m determined to pay it forward by guiding young talent, especially women, through mentorship to help them succeed.”
Opportunities to work on career-making projects.
It’s not every day you get handed a ‘career-maker’ – those unique, high-profile projects that set you on a path to real progression, greater impact, and long-term success. Katy shares some of the career-making opportunities she’s already had in role:
“The growth opportunities at TBH sets us apart. They’re accessible to everyone, regardless of your background or role. From the outset, I’ve had the privilege of working on high-profile projects across the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Australia, and Indonesia, collaborating with some of the most experienced professionals in the industry. It’s significantly shaped my technical expertise and leadership skills while building my confidence to take on more complex roles and responsibilities.”
She is currently working on a giga-project (an extremely large-scale, high-capital development project) in Saudi Arabia. She liaises directly with the client to consistently deliver the highest work standards.
“What makes this experience particularly rewarding is the trust and autonomy I’ve been given to manage key deliverables. I initially started as part of a team, but through ongoing mentorship and support, I’ve progressed to managing the work between a team of Consultants in Dubai and Riyadh.”
This role has further developed her project management skills, and she has gained hands-on experience leading complex initiatives and client interactions.
Mohammed Alajmi, an Analyst with TBH for just over a year, also shares the incredible opportunities to grow professionally he’s received. He recently had the chance to work on a giga-project in Saudi Arabia.
“At TBH, I’ve had the opportunity to grow professionally through hands-on experiences in planning and scheduling complex projects, including on one of the region’s giga-projects. TBH ensures these opportunities are accessible to everyone, as well as offering diverse training resources, and fostering an inclusive environment where employees of all backgrounds can participate in development programs. The emphasis on teamwork and skill-building allows everyone to enhance their expertise and contribute to the company’s success.”
Ready to be part of global projects that shape your career?
Discover TBH’s career development benefits and current job opportunities.
Supporting individuals from all walks of life, all circumstances.
Everyone has individual circumstances and support requirements. So, it goes a long way when your company and leadership team not only acknowledge this but act in ways to ensure you get the support you need.
Sujata Tamang has been a Consultant with TBH for a year and a half. Her experiences as a Bhutanese emigree and mother of twin boys pursuing her master’s are definitely unique.
“While pursuing my Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering, raising toddlers, and navigating life on a student visa, I could only work part-time. Despite these challenges, TBH saw my potential and trusted me to contribute meaningfully, giving me this incredible opportunity at a pivotal moment in my life. This level of support speaks volumes about the company’s commitment to inclusivity.”
She has excelled in the business’s claims and dispute resolution team, developing exceptional skills in handling complex construction and engineering issues. Over the past year, she has been actively involved in matters handled by Supreme Courts, Federal Courts, Arbitration, and Adjudication. Her contributions have also been recognized through her recent nomination for the National Association of Women in Construction’s Awards for Excellence.
She shares that leadership genuinely values diverse perspectives and invests in people:
“You can be your authentic self, knowing you’ll be respected and supported. It’s a workplace culture that attracts talent from all walks of life and empowers you to excel professionally and personally.”
Andy Chew more than agrees. As a leader, he was instrumental in shaping the company’s original Inclusivity and Diversity Committee, Value Champion Group, and advocating for and supporting entry-level talent.
“These experiences have made me more cognisant of the incredible diversity within our society, but also within TBH,” he adds. “It reinforces my view that great ideas can come from anywhere – especially when nurtured correctly in an inclusive culture where everyone is comfortable to share their thoughts. It makes you feel excited to contribute and makes work a fun place to be. Everyone’s circumstances and situations are different. So my approach to leadership is based on empathy, openness, and understanding.”
When one person grows, we all grow.
A multicultural society offers a rich diversity of opinions, beliefs, and backgrounds. Inclusive work cultures support this diversity, creating a solid foundation for the success of individuals, teams, and organizations.
Mohammed adds that these opportunities only serve to improve team dynamics, going beyond the basics of DEI and into a sense of belonging:
“When individuals feel respected and valued for their unique perspectives, it leads to better communication, increased innovation, and a stronger sense of belonging. These initiatives also empower employees to take on leadership roles and contribute ideas, which enhances overall team performance and morale.
