As part of our Women in Construction Week series, we’re celebrating the women shaping Radii Planet Group across all areas of the business.
Today, we’re spotlighting Carole Smith, who leads our efforts in risk, compliance, and sustainability, ensuring we operate responsibly and in line with global standards.
Tell us a bit about your role at Radii Planet Group
I’m responsible for the Group’s Risk, Compliance and Sustainability functions, the purpose of which is to ensure the company remains compliant in all areas associated with its products and services.
This includes managing risk elements affecting the business and attaining, implementing and maintaining accreditations verifying our performance against internationally recognised quality, environmental and health and safety standards.
From an environmental and sustainability aspect, my aim is to ensure the company becomes more ethically, socially and environmentally responsible in how it operates. This means developing, implementing and monitoring environmental and sustainability strategies that promote sustainable development for the business, whilst also limiting our impact on climate change and ensuring compliance with legislation and client requirements.
What does a typical day look like for you?
There is rarely a typical day for me as my role is so varied. I may come in each morning with a set intention for the day but because a large element of my role is supportive in nature, I spend a great deal of my time assisting colleagues from across the Group.
How did you get into this field, and what inspired you?
My career started in the legal sector, working professionally in private practice for many years specialising in criminal, matrimonial, personal injury and contractual law. This was my aspiration from childhood, my dad and grandad both working in the legal profession. However, my career changed slightly when I left private practice and worked in an in-house legal team and moved into management, overseeing operational and compliance functions for the business. I was on maternity leave with my second daughter (and a proposed career break) when I was volunteered by my husband to assist Planet with their legal and compliance needs, just over 18 years ago! So entering the construction industry was by chance as opposed to intentional. During my time with RPG, the industry has changed hugely with more and more focus being placed on environmental and sustainability aspects. As the industry has evolved, my role has evolved with it – there’s no time to sit still in a progressive industry!
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your professional life?
To treat everyone the same, regardless of their role or rank. Every role within a business is as important as another. Never intimidate or be intimidated – we all deserve the same level of respect. If we nurture and respect, we breed confidence which enables people to grow and achieve their best. I’ve learnt that this is what makes a team stronger and, therefore, a business better.
Can you share a defining moment in your career that shaped who you are today?
Whilst studying law at college, it was compulsory that we spent our 6-week summer holiday gaining experience in a solicitor's office. Due to my dad’s connections, I went to a law firm in Lewes, near the Crown Court he worked in. I worked under the guidance of the secretary to one of the firm’s senior partners (Beryl). She made me feel so at ease and confident, even though I was only 17 and had no experience, I settled in immediately. I worked so hard during that 6 weeks that the firm asked me to stay, offering to pay the fees required for me to qualify as a lawyer rather than return to college and do it the traditional way. I jumped at the chance and became fully qualified whilst working full time 8 years later. I truly believe that this happened because ‘Beryl’ respected and believed in me and this made me put my all into that role, even though it was only meant to be temporary work experience. I still write to Beryl every Christmas and will always be grateful to her.
How do you see the industry evolving for women in the coming years?
I’ve attended a number of industry conferences and forums over the last couple of years and believe there has been a proportionate number of male and female speakers. I think this shows that there are more women working within the industry now than ever before. There are no doubt certain roles within the industry that remain male dominated but there definitely seems to be a shift in the right direction.
Are there any industry trends or innovations that excite you right now?
Coming from a sustainability angle and thinking of our own product range and the importance of following circular economy principles, I believe that momentum is growing within the industry for the built environment to be designed with reuse in mind with modular and relocatable systems becoming more popular as we recognise that it is imperative that we keep materials in use for longer.
What advice would you give to young women looking to enter this field?
Don’t be put off by a belief that an industry or field is male dominated. There’s a place for everyone within any industry and your gender shouldn’t be a deciding factor in pursuing a career choice.
Who is a woman—past or present—who inspires you and why?
I’m personally inspired by people because of their traits and achievements - not their gender. However, I mentioned earlier about attending industry conferences and forums where the speakers, many of them female, are considered experts in their field. These speakers range in age, some only recently entering the industry, some who have been in it for many years. I find them all inspiring because whatever their age and however long they have been in the industry, they are passionate and want to share this passion and enthusiasm with everyone in the hope that positive changes can be made.
What’s a book, podcast, or resource that has inspired you recently?
The film Lee starring Kate Winslet, based on the true story of the WWII journalist Lee Miller. Lee started her career as a fashion model and aspiring photographer, and after securing an opportunity with Vogue magazine during WWII, she became a war correspondent despite the many barriers preventing women from serving near combat. The story really demonstrates what can be achieved if you refuse to let gender stop you from pursuing something you’re passionate about.
What progress would you like to see for women in the workplace?
I believe workplaces should focus on ability and attributes solely and not gender. A diverse workforce made up of people with different personalities, strengths and vision will most certainly make the strongest company and one that people want to be part of. I hope that more businesses recognise this.
If you could give one piece of career advice to all women, what would it be?
I don’t believe being female has held me back in any way in my career. My advice would be to believe in yourself because of who you are and what you can give to a company, irrespective of your gender. Don’t think of yourself as a woman in a male-dominated field - think of yourself as someone who can succeed because you have value to add and are willing to work hard for what you believe in and for what you want to achieve.
