Influenza
Alice is proud to stand at the intersection of innovation and sustainability in the construction industry. At Red Sea Global (RSG), their commitment to diversity has enriched the corporate culture, and she has witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of diversity on the construction industry.
When she first started in the construction industry more than 18 years ago, she began in Kuwait with KBR, and their client was the US Military, so you can imagine the rarity of having a female at all, much less in a PMO and Project Controls team that supported the various functions within their company and managing the expectations and requirements of the US Military. She was part of a delegation of the KBR Project Controls team in the Middle East that spent a month in Afghanistan, during a very cold Christmas, to train and standardize tools and processes and take part in the negotiations of what was one of the most significant military logistics contracts of that time. She was the only female in that room, trying to absorb everything around her. With each new project and company throughout her career, Parsons/Abu Dhabi Airport Company, Expo2020, Turner & Townsend/Schiphol, to now with Red Sea Global, women are no longer the only female in the room taking notes; they are leading negotiations, becoming the go-to subject matter experts (SMEs), the leaders, and even CEOs (ADAC, Expo2020).
Gender Equality
Regarding gender balance, Red Sea Global proudly says that one in four employees are women. While the construction sector is traditionally male-dominated, they are committed to increasing their female workforce to 30% in 2024. This goal aligns with the belief in equal opportunities for all and is a critical step towards achieving gender equality within the industry and across the Kingdom, where development is happening rapidly.
A key aspect of their diversity strategy is Saudization. Currently, 40% of their employees are Saudi nationals, and they aim to increase Saudi representation to 45-50% in 2024, further solidifying their dedication to contributing to the Kingdom’s growth and development.
Futuristic Scope
Their efforts extend beyond just hiring practices. They are invested in creating an environment where all employees have equal opportunities to thrive and lead. She strongly believes in mentoring and that RSG provides several channels for senior colleagues to step up and share their experiences, teach, and build the confidence of those seeking to advance their careers. She primarily sees it every day with other women at RSG.
There is a bond shared between women from different cultures, with leaders taking their juniors by the hand and including them in workshops or meetings with leadership to gain exposure. They then see those juniors or Elites (Graduate development program employees) taking on more responsibilities because their leads have empowered them. RSG is genuinely the first company where she has visibly seen so many women thrive, be respected, and support each other positively. Through policies, practices, and a culture that promotes advancement and leadership, they are not just talking about equality but living it.
Golden Words
“As we look to the future, the construction industry stands on the brink of a new era. The shift towards sustainable and regenerative development opens new avenues for careers that make a tangible difference for people and the planet. From project management to sustainability consulting, the potential for impact is vast and varied.”