Balancing a career and parenthood can be challenging, but leading with empathy makes it possible to thrive.
As many of us have likely experienced, empathetic leadership facilitates collaboration, active listening, and problem-solving. This creates a supportive environment where everyone’s voices are heard.
Ellie Stevenson, Diversity & Inclusion Manager, discovered this when she joined FM Conway, a leading infrastructure and construction company, over eight years ago.
A great feeling from the start
It’s common to feel like you need a little time to settle into a new role with a new company. Most of us have probably felt uncertain as we try to determine if we’ve made the right move.
Well, this wasn’t quite what happened to Ellie! She shares this was something that set FM Conway apart from previous experiences:
“From the moment I started, I felt it was the perfect fit for me. It’s the first place where I could be my authentic self. I genuinely felt that my opinions mattered and that I was truly valued. Everyone, even beyond my team, was so welcoming and friendly, which made me feel at home instantly.”
At the start of her journey with the company, she was tasked with setting up an administration team, which grew rapidly over the next few years. During this time, her managers recognized her flair for people management and natural ability to lead her team of 25 employees effectively.
“When I applied for an internal training program, I completed an application form discussing the challenges women face in the construction industry and emphasizing the importance of increasing female representation. Additionally, I shared my experiences with a family member who has a disability and highlighted how we could do more in the industry to support individuals with barriers to access.”
Ellie’s manager believed these attributes would make her a fantastic Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Manager, encouraging her to apply for the role on her return from maternity leave. She was successful!
“In my new role, I am responsible for working collaboratively across the business to plan and execute our EDI (Equity, Diversity & Inclusion) actions, which support our 2025-2030 EDI strategy. Reporting to the Head of EDI, I monitor our EDI KPIs and drive significant cultural change initiatives to promote fairness, inclusion, and respect throughout our organization and the wider communities in which we work.”
Find that feel-good feeling from day one with a career at FM Conway.
See how their benefits and policies compare and discover current job openings.
New responsibilities and a new network of support
Returning to the business, to a new role, as a new parent was, understandably, an adjustment for Ellie. She shares how having the right support around her was instrumental:
“I’m extremely lucky to have a very supportive manager who understands my commitments. The business understands that I’m a single mother and allows me flexibility in my role to perform well at work while also taking care of my child. I love spending quality time with my son, especially when we go swimming together. The company and my team are incredibly supportive of our lives outside of work. We often share our personal matters with one another, and it is a huge comfort to know that my team cares about my well-being beyond the workplace.”
During this early stage in her new role, leading a new team, she recognized that her leadership skills needed development:
“Initially, I had limited experience managing people. Each team member had different skills, work styles, and unique strengths and weaknesses. The business recognized that I needed support and enrolled me in a three-year ILM management program, where I earned a distinction in leadership.”
This support and training shaped her into the empathetic leader she is today.
“I’m proud of the strong team I built for the business, which significantly contributes to our success. I’ve recruited fantastic women who are still with the organization and have gone on to achieve great things internally. I established and streamlined efficient processes for the team. Although I’m no longer their manager, I’m proud of their current position – seeing them continuously evolving is great.”
For working parents and others, this shows the value of finding an organization with aligned values that can support you with opportunities for career progression, no matter your circumstances.
The importance of leading with empathy
As Diversity and Inclusion Manager, employees often confide in Ellie about personal matters at home and in the workplace:
“I take these conversations seriously, as I have a duty of care to support and guide them. I’m passionate about doing the right thing and genuinely care about their well-being. Since becoming the Diversity & Inclusion Manager, I’ve implemented several initiatives throughout the business. Witnessing the positive changes in employees’ lives due to my dedication and determination is a true joy.”
Seeing the impact of her role and the incredible positive change it has on those through the business is what it’s all about for Ellie. For her, success is precisely this:
“I’d love to be remembered as someone who truly cared about my role and people, for improving our company’s culture and bringing employees together to thrive in a diverse workplace. In ten years, I hope to see the business thriving and even more diverse than today.”
For others looking to succeed in leadership, at work, or simply as a parent, Ellie has some pretty valuable wisdom:
“Always approach interactions with empathy – consider how the other person might be feeling in the moment. As a people manager, I frequently receive inquiries from other managers in the business seeking guidance and support. In these situations, my most valuable advice is actively listening to their concerns, remaining patient as they express their thoughts, and creating a safe space for open communication. Understanding their perspective can lead to more effective collaboration and problem-solving.”
For managers, professionals, and working parents alike, it’s an approach that can help you manage the different demands of life and work and inspire others to do the same.
