10 questions for Caroline Morton of Carney CDM

Caroline Morton started her career as a structural engineer and now leads Carney CDM, a North Shields-based provider of principal designer services in the construction industry. Ms Morton is a past chair of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) North East committee and co-chair of the Construction Industry Council North East, as well as being part of Constructing Excellence North East’s People Group.

What was your first job (and how much did it pay)? I had two jobs when I was 14 – one was working in a burger van at concerts and festivals (I think this paid £5 an hour). The second was in our local sweet shop which sold soft scoop ice cream (for a three-hour shift we were given £10 and an ice cream) and was where I once served Robbie Coltrane an ice cream.

What is the best advice or support you’ve been given in business? When I was in my first engineering role, my line manager and mentor told me that ‘people work with people’ and I’ve taken this forward in my career. Business is made on good relationships and treating people with respect. If people feel valued and trusted, then the rest will follow. I also now have a business coach who challenges me in business and as a leader. I would recommend working with a business coach to help challenge yourself and dig into a growth mindset.

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What are the main changes you’ve seen in your business/sector and what are the challenges you’re facing? The skills shortage is real and the industry is struggling to retain its talent. I form part of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) North East. I am working with two fellow committee members (Suzanne Blair and Charlie Sander) to research more into why women leave our industry, the barriers they face and how we can change this.

What would your dream job be? When I was younger, I always wanted to be a teacher – it aligns with my values of supporting others and allowing them to see their full potential. I say this as a dream job as teachers are, unfortunately, not getting the support and recognition they require to fulfil their role. It’s not necessarily a job but I would also love to save chickens from battery farms and give them a free-range life.

What advice would you give to someone starting out a career in your sector? Don’t be afraid to challenge – just because “it’s always been this way” doesn’t mean it has to keep going that way. The world is changing and we, as an industry, need to adapt to attract and retain the right people. Also, build your network and find allies.

What makes the North East a good place to do business? I love the North East as I feel part of a network and industry that supports and empowers each other.

How important is it for business to play a role in society? Business plays a huge role in society in every sector. It paves the way for communities, sustainability and in ensuring we have societies where people thrive. Within my civil engineering degree, there was a lot of focus on how civil engineering provides the foundations (excuse the pun) for our world and society; from transport systems to large scale masterplans focussing on communities and the businesses within them.

Outside of work what are you really good at? I’m good at supporting and empowering those around me. Too many people I know don’t believe in their own potential and I’m determined to show them how great they really are.

Who would play you in a film about your life? Drew Barrymore – I grew up watching her; she has great values including standing up for what she believes in and throughout her career has shown a deep sense of empathy and a commitment to using her platform to help others.

Which three people would you invite to a dinner party and why? Michelle Obama, Taylor Swift and Chris Moyles. Michelle Obama has so much to learn from as a strong female figure, Taylor Swift is a strong female in her own right and would bring the music, and Chris Moyles as I think he would bring an array of conversations.