1:00 AM 21st December 2024
business
Christmas Spotlight: April Marsden
Yet again for 2024, we’re bringing back our popular festive spotlight — featuring regional businesspeople from across the north. We’ll be quizzing a notable name with 10 quickfire questions.
April Marsden, Chair of Women in Property Yorkshire & North East, and architect and associate director at Bowman Riley, a team of architects, building consultants & interior designers in Leeds takes up the mantle today.
1. Reflecting on this year, what “gift” or lesson from the business world has been most valuable to you, and how will it shape your approach next year?
I’ve attended so many conferences and events this year and learnt so much. However, I loved this quote by Ken Blanchard, which was part of a presentation I attended at a constructive futures event in October: “No one is as smart as all of us.” For me, this underpins the fundamental purpose of a collaborative culture that we will continue to work on in 2025.
2. If you could give one Christmas wish to your team or industry as a whole, what would it be and why?
More pathways into the professions and workplaces, that remove barriers to entry for people from varied backgrounds, supporting a more diverse construction industry to ultimately create broader, creative problem-solving across the industry.
3. What’s one “holiday tradition” your business observes each year that helps boost morale or reinforce your company’s culture?
This is a tricky one. Women in Property hosts many inclusive events aligned to the holiday seasons that celebrate the achievements of women in the industry, boosting morale and reinforcing our commitment to diversity. In my day job – as an architect and associate director at Bowman Riley – we love giving and sharing with those less fortunate, from giving Christmas presents and Easter Eggs to local hospitals, hosting annual fundraising events for charities close to our colleague's hearts, and our wonderful and collaborative main staff events at Christmas and in the summer, where we celebrate each other and the diversity of our teams.
4. As you look ahead to the new year, what are three things on your “business wish list” to achieve or improve?
Our WIP wish list includes improving diversity in the industry, especially in leadership positions, enhancing mentorship programs, and promoting sustainable construction practices.
5. What “gift of wisdom” from a mentor or peer has influenced your leadership style this year, and how do you hope to pass it on to others?
This year has been about pushing back on time, giving things space, and allowing people and projects time in all spheres of my life. Our MD, Micheal Feather, at Bowman Riley, mentioned this in one of our early Senior Management Meetings earlier this year. And it’s true: the best-laid plans and positive change-making really do take time to come to fruition; you’ve got to play the long game.
6. In the spirit of giving back, how does your business or team plan to make a positive impact in the community this holiday season?
As an organisation, Women in Property continually looks to give back throughout the year through outreach activities that engage with schools and colleges in less privileged areas. During the festive season, we hold an annual evening celebration where we invite our student winners and others to attend as guests, in the core spirit of our organisation.
7. What new “gift of technology or innovation” would you most like to see emerge next year, and how do you think it could benefit your industry?
I'd like to see advancements in AI technology to streamline operations and improve efficiency in our industry, especially around sustainable building technologies, general admin work and repetitive work. This can only be a good thing!
8. If you could leave one “stocking stuffer” of encouragement or advice for emerging leaders in your field, what would it be and why?
My advice for emerging leaders is to stay curious and develop a growth mindset. It helps adapt to change and stay ahead. Throw your ego out of the window and learn wisely from your own mistakes (and don’t be afraid to be vulnerable and admit them!); as someone said to me a very long time ago, never assume anything.
9. What holiday tradition or activity do you personally look forward to most each year, and how does it help you recharge?
I look forward to spending time with family during the holidays and going on some sort of adventure together. My children are so much fun to be with and always surprise me with their honesty, openness, and insight. Their laughter and simplicity really are the best medicine when I need to recentre and recharge.
10. If you could deliver one “Christmas miracle” that would transform your business or industry, what would it be, and what impact do you think it would have?
A "Christmas miracle" for our industry would evolve around unlocking, simplifying and de-risking the UK planning and funding processes. Opening the gates would have a profound knock-on effect on the confidence of the entire industry and ultimately support improved diversity and inclusion.