Shaping Change Through Curiosity:
A Career Across Land, Housing and Energy

For many leaders working across housing, development and energy today, career paths are rarely linear. For Emma, her journey has been defined by curiosity, adaptability and a willingness to embrace opportunity - even when it led into entirely new sectors.

“My career didn’t start in housing, and it certainly wasn’t a straight line,” Emma reflects.

After studying Land Economy at the University of Cambridge, Emma began her professional life as a rural surveyor. While the role offered valuable experience, she quickly realised it wasn’t quite the right fit. It did, however, reinforce something important - a desire to work in a dynamic, outward-facing environment rather than being confined to a desk.

A pivotal shift came as land around Cambridge began to be allocated for new homes and business parks. Moving into development proved transformative.

“I felt totally at home,” Emma explains. “Working with landowners and developers to bring forward housing was exciting and purposeful.”

Her career quickly progressed, moving from consultancy into a developer role, where she spent several years bringing sites to life - including land she had previously helped to sell. That experience provided a unique, end-to-end perspective on development, from acquisition through to delivery.

Broadening her experience further, Emma later moved to the landowner side, working with Marshall Group in Cambridge. There, she played a key role in shaping a major masterplan, overseeing 900 acres of land and more than a million square feet of commercial space around the airport.

“It was an incredible experience,” she reflects. “It gave me a real appreciation for long-term vision and the complexity of large-scale placemaking.”

Adapting, evolving and embracing opportunity

Throughout her career, one theme has remained constant - a willingness to adapt and step into new challenges.

After returning to a developer role to establish a joint venture focused on an agri-tech business park, Emma experienced one of the inevitable setbacks that come with large-scale projects when the scheme was unsuccessful at appeal.

However, this moment coincided with a new opportunity - leading a housing association initiative backed by multiple organisations. She spent several years in the role before wider sector challenges led to structural changes.  It was at this point that another unexpected opportunity emerged.

“I never saw myself working in energy, housing or even the green sector,” Emma says. “My career has been shaped by chance meetings, conversations and being genuinely curious about what others are working on.”

That curiosity ultimately led her into the energy sector, marking another significant pivot in an already diverse career.

Learning beyond the day job

A defining feature of Emma’s career has been a commitment to continuous learning - not just through formal roles, but through actively seeking out new perspectives.

“For me, it’s not just about the job - it’s about understanding how I can learn more from where I’m working,” she explains.

Where gaps in knowledge existed, Emma turned to volunteering to build experience - from understanding governance and finance, to gaining insight into how different parts of an organisation operate.

“Just sitting in different environments and learning has given me a real understanding of how everything connects,” she says. “It’s also shown me how you can influence change and deliver better outcomes.”

Leadership through listening and empowerment

Emma’s approach to leadership has evolved over time, shaped by experience and reflection.

“Leadership, for me, starts with listening,” she explains. “Listening to customers, to colleagues, and really taking the time to understand what’s being said.”

She sees leadership not as control, but as enabling others - removing barriers, amplifying voices and creating space for people to grow.

“Sometimes leadership is simply being an unblocker,” Emma says. “Helping someone move forward, get heard or take the next step.”

She is also clear on the importance of authenticity.

“I try to bring my honest self to work every day - being reliable and recognising both successes and mistakes.”

The power of support networks

Like many senior leaders, Emma’s journey has not been without its challenges. She is open about the importance of having a strong support system.

“I’ve faced countless challenges throughout my career,” she says. “But having the right people around you can make all the difference.”

She credits close colleagues and peers - particularly women she trained alongside - with providing both encouragement and honest challenge.

“They know me better than I sometimes know myself,” Emma reflects. “That support has given me the confidence to take risks and explore new directions.”

Driven by the unknown

One of the most significant realisations in Emma’s career has been understanding what truly motivates her.

“I didn’t realise for a long time that what really drives me is doing things that haven’t been done before,” she says.

The absence of a defined path, she explains, creates space for innovation and problem-solving.

“If there are no rules, you can use your skills, instincts and judgement to find a solution - and that is incredibly rewarding.”

It is a mindset she believes will become increasingly important as industries evolve and new roles emerge.

A national opportunity: the Warm Homes Plan

Looking ahead, Emma sees significant potential in the government’s Warm Homes Plan.

“What excites me most is that it’s a much broader proposition,” she explains. “It brings together social housing, private homes and the wider market to move everyone forward, without leaving people behind.”

She also highlights the opportunity for regional leadership.

“It gives combined authorities a real platform to attract investment, lead innovation and demonstrate what good looks like.”

At its core, she believes the programme is about improving everyday lives.

“It’s not just about the planet - it’s about warmer homes and lower bills for the people living in them.”

The skills that will shape the future

While technical skills will remain important, Emma believes some of the most critical capabilities for the future may be less expected.

“Communication will be key,” she says. “Without clear communication, there won’t be trust.”

This applies not only to professionals within the sector, but also to homeowners themselves - particularly as new technologies such as heat pumps, solar panels and battery systems become more common.

“We need to simplify the conversation,” she explains. “Less technical language, more human understanding.”

Alongside this, she highlights the growing importance of digital connectivity and integration - ensuring technologies work seamlessly together and are easy for people to use in their everyday lives.

Creating pathways for women in the sector

For women considering a career in housing, energy, or retrofit, Emma’s message is one of encouragement and possibility.

“This sector is full of opportunity,” she says. “The government is investing heavily, and there’s huge potential for growth.”

She encourages women to be bold, flexible and open to change.

“You don’t need to have it all figured out from the start,” Emma explains. “Careers aren’t fixed. You can pivot, adapt and build new skills over time.”

Attracting and retaining talent

Looking at the wider challenge of attracting talent into the sector, Emma believes opportunity and visibility are key.

“It’s about giving people opportunities and allowing them to grow,” she says.

She also highlights the importance of professional networks and personal visibility.

“Your network matters. How you present yourself, what you share and how you engage - it all plays a role in shaping future opportunities.”

A message to the next generation

For the next generation of women entering the industry, Emma’s message is both honest and empowering.

“You can be brave, you can be bold — and you can build a career alongside whatever life brings,” she says.

She acknowledges the realities many women face in balancing career and personal responsibilities but remains clear in her belief that ambition should not be limited.

“There are incredible opportunities out there,” Emma says. “And we need more people stepping forward to take them.”

Ultimately, she sees the future of the sector as one shaped by those willing to step up and embrace change.

“The transition to better homes and a greener future depends on it,” she concludes.