Shows
DIIC PodcastKaren Robinson - Ruby Red InteriorsIn this episode, Faith Abudu sits down with Karen Robinson, founder of Ruby Red Interiors and a finalist for the Can Women in Business Award. Karen shares her inspiring journey from a career in television to launching her own interior design business in 2009 - right in the midst of the economic crash.She opens up about the early challenges of building a client base, the lack of government support for small businesses, and how persistence kept her going. Karen also speaks about her long-term dream of launching a hotel chain, the power of networking, and why access...2025-06-1818 minDIIC PodcastMartin McLean - Waterfront UTCIn this episode, Faith Abudu sits down with Martin McLean, Director of Specialism at Waterfront UTC, to explore the hands-on, technical education that UTCs (University Technical Colleges) provide. With a strong focus on construction, engineering, and design, Martin explains how students can study at levels equivalent to GCSEs, A-levels, BTECs and T-levels, gaining real-world experience through up to 45 days of work placements.Martin shares insights on how UTCs are shaping the future of technical careers, why employer involvement is vital, and the role government support plays in expanding these opportunities. The conversation also dives into gender representation...2025-06-1138 minDIIC PodcastKaren Robinson - Ruby Red InteriorsIn this episode, Faith Abudu sits down with Karen Robinson, founder of Ruby Red Interiors and a finalist for the Kent Women in Business Award. Karen shares her inspiring journey from a career in television to launching her own interior design business in 2009 - right in the midst of the economic crash.She opens up about the early challenges of building a client base, the lack of government support for small businesses and how persistence kept her going. Karen also speaks about her long-term dream of launching a hotel chain, the power of networking, and why access...2025-06-1018 minDIIC PodcastMollie Gallagher - MEP Quantity Surveyor at Evaluation Consultants LtdAt just 26, Molly Gallagher is making waves as a Quantity Surveyor in mechanical & electrical services — despite starting with no construction subjects at school and living with dyslexia.In her chat with Faith Abudu, she breaks down the differences between contracting and consultancy QS roles, and why consultancy gave her access to niche sectors she loves.But the industry still has a long way to go: from 14% to just 18% female representation in over 15 years. Molly calls for better visibility, inclusive marketing, and smarter social media to attract more diverse talent into construction.2025-05-3033 minDIIC PodcastAbena Akuffo-Kelly FRSA - Former Mayor of FolkestoneIn this episode, we sit down with Abena Akuffo-Kelly FRSA – a speaker, mentor, coach, and a champion of inclusive leadership. Former Mayor of Folkestone (2024–25) and Chair of Folkestone & Hythe District Council (2023–24), Abena brings a unique blend of public service, education, and advocacy to everything she does.We explore her work in diversity, equity and inclusion – particularly around intersectionality, gender, race, ethnicity, neurodiversity and political leadership – and how she helps others find their voice and speak with confidence and authenticity.With over 16 years experience teaching computer science, a judging role at the BETT Awards, and co-authorship of Diverse...2025-05-211h 00DIIC PodcastKat Lees - KaNect LimitedIn this episode, we’re joined by Kat, a Chartered Environmentalist and Chartered Resource and Waste Management Consultant with over 17 years’ experience. Kat has worked across the UK and Ireland specialising in waste and resource management for major urban regeneration projects. She shares insights from her career journey, from starting at Veolia and building a specialist team at AECOM, to founding her own consultancy, KaNect Limited. Kat also talks about her work with the Chartered Institute of Waste Management and the Environmental Industries Commission, as well as her passion for mentoring the next generation of environmental professionals.2025-05-1236 minDIIC PodcastMelissa Dizon - KPO ArchitectureIn this episode, Faith Abudu sits down with Mel, a dynamic entrepreneur who shares her inspiring journey from the Philippines to the UK, where she co-founded KPO Architecture and Martello Building Consultancy. They delve into the power of networking, the value of outsourcing architectural services to the Philippines, and how this approach offers smart, cost-effective solutions. Mel opens up about her experiences in the construction industry, the challenge of juggling work and family life, and her passion for sustainability. She offers practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, touching on the importance of doing what you love, staying authentic, and building...2025-04-1645 minDIIC PodcastEllie Farlow MRICS - G4C Kent ClubIn this episode, Faith Abudu is joined by Ellie Farlow, a project manager at G4C Kent Club, to explore the concept of the "next gen" in construction – defined as professionals with up to ten years of experience. They discuss the vital role of Constructing Excellence in driving best practices and creating opportunities for networking and collaboration across the industry. Ellie shares insights into managing multiple projects, the value of having a supportive employer and the challenges women often face in construction due to outdated perceptions and limited support. The conversation highlights the importance of industry-wide collaboration, flexible working ar...2025-04-0433 minDIIC PodcastNaureen Ullah - Chair of Women in Social Housing (WISH) South EastIn this episode, we sit down with Naureen Ullah, a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in the housing sector. As the Partnerships Manager at SEC, Chair of Women in Social Housing (WISH) South East, and a dedicated Mentor for the Housing Diversity Network, Naureen shares her insights on driving positive change in the industry.We discuss her journey, the challenges faced in promoting inclusivity, and the vital role partnerships play in creating impactful solutions. Whether you're in the housing sector or simply interested in empowering communities, this episode...2025-03-2654 minDIIC PodcastBuilding a Better Future: Greg McKenzie from AW Group on Sustainability and Social ValueIn this episode, we’re joined by Greg McKenzie from AW Group, a growing rail and construction company, to discuss their commitment to sustainability and social value. Greg shares the challenges they face in implementing social value initiatives, particularly in fast-paced projects with complex logistics.Despite these hurdles, AW Group has achieved impressive results through their material reuse initiative, engaging local schools and community groups while reducing waste. Greg also highlights their efforts to support apprenticeships and work experience, helping to build a mo...2025-03-1155 minDIIC PodcastLucy Druesne - Chief Contracts & Policy OfficerIn this inaugural episode of the DIIC podcast, host Faith Abudu welcomes Lucy Druesne, a dual national from France and the UK, to share her inspiring career journey from project management to leading the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) for Kent and Medway. Lucy sheds light on the pressing challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including skills shortages and funding fragmentation. She underscores the critical role of support networks, mentorship, and early career exposure in overcoming these hurdles. Additionally, Lucy advocates for clear, long-term government policies and enhanced promotion of skills and career opportunities, particularly in the...2025-03-0428 min
Be QuranicBe Quranic - 9 : Leading a God-centric lifeOn day 9 of "Be Quranic," we delve into Surat Al-Fatiha's fifth ayah, "Iyyaka na'abudu wa iyyaka nasta'een," translating to "Only you we enslave ourselves to and only you we ask for help." This powerful verse defines our relationship with Allah, positioning us as His obedient slaves, continuously serving without expectation. It teaches us to use our intellect in understanding our faith, yet submit to Allah's wisdom without question once our belief is established. The concept of 'Isti'ana' is highlighted, where we first make efforts and then seek divine assistance, embodying a life that prioritises Allah's rights...2024-01-0807 min
Healing BalmThe Joy of AdversityAdversity can be viewed as a training for God to do a work in you that will be complete and perfect. Instead of running away when Adversity hits, we need to run towards God and prayers. By doing so, we trade our sorrows, pain and discomfort for his Joy and strength needed to overcome and be complete. "...Count it all joy when you fall into various trails, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." 2022-03-1525 min
My OpinionGrowing In Faith In your 20sOn this episode I and guest discussed about what faith means to us, how we try our best to grow in faith and the challenges we face when growing in faith. This podcast is available on Google podcast, apple podcast, Spotify, audiomack, Breaker, Radio republic.2021-05-0136 min
Dark RoastIntentionality in Pain - Part 2This episode introduces the importance of faith in the midst of pain and holding on to hope.2020-10-081h 06