By Rebecca De Cicco, Founder and Global Chair, Women in BIM
Resilience isn’t something that you are born with, it is something you build. And for women in leadership, particularly in male-dominated industries like construction, it’s not just a personal asset – it is a necessity. As an international business leader navigating the challenges of the construction world, I have come to realise that resilience is the foundation that allows us not only to survive but to thrive when times get tough.
The current global climate – economically, environmentally and socially – demands more from leaders than ever before. Projects are delayed by supply chain issues, budgets are stretched thin, and expectations remain high. As women, we often carry an additional weight: proving ourselves in rooms where we are still the minority. But I have learned that adversity is not the enemy. It is an invitation – to grow, adapt and lead with courage.
Personal resilience starts with facing reality head on. It is tempting to avoid difficult truths, especially when leading large teams or managing multi-million-dollar projects. But the first step to resilient leadership is clarity. I have had to learn to look problems squarely in the face, acknowledge what I can and can’t control, and then make a plan to move forward, however imperfect that plan may be.
I also believe strongly in finding meaning in adversity. For me, this means reflecting on the ‘why’ behind my work. Why do I push through challenging times? Why do I continue to break ground – literally and metaphorically – in this industry? The answer always comes back to the same thing: impact. I want to create structures and opportunities that last. That belief helps me stay grounded when the going gets tough and this is the message I always share with our WIB community, decisions may appear tough, but there is always support available, you are not alone.
Improvisation is another key skill I’ve developed over the years. The construction industry thrives on planning – but those plans can change in an instant. I have learned to adapt quickly, trust my instincts and encourage creative problem-solving from my teams.
When one path closes, we don’t wait for permission to try something new—we innovate, we test, and we keep moving forward. This is exactly what we do at WIB, we constantly move forward with clear goals for the success of our Members.
Courage is a muscle I’ve had to exercise regularly. As women, we’re often taught to seek perfection, to avoid risk, to wait until we’re 100% ready. But resilient leadership requires the opposite. It requires us to take bold action even when we are unsure. It demands that we speak up, challenge the status quo and trust ourselves.
Ultimately, resilience gives us the power to make difficult decisions, to lead with authenticity and to inspire others to do the same. It’s not always comfortable, but it is transformational.
To my fellow women in BIM: our strength lies not in avoiding adversity, but in rising through it. Let’s keep building – not just structures, but futures.
