An interview with Cathy Darcey – specialist FM Consultant and Change Manager.
As we approach International Women’s Day (IWD) 2024, it’s imperative to shine a spotlight on the remarkable achievements and contributions of women in facilities management—a sector traditionally dominated by men. As such, we’ve created a series of interviews with women in facilities management, starting with Cathy Darcey – Interim Regional Lead at Government Property Agency.
The journey towards gender equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace is ongoing, and the field of facilities management is no exception. It’s a profession that demands a blend of strategic thinking, operational excellence, and people management—skills that women have proven time and again to excel in.
Through a series of interviews with women in facilities management in leadership roles, this series aims to celebrate their inspiring stories, the challenges they have overcome, and the significant impact they have made in their respective areas.
Our first conversation delves into the experiences of a woman who has carved a niche for herself in this dynamic industry since the 90s. She and other women in facilities management are a testament to the pivotal role women play in this sector and serve as encouragement for others aspiring to make their mark.
Cathy Darcey says…
- What would you tell your younger self in your facilities management career?
Never forget that you are just as important as the important people you are trying to impress.
- How do you think the industry can better support the growth and development of women?
The industry needs to continue to offer opportunities to everyone and it’s certainly doing this a lot better than 30 years ago when I started out. I don’t believe women want to be treated any differently and it’s good that so many people in the industry now recognise that.
- What is the best career advice you have been given?
You seem good at trying to please people but NEVER be afraid to say no to people.
- A quote you live by?
Better to be a has-been than a never-was.
- How do you empower yourself and the women in facilities management around you?
By being the best I can and supporting my colleagues, whether they are male or female.
Women in facilities management
As we conclude our inaugural interview, the path to leadership in facilities management, while challenging, also offers opportunities for innovation, growth, and impact.
The insights shared by our interviewees underscore the vital role that women play in shaping the future of facilities management. Their contributions bring a diverse perspective, enhancing decision-making, and fostering a culture of inclusion in line with this year’s IWD2024 theme – Inspire Inclusion. At Insight Executive Group, our teams are fully committed to rebalancing the male-to-female ratio’s within the sectors that we support by helping organisations to attract and empower female leaders, and future leaders, within FM and Procurement.
As we continue our series, celebrating the achievements of women in facilities management, keep an eye out for our next interview in April.
We invite our readers to join us in this journey of discovery and inspiration, as we look forward to sharing more experiences that demonstrate the diverse and pivotal roles women play in facilities management and procurement.
Robert Parker,
MD – Insight Executive
Recent Comments