Ep 151: Katie Kelleher: We can be better for the workforce

CONEXPO – CON/AGG Podcast: Construction Business Insights For Contractors

Katie Kelleher, aka “Katie Cranes”, an increasingly prominent, award winning figure in the construction industry joins Taylor for what turns out to be her first visit to the podcast today. Katie’s journey from a sales background to her current role as a crane operator and technical development officer exemplifies the importance of seizing opportunities, and embracing career transitions. Her experiences within the industry shed light on the challenges faced by women in traditionally male-dominated fields, underscoring the need for greater representation and visibility.

By leveraging social media platforms like LinkedIn, Katie advocates for diversity and inclusion, inspiring others to pursue careers in construction and challenging stereotypes along the way. As Katie shares her firsthand experiences, the discussion highlights the multifaceted challenges encountered by workers in the construction industry. From gender disparities in personal protective equipment (PPE) to the lack of workplace flexibility, Katie emphasizes the need for tailored solutions that cater to the diverse needs of all workers. Through anecdotes and reflections, she demonstrates the importance of addressing seemingly small issues that can significantly impact workers' comfort, productivity, and overall well-being. Ultimately, Katie's journey serves as a powerful testament to the resilience and determination required to effect meaningful change in the construction sector, driving towards a more inclusive and sustainable future for all workers.

Topics:

• Katie's transition from sales to construction
• Advocating for diversity and inclusion
• Leveraging social media
• Navigating career transitions
• Overcoming adversity
• Empowering the next generation
• Driving positive change
• Challenges in construction

Quotes:

"I didn't have any women that I knew that worked in construction, so it was a leap for me to think I could do this."

"I thought, 'We need to flood images out there, I need to get more images of women doing different things out there.'"

"You go to an office, you start a new office job. People go, 'Oh, this is Katie. Welcome, Katie. Here's your new desk. Here's your new pen.' You went into construction, everyone's like, 'Get on with it.'"

"You go to bathrooms, women's bathrooms on construction sites, like, Lord, sometimes there are women's bathrooms, sometimes they're used as a storage cupboard."

"There's these little things that we can change to make people's lives better and less uncomfortable."

"We just expect them to plow on like workhorses and get things done. There's no flexibility in the workforce."

"In order to make any change, it has to be everyone.”

"The best times of my life I've had are on site."

"Every little thing that I do, everything that I get invited to, absolutely blows my mind every single time."

"It's about people. I love people, and I love getting different people in from different areas of the industry to tell their stories because that's the best way to sell the industry."

As always, thank you to our good friends over at Komatsu for sponsoring this podcast: https://www.komatsu.com/

Links:

• Taylor White on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-white-9881a5170/?originalSubdomain=ca
• To see highlights from the 2023 show, go to: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience/show-highlights
• Komatsu: https://www.komatsu.com/
• Katie Cranes: https://katiecranes.com/