Inspire and lead change
Kaya Patel talks about the opportunities she’s had to support the things she cares about: the next generation, and making a difference in society. Read more...
Ann Gordon explains what has kept her challenged, supported and progressing at Ramboll for more than 18 years
Ann is a Programme and Project Director in Transport. She started as an engineer, but quickly found herself drawn towards project management, bringing teams together and delivering projects. Find out more about her experience:
On her Ramboll career to date and the opportunities she has enjoyed…
It has been quite a journey with lots of change and different experiences – Ramboll has really supported me throughout. After changing direction from being an engineer, I worked on some larger masterplanning projects. Alongside architects my role involved identifying and building Ramboll's multidisciplinary expertise to the project.
This role gave me the opportunity to travel quite a lot; I did a six-month secondment in Abu Dhabi and visited places like Montenegro, Italy and Scandinavian countries. Currently, I am the portfolio manager for Digital Rail, which is a super exciting programme of works, which will transform how the railway operates, supporting its future proofing. I manage the Ramboll team, ensuring that we are meeting, and indeed exceeding, client expectations. I also make sure our people are getting the most out of the experience of working on this major programme.
On the people who have supported her career…
Consistent access to senior leaders within the business has had a transformative effect on my career. Senior guidance has helped me recognise strengths, identifying where I can flourish. They have also supported pairing me with opportunities that have help me grow and add more value to the business and our clients. I've also been fortunate to have mentors within Ramboll and this has more recently extended to a women's Circle Mentoring group, where we share stories, common experiences and encourage each other in our careers - it’s a powerful environment.
On mentoring others…
Now I am mentoring others and can give back some of my experience. Those I mentor have been recognised as potential leaders, so we want to ensure we support them and drive their development. My role is to help them on that journey, which I feel really privileged to be able to do. It's super rewarding seeing our people grow, learn and develop.
On Ramboll’s welcoming culture and people focus…
The culture within our organisation is one where everyone is welcomed, included, and encouraged to share their opinions, share themselves and to bring their best to the company and their daily lives.
This organisation is my home and the reason why I've been here so long is because it has evolved, changed and grown, it is continually challenging itself to be better. For me though, the most important part is its focus on its people. Recently I’ve been involved in safety and inclusion workshops, which focus on understanding the environment that we're creating within Ramboll, ensuring that it is one where everyone feels safe and valued.
On Ramboll’s support for parents…
After having my children, I was contemplating what I wanted to do next, and the company recognised and supported my change of circumstances and priorities. What helped was the access to senior leaders within the company, who helped shape a new path for me.
Subsequently, I was involved in developing a guide about family leave. We interviewed those within the organisation who had taken family leave to understand their experiences: what went well and what went not so well, and what we can do better. On the back of that we implemented changes to our policies and created a practical guide for employees and their line managers to ensure they get the most from the experience and receive the support they need when going through quite a life changing event. We all have different journeys, and Ramboll really works hard to provide support to each individual – every single person really matters.
On balancing her work life with her home life through flexible working...
Life is busy. With two small children, it’s important for me to be able to be there for them and to do my job well. Flexible working at Ramboll is open, accepted and encouraged. It allows me to be at the meetings I need to be at and at other times put my out of office on so that everyone knows that I'm face painting for the afternoon. Ramboll really creates an environment where flexible working is easy and encouraged.
Making work work for individuals
Christopher Stanley shares their experience of balancing family life, personal interests and career. Read more...
Professional development and opportunities
Ramboll employees break the mould when it comes to development. By empowering our people to follow their professional interests, passion and curiosity, they are able to make the most of all the opportunities on offer. Read more...