INTRODUCTION

• Louise Rodrigues runs her own Dubai-based consultancy AQUILA, developing and delivering major building projects in the United Arab Emirates.

• She graduated from Nottingham Trent in the year 2000 with a degree in building and surveying.

• Louise began her career in London, developing education and healthcare buildings, with several companies including Atkins, DHP and Lendlease.

• During the last two decades, she has worked across the Middle East on multi-billion-dollar developments, including new islands, luxury hotels, golf courses and resorts.

• Louise also serves on the World Regional Board of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, where she is a champion of next-generation leadership.

LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS from Episode 71 of the Business Leaders’ Podcast, with Louise Rodrigues…

1 Direct communication is key – particularly when working across international boundaries…

"I've become a lot more direct with instructions... it is better to be direct than be misunderstood."

2 Team curation is critical. Leaders need to think about who they select for their teams…

“You need to pick the right personalities."

3 When selecting staff, attitude often trumps technical skills…

"You can train for technical skill. You can't train for attitude."

4. Empathy and humility are essential…

"There is no place for ego on big [construction] projects."

5. Diverse teams produce better project outcomes…

"You need lots of different viewpoints in the same room."

6. Your reputation is crucial…

"Always aim to leave a place in a better position than when you found it. Reputation goes a long way."

7 Having a sense of humour helps navigate challenges…

"If you can't have a laugh, situations can become quite bleak."

8 Continuous learning is important…

“People need to develop their skills [continuously].”

RELATED LINKS

• Louise Rodrigues’ LinkedIn pages
• Louise is a member of the World Regional Board of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors
• Louise was guest speaker at the 2024 CPI Trade Media digital construction summit

If you enjoyed this episode of the Business Leaders’ Podcast with Louise Rodrigues, listen to previous shows with…

• The MD of Via East Midlands and Arc Partnership Dan Maher

• Managing Director at Morgan Sindall Sean Bowles

• Co-founder of the Amazing If… company Sarah Ellis