At Radii Planet Group, we recognise the invaluable contributions of the women who help drive our success. This International Women’s Day, we are shining a light on their experiences, perspectives, and the impact they make across the business.
In this interview, we speak with Florence Page, who plays a key role in our team as a Contracts Administrator for Radii Partitioning. She shares insights into her career journey, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and her thoughts on the future of women in the construction industry.
Tell us a bit about your role at Radii.
My role at Radii Partitioning involves managing a variety of administrative tasks, primarily focusing on documentation within the company. I stay up to date with project requirements to ensure tasks are completed efficiently and on schedule. Additionally, I focus on maintaining a smooth and productive office environment. As a certified Mental Health First Aider, I prioritise the well-being of my team, offering support for all and creating an atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable and at ease.
I track our BRE for Fire Rated Doors and Screens installed on projects, ensuring all necessary data is kept up to date. I maintain a spreadsheet to monitor projects nearing completion and attend monthly meetings to track progress and set targets.
What does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day consists of me working closely with our Contract Managers to gather input and help with the preparation of essential documentation. I’m also involved in organising and maintaining project records, ensuring all necessary paperwork is up to date and easily accessible for the team. Overall, my day is a mix of coordination and staying on top of all administrative tasks to keep projects running efficiently.
How did you get into this field, and what inspired you?
I’ve always had a strong interest in the construction industry, which made becoming a Contracts Administrator a natural fit for me. I’ve found that my passion for ensuring projects run smoothly aligns perfectly with this role. I enjoy the problem-solving aspect and the opportunity to collaborate with people from various departments.
My father, who has been in the construction industry, also played a significant role in inspiring my interest in construction. Having worked in different areas in construction, I’ve realised how valuable the knowledge is in managing projects. I truly enjoy seeing projects through from start to finish and the stability that comes with seeing them completed successfully within my team.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your professional life?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is the importance of clear communication. Whether it’s with clients, project managers, or vendors, ensuring everyone is on the same page about contract terms and expectations prevents misunderstandings down the road. It’s also important to be flexible and adaptable when things don’t go as planned and to find solutions that keep everything on track.
Can you share a defining moment in your career that shaped who you are today?
A defining moment in my career was when I took on the responsibility of managing complex project documentation and coordinating between various teams. I initially found it challenging, as it required balancing multiple tasks and ensuring everything was aligned. However, through careful planning and open communication, I was able to streamline processes and improve the workflow, which led to greater efficiency across the team.
This experience taught me the importance of organisation, adaptability, and proactive problem-solving. It made me more confident in managing diverse tasks and contributing to the success of the team.
How do you see the industry evolving for women in the coming years?
I see more women taking on leadership roles within the construction and contracting sectors. The industry is becoming more inclusive, and companies like Radii Partitioning are supporting gender diversity by fostering an environment where women can thrive in leadership roles. I believe that as more women bring their perspective to the table, the industry will evolve into a more collaborative and dynamic space.
Are there any industry trends or innovations that excite you right now?
One trend that excites me is the growing focus on sustainability in construction materials and methods. With innovations in eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient designs, the industry is moving toward more sustainable practices, which not only benefit the environment but also make good business sense.
What advice would you give to young women looking to enter this field?
I would advise young women to embrace the technical aspects of the field. Focus on building your knowledge, staying organised, and learning from others in the field.
Who is a woman—past or present—who inspires you and why?
My mother is my biggest inspiration. She has always shown immense strength, resilience, and kindness, balancing her personal and professional life with grace. Growing up, I watched her handle challenges with determination and compassion, teaching me the importance of hard work, perseverance, and being true to oneself. She’s not only an incredible role model but also the reason I strive to be the best version of myself every day.
What’s a book, podcast, or resource that has inspired you recently?
The Women Talk Construction Podcast is dedicated to empowering women in the construction industry and other non-traditional careers. Hosted by Christi Powell and Angela Gardner, the podcast features interviews with industry professionals, offering insights into various aspects of construction and career development.
The podcast aims to provide support and inspiration for women pursuing or interested in construction careers.
What progress would you like to see for women in the workplace?
Having more women in decision-making positions can inspire others and demonstrate that gender is no barrier to success in construction.
If you could give one piece of career advice to all women, what would it be?
My advice would be to never be afraid to speak up and advocate for yourself. It’s important to recognise your value and be confident in your abilities.
