Name: Angela Hucker

Title: CEO

Organisation: EPIC - Empowering People In Construction

Angela Hucker is the CEO of EPIC and a construction industry expert with over 20 years’ experience within the industry.

Angela has a remarkable portfolio including power, oil and gas, renewables, infrastructure, commercial, civil, mega-projects, and even a spotlight on US TV Show "Mega Structures".

Angela’s firsthand experience as a FIFO worker in remote corners of Australia fuelled her mission to eradicate the challenges women face in the industry, and positively advocate for change.

Angela is passionate in reshaping the industry, and inspiring us all along the way.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Angela's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

What I have found most difficult as a leader, is learning how to get out of my own way, find my voice so I can use it effectively and then put myself out there.

As an introvert and someone who doesn't like to talk about myself, I struggle with big crowds, lots of noise and promoting what I do. However I knew that for me to serve others, I needed to "get of my own way", go to conferences and connect with people.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

To me, leadership is a behaviour, not a position. The mantra I live by is "Be what you want to see in others." This is therefore how I behave.

I always aim to do better than I did yesterday, always maintain a positive mindset, give more than what is expected, be grateful for all life's small and precious moments, don't sweat the small things and understand that we are all doing our best.

I am always told how inspirational I am because of how I behave.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

My work days are flexible, not structured, because of my schedule, however I do have non-negotiables.

That is always starting the day at about 5am with a morning routine, before I get out of bed, which involves priming, gratitude practice and mindfulness moment.

I then either go to the gym for either a HIIT, spin or pump class (if I am at home) or a 5km morning walk (if I am traveling).

My days are very unstructured as I travel quite a bit and attend conferences, etc.

I do OMAD (One Meal a Day) which is generally lunch time and that will be big bowl of salad / veggies etc with some small snacks as well, such as nuts, dried fruit.

In the evening, I do another round of exercise for approx 1 hour and that will either be dancing, yoga or a walk.

I then connect with my offshore team at about 7pm for a couple of hours, before heading to bed and listening to a mediation anywhere between 10-11pm.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

A recent leadership lesson that I've been reminded of lately, is to respect other people's views and opinions. We don't have to agree with people, however everyone is entitled to an opinion.

This was based on a recent event at a conference, where I was being targeted by a male about my experience in the construction industry. His opinions made quite a few people in the audience extremely upset how he was targeting me (as the female), however I learnt to respect that he has an opinion and he just wanted a platform to voice his opinion and there was no point getting upset about it or to let it affect me.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

Ah that is a hard one, as I read / listen to so many books. I normally have about 4 on the go at the same time (lol).

Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins would be a stand-out though, as that is a reminder that if you think you have nothing else left in the tank to keep going, you actually have so much more inside of you, it just needs to be unleashed. Great reminder as a leader that when you are feeling exhausted, you have much more inside you and there is always more you can do, give and serve.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

Don't EVER let ANYONE hold you back from what you want to do. That includes family, friends etc.

If people truly want the best for you, they will support you, lift you up and encourage you no matter what.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

One meaningful story that comes to mind as leader is recently winning an award for "Exceptional Contribution to Construction". After 20yrs of working in the industry, it is so humbling to receive such an honour.

I was able to celebrate the special moment with colleagues, who have been a constant support for me over the last 12yrs. They were so excited to be there to share the win, and I was so very grateful for having such a beautiful network around me, as I recognise that I could not have achieved it without their support.