In this episode of the Investing for Life podcast, host Douglas Isles interviews a guest who opted not to follow the crowd, and made her mark as a female founder within a male-dominated industry. Today, she passionately advocates for and encourages the next generation of women to find their own path. 

Dominique Gill has 20 years’ experience in the construction industry. After beginning her career in architecture, in 2016 she became the founder and managing director of Urban Core: the first female-founded construction start-up of its kind, and one of the fastest-growing companies in the country, according to The Australian Financial Review. 

However, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. As a female founder within an industry comprising an 88% male workforce, Dominique has had her share of “uphill battles” to overcome discrimination and demonstrate her experience and credibility. But her efforts have laid important foundations for others to follow.

Urban Core has enjoyed strong performance, and Dominique maintains a workforce with 44% women, well above industry benchmarks. She continues to challenge the status quo of what the industry could look like in the future, and is a pioneer for diversity and inclusion, working with high school students to help them access new opportunities within the construction sector.

“If we have more women sitting at the table, everybody wins. A team that has that is more diverse, will be more collaborative, more creative, more profitable.”

Tune in to hear Dominique’s views on:

• the value of ‘debunking’ the many myths around the construction sector;
• moving from France to Australia, and from architecture to Urban Core, and how these transitions shaped her character; and
• why educating the next generation is crucial to overhaul diversity and inclusion in the sector.

Investing for Life is hosted by Douglas Isles, Platinum Asset Management.

Disclaimer: Issued by Platinum Investment Management Limited ABN 25 063 565 006, AFSL 221935. This information is general in nature and does not take into account your specific needs or circumstances. You should consider your own financial position, objectives and requirements and seek professional financial advice before making any financial decisions.