Women in Construction: Molatela Motsepe, head of people and culture for the UAE, McLaren Construction

“The workplace should be a positive and enjoyable place to be. Achieving business goals is important, but we also need to foster wellbeing, which has a huge impact on our mental health,” says Molatela Motsepe, head of people and culture for the UAE at McLaren Construction.

Originally from South Africa, Motsepe currently lives and works in Dubai, where she leads a diverse HR team. “My day-to-day responsibilities include shaping and executing the company’s HR strategy, implementing talent development initiatives, managing performance appraisals, overseeing employee engagement and ensuring our HR processes align with business goals and legal requirements,” she explains. 

Motsepe’s journey into construction was not planned, but when the opportunity arose, she embraced it. “Construction wasn’t originally in my plans, but I was drawn to the dynamic nature of the industry and the potential to make a tangible impact on both people and organisational culture,” she recalls. Before joining construction, she built her career in insurance broking and digital marketing, where she developed a strong foundation in HR practices.

A defining moment in Motsepe’s career was stepping into leadership roles that enabled her to drive organisational change. “This shift gave me the confidence to step into the construction industry, a sector I hadn’t initially considered,” she explains. “Leading the people and culture team in the UAE at McLaren Construction was a turning point. It allowed me to take ownership of strategic initiatives that were aligned with my passion for employee engagement and diversity and inclusion.”

Success in the built environment requires both technical expertise and the ability to lead with empathy, vision and inclusivity, which are qualities women bring in abundance 

Molatela Motsepe, head of people and culture for the UAE, McLaren Construction

The unplanned transition into the male-dominated construction industry brought challenges, but Motsepe tackled them head-on. “Being young and transitioning into a space I knew nothing about meant I had to prove myself while also adapting to a completely new industry,” she says. “Leading a team of people older than me was initially daunting, but I was lucky to have an incredible team that was open and supportive.”

Among the projects Motsepe has been involved with, the Chef Middle East industrial and logistics project stands out. “Although I didn’t physically work on the project, I had the privilege of supporting the team throughout the process. Watching an empty plot of land transform into a completed project gave me a great understanding of what we do as a business,” she reflects.

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Motsepe believes the industry must do more to attract women. She explains: “Creating inclusive environments where women feel valued and supported, offering mentorship programmes, flexible work arrangements, and actively promoting diversity will help attract and retain more women.”

Does she see herself as a role model for aspiring women leaders? “Yes, I do… particularly in the construction industry and within HR. I want to show that leadership comes in different forms and that success isn’t about fitting into a rigid mould but about staying true to your values,” she says. “One of the things I’m passionate about is changing how HR is perceived – we are not just about hiring and firing. HR should be about creating a positive and engaging work environment where people feel supported, valued and empowered to do their best.”

When asked about her heroines in the industry, rather than name specific individuals Motsepe praises women who have paved the way for those now coming through. “I admire women who have proven that construction and leadership roles are not limited by gender. While I’ve drawn inspiration from many leaders throughout my career, I also find motivation in the women I work with every day – those who challenge the status quo and push for more inclusive and diverse workplaces,” she says.

Her advice to women considering a career in construction is clear: “Embrace your uniqueness and confidently bring your perspective to the table. The construction environment needs diverse voices to drive innovation, creativity and inclusive practices. Your experiences and skills are valuable assets, so don’t shy away from leadership opportunities,” she advises. “Seek mentorship, build a strong support network, […] and don’t be afraid to ask questions. The more knowledge you gain and the more confident you become in your field, the stronger you will be in your career journey. Success in the built environment requires both technical expertise and the ability to lead with empathy, vision and inclusivity, which are qualities women bring in abundance.”