In this episode of Tall Stories Hannah Nansett, the Institute’s former Projects Lead speaks with Emily Newmarch and Professor Robyn Phipps.

Emily is the Sustainability Lead, Low Carbon Specialist at Warren and Mahoney and completed her PhD at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington.

Robyn is the Dean of the Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington and was named as a Fellow of the Institute in 2023.

They discuss:

• Their shared passion for sustainability in construction


• Overcoming imposter syndrome – including advice such as trusting yourself, remembering no matter peoples titles they are all just people, pushing through the doubt and finding people whose ideas resonate with you.


• The challenges of being a woman in a male dominated industry and way that is changing. Along with the importance of financial literacy for women in particular.


• The importance of finding good mentors – surround yourself with people you admire and then watch how they work.


• How mentoring and volunteering is a two-way street – you’ll get out even more than you put in.


• Plus, advice including: find your fire, believe in yourself, and don’t compare yourself to others.

Listen for the full conversation.

When recording Tall Stories we travel around the motu to hear from our people across Aotearoa – this episode was recorded in Pōneke | Wellington at Designgroup Stapleton Elliott.