CIBSE President Fiona Cousins, was recently featured on the Thrive in Construction podcast hosted by Darren Evans. In this interview, Fiona shared her professional journey, reflected on the evolution of the engineering profession and discussed her vision for a more inclusive, sustainable and forward-looking built environment.
A trailblazer in the industry, Fiona spoke candidly about her early experiences as one of the few women entering the engineering field in the 1980s. Her reflections on navigating a male-dominated profession highlighted both the progress that has been made in recent decades and the work that still remains. Her story is not only one of personal determination and resilience, but also a broader call for increased representation and equity within the engineering and construction sectors.
The conversation also delved into Fiona’s views on leadership—particularly the importance of situational leadership. She described how adapting one’s leadership style to suit the needs of a team or project can be a powerful tool for unlocking innovation and achieving better outcomes. Fiona encouraged engineers to embrace leadership roles with confidence, not necessarily through formal titles, but through action, influence, and the ability to guide others through complexity.
Throughout the episode, Fiona underscored the central role engineers play in shaping a sustainable future. She spoke about the responsibility of the profession to go beyond meeting minimum standards and instead design buildings that actively contribute to occupant well-being, environmental stewardship and social equity. Her message was clear: engineers are uniquely positioned to respond to the urgent challenges of our time and must do so with both technical precision and a deep understanding of societal needs.
Another important theme was the value of lifelong learning and intellectual curiosity. Fiona encouraged listeners to broaden their skillsets, engage with new ideas and remain open to different perspectives. She sees these qualities as vital not only for personal development but also for ensuring that engineering solutions are holistic, relevant, and responsive to the world in which we live.
Fiona’s appearance on the Thrive in Construction podcast offers a thoughtful and inspiring perspective on what it means to be an engineer today. Her insights serve as a reminder that technical knowledge, when combined with leadership, empathy and a vision for positive change, can truly shape the future of the built environment.
The full episode is now available to watch below: