Carol’s Path to Partnership: 9 Lessons in Leadership, Collaboration, and Determination

We sat down with Carol, Partner at our Edinburgh office, to explore the journey behind her path to Partnership.

Carol’s story shows that there is ‘no wrong path’ when ambition, curiosity and worth ethic guide the way. In this feature, we explore the pivotal moments, leadership lessons and philosophies that have shaped her career and the 9 lessons that anyone can take from her journey.

Lesson 1: Your career doesn’t need a traditional beginning. Curiosity and willingness to learn are powerful starting points.

“I always liked helping my dad, who was an electrician… I far preferred maths and science over arts and English.”

Carol’s love for hands-on problem-solving started at a young age. Leaving school at 16, she stepped straight into an apprenticeship, working on MOD sites from Faslane to Lossiemouth. This early exposure to real engineering challenges set the foundation for everything that followed.

Lesson 2: Big achievements are rarely quick wins. They’re the product of long-term commitment.

“Sitting within a few metres of the Queen at the opening made it a very proud moment.”

A key milestone in Carol’s career was the opening day of the Queensferry Crossing. It was a project that she has been heavily involved in through tender design, detailed design and construction for a mere 11 years! It was an iconic and a milestone that validated years of dedication.

Lesson 3: Career progression accelerates when you choose environments that recognise your contributions.

“I saw opportunities to be noticed at a local level and bring my clients and projects to where the skillsets and capabilities to allow greater flexibility to deliver for clients.”

The key decision to move from a large multinational PLC to Fairhurst allowed Carol to step out from the shadow of global governance structures and grow in an environment where her impact was visible.

Lesson 4: Great leaders are present, approachable, and invested in their people.

“Team breakfasts and a bit of camaraderie go a long way!”

Building strong, collaborative teams is key to great leadership. Carol believes collaboration is most effective when it’s personal and consistent. She stays close to her team, understanding deliverables to resource issues and project blockers. Being able to work together to resolves issues and ensure everyone is included is all part of the puzzle.

Lesson 5: Lead by example, but also listen and empower.

“You gain respect by knowing your field… but empathy and willingness to listen are key.”

When asked about leadership style, Carol believes leadership is grounded in competence and empathy. For Carol, technical competence is essential but it’s only half the story. On a more personal level, engagement, empathy and willingness to listen to your team is key. Everyone has a voice and has a part to play. Senior positions are only successful if you have a collaborative team.

Lesson 6: Focus comes from clarity; drive comes from purpose.

“Understanding priorities is key… I try to simplify things for my clarity and the team’s.”

She stays driven by the knowledge that her projects directly support national infrastructure goals. A key driver for her with her heavy Design and Build background is getting projects to site and construction completed. She says nothing better than driving along and saying “I designed that…”

Lesson 7: Leadership is more than a new title. It is an opportunity to further accelerate growth and culture.

“I’m keen to bring modernisation, collaboration and more major projects to Fairhurst.”

Carol’s priorities lie in setting the tone for client-focussed behaviours, getting involved in more major projects and inspiring more modernisation and collaboration across the offices.

Lesson 8: Being trusted is the real accelerator of a long, fulfilling career.

“Reaching dizzy heights doesn’t happen overnight.”

When asked about what people misunderstand about fulfilling careers, Carol sees sustainable progression coming from technical depth and accountability. Through a solid technical background and delivering high quality solutions, you gain the trust and respect from clients and peers. This mindset has ensured that you can make it through any sticky situation.

Lesson 9: There is no single route to success especially if you keep choosing to be curious and doing your best work.

“I love the No Wrong Path initiative—this was me. ”

From apprentice to Partner, Carol’s journey proves that careers aren’t linear. She hopes that people can see that as long as you work hard, take pride in what you and most of all enjoy what you do, you can reach your career goals.