Sponsored by Andrew Scott.
Mary began her career in Building Control at Cardiff Council, where she quickly distinguished herself despite being the most junior member of the team. Early in her role, Mary identified a gap in education and training within the department and actively advocated for improvements, demonstrating a proactive mindset and a natural dedication to professional development for both herself and her peers.
Mary later transitioned into building surveying, joining AtkinsRéalis, where her commitment to supporting others continued to grow. She was selected as a ‘buddy’ for two new starters, a role intended to help colleagues settle into the organisation and feel supported during their early weeks. Mary embraced this responsibility enthusiastically, creating a welcoming, approachable environment. Her reputation for support became so well established that even when not formally assigned, new colleagues consistently sought her out for guidance and reassurance.
As Mary’s experience developed, so did her involvement in mentoring and development initiatives. She actively sought opportunities to contribute beyond her immediate role, delivering APC support sessions within her team, across the wider business, and externally. Notably, she responded to a request from RICS Matrics to provide guidance to aspiring surveyors outside her organisation, reinforcing her commitment to nurturing future industry professionals.
Mary’s career journey reflects a consistent and deeply held belief that investing time and energy in people development is essential to building a stronger, more inclusive industry.
Sponsored by Andrew Scott.
Mary began her career in Building Control at Cardiff Council, where she quickly distinguished herself despite being the most junior member of the team. Early in her role, Mary identified a gap in education and training within the department and actively advocated for improvements, demonstrating a proactive mindset and a natural dedication to professional development for both herself and her peers.
Mary later transitioned into building surveying, joining AtkinsRéalis, where her commitment to supporting others continued to grow. She was selected as a ‘buddy’ for two new starters, a role intended to help colleagues settle into the organisation and feel supported during their early weeks. Mary embraced this responsibility enthusiastically, creating a welcoming, approachable environment. Her reputation for support became so well established that even when not formally assigned, new colleagues consistently sought her out for guidance and reassurance.
As Mary’s experience developed, so did her involvement in mentoring and development initiatives. She actively sought opportunities to contribute beyond her immediate role, delivering APC support sessions within her team, across the wider business, and externally. Notably, she responded to a request from RICS Matrics to provide guidance to aspiring surveyors outside her organisation, reinforcing her commitment to nurturing future industry professionals.
Mary’s career journey reflects a consistent and deeply held belief that investing time and energy in people development is essential to building a stronger, more inclusive industry.
Mary stands out for her unwavering dedication to nurturing and developing others, particularly those at the early stages of their careers. She genuinely enjoys supporting junior colleagues and invests significant time and energy in their growth, always approaching mentoring with empathy and understanding. Mary recognises that individuals progress at different paces and adapts her support accordingly, ensuring everyone feels encouraged rather than pressured.
Her passion for mentoring spans many years. A defining moment came at the age of 14, when Mary transitioned from competitive gymnastics into coaching. Even at this young age, she instinctively stepped into a role that allowed her to guide, support, and motivate others, a pattern that has continued throughout her personal and professional life.
One standout example of Mary’s commitment is her involvement in the Chapter One reading programme. Mary volunteered weekly for an entire academic year, supporting a primary school-aged child whose reading level was below average. Through her consistency and encouragement, Mary helped improve the child’s reading ability while significantly boosting his confidence. Witnessing this progress was deeply rewarding for Mary and perfectly encapsulates her motivation to help others reach their potential.
As Mary progressed through her own APC journey, she actively looked for opportunities to share her learning. She began supporting colleagues at the early stages of their APC process, offering guidance, reassurance, and practical advice. Since becoming chartered, Mary has continued this support both within her team and across the business, drawing on her recent experience to provide advice that is not only technically sound but empathetic and realistic.
In addition, Mary acts as the Social Value NextGen representative for Wales, encouraging colleagues to join the group and actively contribute to shaping opportunities for the NextGen community. Her leadership potential has also been recognised by senior management, with Mary being sponsored to take part in INSPIRE, an internal women’s development programme bringing together high-performing individuals from across AtkinsRéalis.
Mary stands out for her unwavering dedication to nurturing and developing others, particularly those at the early stages of their careers. She genuinely enjoys supporting junior colleagues and invests significant time and energy in their growth, always approaching mentoring with empathy and understanding. Mary recognises that individuals progress at different paces and adapts her support accordingly, ensuring everyone feels encouraged rather than pressured.
Her passion for mentoring spans many years. A defining moment came at the age of 14, when Mary transitioned from competitive gymnastics into coaching. Even at this young age, she instinctively stepped into a role that allowed her to guide, support, and motivate others, a pattern that has continued throughout her personal and professional life.
One standout example of Mary’s commitment is her involvement in the Chapter One reading programme. Mary volunteered weekly for an entire academic year, supporting a primary school-aged child whose reading level was below average. Through her consistency and encouragement, Mary helped improve the child’s reading ability while significantly boosting his confidence. Witnessing this progress was deeply rewarding for Mary and perfectly encapsulates her motivation to help others reach their potential.
As Mary progressed through her own APC journey, she actively looked for opportunities to share her learning. She began supporting colleagues at the early stages of their APC process, offering guidance, reassurance, and practical advice. Since becoming chartered, Mary has continued this support both within her team and across the business, drawing on her recent experience to provide advice that is not only technically sound but empathetic and realistic.
In addition, Mary acts as the Social Value NextGen representative for Wales, encouraging colleagues to join the group and actively contribute to shaping opportunities for the NextGen community. Her leadership potential has also been recognised by senior management, with Mary being sponsored to take part in INSPIRE, an internal women’s development programme bringing together high-performing individuals from across AtkinsRéalis.
Mary has made a significant and lasting impact within her organisation by championing the development of junior colleagues and fostering a culture of growth, confidence, and support. Her approach to APC mentoring is thoughtful and tailored; she challenges those further along in the process while ensuring those at earlier stages feel reassured and motivated.
She consistently acts as a role model, demonstrating that with determination and steady effort, it is possible to exceed expectations, both personal and professional. Mary’s quiet encouragement often helps colleagues recognise opportunities they may otherwise overlook, supporting them to take confident steps forward in their careers.
Mary also plays a key role in helping junior team members reframe their perspective on projects, encouraging them to see learning value and purpose in tasks that might initially seem routine. This approach has boosted morale, engagement, and professional confidence across her team.
Beyond her day-to-day responsibilities, Mary actively seeks out work that offers meaningful development opportunities for others. She ensures junior colleagues are involved, follows up with constructive feedback, and celebrates their progress, both directly with individuals and with their managers. Her influence extends beyond her immediate team, contributing to a more supportive, forward-thinking organisational culture.
Mary has made a significant and lasting impact within her organisation by championing the development of junior colleagues and fostering a culture of growth, confidence, and support. Her approach to APC mentoring is thoughtful and tailored; she challenges those further along in the process while ensuring those at earlier stages feel reassured and motivated.
She consistently acts as a role model, demonstrating that with determination and steady effort, it is possible to exceed expectations, both personal and professional. Mary’s quiet encouragement often helps colleagues recognise opportunities they may otherwise overlook, supporting them to take confident steps forward in their careers.
Mary also plays a key role in helping junior team members reframe their perspective on projects, encouraging them to see learning value and purpose in tasks that might initially seem routine. This approach has boosted morale, engagement, and professional confidence across her team.
Beyond her day-to-day responsibilities, Mary actively seeks out work that offers meaningful development opportunities for others. She ensures junior colleagues are involved, follows up with constructive feedback, and celebrates their progress, both directly with individuals and with their managers. Her influence extends beyond her immediate team, contributing to a more supportive, forward-thinking organisational culture.
Driving Development and Leadership Within the Organisation
Mary independently drives APC support sessions within the Wales Building Surveying team, investing time, advice, and genuine care into her colleagues’ development. She consistently identifies and acts upon opportunities to nurture future leaders, demonstrated by the breadth of mentoring, outreach, and support activities she undertakes.
Guiding and Influencing the Next Generation
Mary’s impact extends well beyond her organisation. Through her long-term commitment to the Chapter One reading programme, she supports the development of essential literacy skills that underpin future success across all industries, including the built environment. Her outreach continues through school talks, university and college engagement, and informal mentoring, with students frequently contacting her for further advice following visits.
Mary encourages young people to consider pathways they may initially view as out of reach, helping them build confidence and broaden their ambitions. Her approachable and nurturing nature is evidenced by the number of students and early-career professionals who actively seek her guidance.
A Standout Role Model for a More Inclusive Industry
Mary’s dedication to developing others, combined with her empathy, professionalism, and quiet leadership, makes her a standout individual. She exemplifies how investing in people can shape not only individual careers but also a stronger, more inclusive future for the industry as a whole.
