How can we support, develop and empower this generation of women to become future leaders?

On International Women’s Day, we asked Sallyanne Lewis and Sam Murray about their career journeys, the challenges they encountered along the way, and how they inspire female colleagues to progress. 

Sallyanne Lewis is a director and structural engineer at Buro Happold. Over the last 19 years, Sallyanne has worked on numerous high-profile projects with clients such as the King Salman Foundation Library, Museum and HQ, Jaguar Land Rover, Bristol Aero Collection, British Film Institute and large cultural projects in Saudi Arabia.

What inspired you to get into engineering? 

When I was a teenager, I was always inspired by the huge Reading Room dome at Manchester’s Central Library.

Sallyanne Lewis, director, Buro Happold.

Discussing her experience, Sallyanne said “When I was a teenager, I was always inspired by the huge Reading Room dome at Manchester’s Central Library. I would think to myself – how is that built? How do you get to be part of something like that? My favourite subjects at school were Maths, Science and Art, and I grew up in the industrial North so engineering felt like a natural fit!”

In your view, what are the main barriers for aspiring female engineers? 

The preconceived idea that engineering is a messy, hands-dirty, and unrefined job is probably one of the biggest stereotypes to overcome. The media loves to show images of Civil/Structural engineers wearing hard hats and high-vis jackets. This is such as small aspect of the job.

There is still a stereotype that girls who excel at Maths and Science are the exception. Girls, subconsciously or not, are not encouraged to question or go against authority. This is a really important skill for an engineer.

Rather than focusing on STEM, we should position engineering as a “Science”, “Technology”, “Design” and “Art”. It should be considered a people-focused, highly skilled and sought-after, profession. 

Which female engineers have you/do you draw inspiration from? 

To be honest, I didn’t know any female engineers growing up and I’m not really aware of any in the wider media now which is quite telling. I would say that engineers in general are not really celebrated.

I do, however, draw inspiration from many amazing female engineers in our practice, at all levels and from our architect collaborators. 

How do you support junior female engineers in the workplace? 

I make sure that they are aware of, and equipped to pursue opportunities, and that they know they will always have my support. 

In the past, I have heard comments, albeit given in good faith like “she won’t want to work in that country or on that project because of…” or “she has just come back from maternity leave, let’s not overload her”. I work hard to make sure this bias is removed, and that everyone is given the chance to choose what is best for them. I help them forge their own career path and recognise that needs and aspirations change over time. It’s important to keep checking in with your team.

What are your proudest achievements to date at Buro Happold? 

I have many proud moments but more recently I had the opportunity to visit the Royal Arts Complex site, a project I helped lead through Covid. The structure is approximately 60% constructed and is awesome in scale and complexity.

“It was a real thrill to see the Museum of Civilization cantilevering across the skyline, and all our hard work on show. I felt like a small child skipping from mammoth structure to structure, photographing and recalling the design challenges for all the teams, and delighted in sending the photos to them to show the progress.”

At Buro Happold, I can be who I am, and I feel recognised for what I bring to the practice above all else.

Sam Murray is the chief financial officer at Buro Happold. Sam brings a wealth of international experience having worked at BBC Worldwide, EE and Discovery Channel. Her passion is financial planning, strategic thinking and transformation, and has led due diligence and global integration programmes within large-scale acquisitions.

Sam is extremely passionate about creating an equitable and inclusive environment and is the global chairperson for EDI across our business services teams.

How has the representation of women in leadership roles in finance changed from when you first started your career? 

In 1997, 5% of CFO and leadership roles were held by women. In 2024, it is nearer 16%,

Sam Murray, chief financial officer, Buro Happold.

Discussing how the industry has evolved, Sam says: “I started my finance career in 1997, 5% of CFO and leadership roles were held by women. In 2024, it is nearer 16%, and whilst this is progress, the representation of women in senior roles is still not reflective of the wider workforce.

The finance industry is evolving and female representation in the industry is now 46:54. More women are entering a finance career, but only one-fifth progress into the senior roles.”

Who has been an inspiration to you professionally? Which female leaders inspire you today?

Some of the women I have found inspiring through my career to date include Maggie Buggie (Tech COO, NED and board member), Moira Siddons (ex PWC partner, NED and leadership coach for women), Tracy Appleyard OBE (Military Women’s health specialist focused on empowering women in the forces) & Margherita Della Valle (CEO Vodafone).

It is also important to acknowledge the wealth of inspirational women within Buro Happold.  Since joining, I have been supported and inspired by our female leaders and have found great strength and motivation from my colleagues. I would like to acknowledge the women in our leadership team – Sarah Prichard, Delia Conway, Jennifer Price, Misti  Melville, Karen O’Brien, our NED Kru Desai, some longstanding team members – Carol Reid, Nada Hassnaoui, Katie Robinson, Stephanie Purvis, plus female colleagues throughout the practice who are all focused on ensuring Buro Happold is a great company for women to be part of.

What characteristics/skills do you think are needed to lead as a woman in the twenty-first century?  

I think you focus on embracing your strengths to be your genuine self.  

Sam Murray, chief financial officer, Buro Happold.

It is however important to be a strong communicator, confident and resilient in most leadership roles. I would also recommend surrounding yourself with a strong network, note this may not be exclusively women but a community from all backgrounds to support you in challenging times.

You have been an EDI mentor for more than 10 years. What are the common challenges women face and how do you go about addressing these? 

The most common themes are women doubting their own abilities, gender bias in the workplace, and (for some women) being a working mum.

Self-doubt isn’t exclusive to women, but we are more prone to question or doubt. It is important to focus on positive achievements, what you have accomplished and understand where the doubt is coming from. Maybe it is a signal that you are stretching yourself in your work and career, and the time will pass. Be patient as you grow your self-esteem and career confidence.

My background is predominantly in STEM industries where a smaller percentage of women are in the workplace, and a common route cause is psychological safety. It is, therefore, very important that your peers are educated and we are holding each other accountable. You should then be able to speak up and address issues in a safe environment. 

30% of the workforce in the US and UK are now working mums and therefore companies are trying to support families including paternity leave (equal parenting rights), flexible working and keep-in-touch days. However, it is challenging and can be a real struggle for many women. It is important you are supported in the workplace and advocate your career with your manager, strive for equality at home and create support networks in the workplace and at home. Set boundaries, some of the most successful female leaders are military about protecting family time!  

What do you think can be done by everyone to inspire the inclusion of women in the workplace? 

Celebrate and recognise a world where difference is valued. Ensure teams are educated and recognise the achievements of women and diversity in our workplace. 

Any situations where BH has been particularly good at making you, and your female colleagues feel included and equal. 

When I joined BuroHappold I felt I was in a welcoming and safe place, I have been able to support other women in our practice and feel valued for this contribution. I am seeing a real strategic shift within BuroHappold with the introduction of EDI tracking and targets, education and training programs, mentoring initiatives, and investment in female leadership.  There are annual pay gap reviews and succession planning for female roles and women’s networks both at leadership and regional levels. I think engineering is a tough industry to change quickly due to the underrepresentation of women, but our leadership are actively identifying issues and facing them head-on.