Leading with Persistence, Passion, and Perspective
In the world of bidding and tenders, where strategy and precision meet business growth, Gemma Edwards stands as a driving force with a clear target of achieving excellence in her field. As Bid Manager for Metro Rod and Metro Plumb, she plays a key role in shaping opportunities, working across multiple stakeholders to secure success. But her journey to this position wasn’t a straight path, it was a blend of education, resilience, and a strong commitment to progress. According to a study by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, women like Gemma are increasingly taking on leadership roles, bringing unique perspectives and skills to the table.
A Career Built on Learning and Hard Work
Gemma’s career is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination. After leaving full-time education at 18, she balanced various roles in banking, hospitality, and corporate environments while pursuing distance learning. When she completed her degree, she moved into the construction industry, discovering a passion for working on bids and tenders. As noted by the National Association of Women in Construction, women in construction face unique challenges, but Gemma’s story shows that with hard work and dedication, these obstacles can be overcome.
After what felt like an endless search, Gemma finally found a role that delights, drives, and develops her every day. Transitioning into the FM sector, she has continued to enjoy the challenge of working with diverse teams, learning from them, and helping them grow their businesses. A report by Facilities Management Journal highlights the importance of effective leadership in the FM sector, and Gemma’s experience demonstrates the value of strong leadership in driving success.
Breaking Barriers and Changing the Landscape
One of the biggest challenges Gemma has faced is being assessed on an equal playing field as her male counterparts. The reality of gender-based perceptions means that women often feel the need to work twice as hard to prove their value. But, as Gemma notes, this only breeds resentment and often leads to leaving environments that fail to recognise contributions fairly. According to a study by McKinsey & Company, companies with diverse workforces are more likely to outperform their less diverse peers, highlighting the importance of creating inclusive environments.
Rather than letting these challenges define her, Gemma focuses on being a leader for those who need support. By simply existing in her space and setting an example, she helps to shift industry expectations. As she says, “If I am brutally honest, we have, as a collective, a long way to go, persistence is key.” This sentiment is echoed by LeanIn.Org, which notes that women’s leadership is critical to driving progress and creating a more equitable society.
The Power of Perspective and Mentorship
When asked about the most valuable lesson she’s learned, Gemma is clear: understanding perspectives drives opinions. This insight has helped her navigate challenges without taking things personally, instead seeking solutions and common ground. Her advice for other women looking to rise into leadership is to find a mentor, know your core values, and never stop learning. As noted by Forbes, mentorship is a key factor in helping women advance in their careers, and Gemma’s experience highlights the importance of seeking guidance and support.
For Gemma, success isn’t just about achievements, it’s about what you don’t have to sacrifice to get there. Staying true to her values is just as important as reaching the next milestone. And above all, Gemma confirms continual development, knowledge-sharing, and learning are what truly define long-term success. This approach is supported by research from Harvard Business Review, which notes that leaders who prioritize learning and development are more likely to achieve long-term success.
Leading by Example
Each day, Gemma brings a positive mindset to her work, taking stakeholders along with her on the journey. By doing so, she sets the standard for future women in the industry. Gemma is determined to stay true to her values, citing that “leadership is about lifting others as you climb”. Her mission? To be the kind of leader she would have wanted to support her. And that is exactly what she’s doing. As she says, “Never stop learning.” Read more about Gemma’s story and experiences Here
