Women in Construction: Marzena Hallam, associate director and brand ambassador, Gleeds

“Construction wasn’t initially on my radar, but it quickly became a passion,” says Marzena Hallam, associate director and brand ambassador at Gleeds.

Based in a remote-working role in Melbourne since 2020, Hallam has spent over 20 years in the professional world, with 12 of those years living and working in Qatar. Since joining Gleeds in 2015, she has played a pivotal role in the company’s growth, marketing and brand visibility. Reporting directly to the chairman, she supports the Middle East region and spearheads initiatives such as the International Dispute Advisory Group (IDAG) webinars and regional newsletters.

In addition to her responsibilities at Gleeds, Hallam is deeply involved in mentorship and knowledge-sharing. “I mentor two incredible women, run training courses, and facilitate workshops to foster learning and collaboration,” she says. She also juggles her professional commitments with running Emoly.com.au, a natural skincare business, and pursuing a life coaching certification.

Her career trajectory has been defined by adaptability and perseverance. “Initially, stepping into the construction sector felt intimidating,” she admits. “However, I saw opportunities to blend my project management skills with creativity and business improvement, and that kept me engaged.”

The danger and beauty of today’s life is that if you don’t move in your own direction, others will move you in theirs. So keep pushing forward on your own terms 

Marzena Hallam, associate director and brand ambassador, Gleeds

A key turning point in her career came when Gleeds chairman Richard Steer told her: “Don’t wait for the perfect moment – just start.” This philosophy has guided her through numerous global initiatives, from knowledge-sharing webinars to high-profile corporate events.

Despite the success, her journey has not been without challenges. “Working in a male-dominated industry in the Middle East was daunting at first,” she recalls. “But by embracing small wins, taking calculated risks and continuously learning, I built confidence and became part of the leadership team I once found intimidating.”

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One of her most significant achievements was leading a high-profile kick-off meeting in Qatar for 129 leaders, with government representatives and the media in attendance. “The pressure was immense, but I turned what was meant to be a formal presentation into an engaging workshop,” she says. “That experience reshaped my confidence and opened new doors for public speaking and media opportunities.”

Hallam is a strong advocate for increasing female representation in the construction industry. “Women make up just 7.3% of the global construction workforce,” she points out. “To attract more women, we need to start young – partnering with schools, promoting role models and addressing outdated perceptions.”

She also highlights the importance of fostering a supportive work culture and implementing policies that aid career progression, such as flexible working arrangements and mentorship programmes.

Asked if she sees herself as a role model, Hallam responds humbly. “I hope so. If my story can inspire other women to step forward with confidence, then I’ve made a difference,” she says. She cites Zaha Hadid as one of her personal heroines, admiring her fearless innovation and perseverance in a male-dominated field.

Reflecting on her journey, she offers advice to women looking to enter the industry: “Be persistent, confident and vocal. Don’t wait for the perfect moment to start – just go for it. Build relationships, own your achievements and never let intimidation hold you back.”

She leaves aspiring female professionals with a final thought: “The danger and beauty of today’s life is that if you don’t move in your own direction, others will move you in theirs. So keep pushing forward on your own terms.”