If you have ever been in the hot seat of a building project, or watched a renovation show, you’ll know how stressful the building process can be, and that success ultimately relies on excellent communication. Vicky Mann Director Building Evolution is using technology to improve communication and collaboration for clients who are building new homes, extending or renovating. She has found that using online tools demystifies the building process, and helps home owners to make better informed decisions quickly.
As well as Building Evolution, Vicky is a Non-Executive Director of Next Address, PayThat Holdings and The Band Corp and also runs her own marketing business Vicky Mann CMO.
How does Building Evolution use technology to provide clients with visibility and facilitate collaboration from a cost and process point of view?
At Building Evolution we use an online collaborative tool to record all elements of the project, capture communication and share documents. It also provides a complete breakdown of all cost components and the timing schedules for each task. This tool allows us to explore options with our clients and for them to have full visibility of the time and cost implications for their choices.
At any given time our clients can jump onto their dashboard and have full visibility of their project costs, the schedule and what is coming next for them. On each of our sites, our Project Managers take regular photographs so our clients can see the progress of their new homes.
What are your Top 3 tips to people who may be considering extending or renovating their property?
- Engage with your Builder from the inception of the design process. They will guide you with cost effective ways to achieve amazing architectural outcomes and ensure your designs can be achieved in the construction phase.
- Always allow for a 10% contingency on the total project cost. Especially when renovating, there are challenges, need for repairs or extra work that is only revealed once construction is in progress. If you factor this in your project costs, you will be have the funds available to deal with these inevitable challenges as they arise.
- Have a clear picture in your mind for what you want to achieve, whilst remaining flexible to new ideas and approaches. The art of building is translating a 2D linear concept into a 3D reality and a great builder will collaborate with you to achieve your vision. It is your ability to work cohesively and deal with the challenges as they present themselves that can make for an enjoyable journey.
You’re currently a Non-Executive Director for Next Address, PayThat Holdings and The Band Corp. What attracted you to serving on these boards, and what key skills do you bring to them?
These three companies are really exciting innovators in their fields. All comprise of super intelligent, hardworking and tenacious individuals with whom I am privileged to work with and learn from. All three are what I term ‘Profit with Purpose’ based organisations that use their super powers for good and operate from a position of organisational kindness.
The rigour of my 20+ years of corporate sales and marketing experience, a passion for governance and strategy, together with my agility as a start-up and small business mentor is what I bring to the table. The diversity of these boards, from securing capital to launching products into new markets, is exciting, challenging and ensures there is never a dull moment.
Tell us why you are so passionate about mentoring, and what makes for a successful mentoring relationship.
Throughout my career I have had amazing mentors who have given of their time and support to help me grow, both personally and professionally. I am excited to engage with people who are eager to learn and who are passionate about the work they do. More often than not I learn a great deal for those who I have the privilege of mentoring.
My recent high school work experience student taught me how to use Snapchat and helped us articulate the value proposition for a client’s new Bubble Tea range, it was a very cool experience. Mentoring is about having an openness to learn and a willingness to try new things. I’m particularly passionate about working with women in start-up and small business; helping them realise their superpowers and take flight is a huge reward.
Your greatest challenge?
Winston Churchill said “When you are going through hell, just keep going”. I firmly believe some of the biggest challenges I have faced have resulted in the biggest achievements.
Most proud of?
The relationships I have built over many years. Friends become have clients, clients have become friends and the support of colleagues recent and past has been a continual joy in my career.
Advice for future female leaders?
Surely I’d have quote Brene Browne/Teddi Roosevelt: Step into the arena and have a go, know you will sometimes fail, know you will also experience great joy; only take on the feedback of those willing to do the same. (Ignore the peanut gallery!).
ABOUT FEMECONOMY
You are the female economy. Whether you are a female consumer, business owner or a woman in the workforce, you can create gender equality by choosing female led brands.
Building Evolution is a Femeconomy Platinum Member.To learn more about joining Femeconomy, hit the big red button below:
