Our ‘Women in Construction Series’ features Kanta Sharma, Assistant Manager – Commercial, from our India team.
Kanta joined Leighton Asia in 2023 and works on our Birla Niyaara project where she manages tender tasks, oversees work orders, and finalises contractor selection and contract terms. She believes that creating an inclusive and collaborative environment is essential for achieving diversity and equity goals in the construction industry.
What inspired you to join the industry?
I’ve always been passionate about problem-solving and achieving tangible results. The construction industry offers the unique opportunity to be involved in projects that create a lasting impact on the community. The combination of engineering, design, and project management, along with the challenges of a dynamic environment, inspired me to pursue a career in this field.
Describe your experience at Leighton Asia.
‘collaborative’, ‘challenging’, ‘rewarding’.
The culture at Leighton Asia is built on collaboration, respect, and continuous learning. We prioritise teamwork and open communication, ensuring that everyone feels valued and supported. Safety and quality are a strong focus, as well as innovation, enabling us to tackle complex projects.
Leighton Asia truly values its employees and fosters a sense of belonging and pride in our work.
What makes Leighton Asia different?
Leighton Asia stands out for its unwavering commitment to innovation, safety, and sustainability. Its commitment to quality and delivering projects on time and within budget, also set Leighton Asia apart as a trusted partner in the construction industry.
What do you think about gender equality/diversity in the construction industry in India?
The Indian construction industry has made progress toward equality, diversity, and inclusion, but there is still a significant journey ahead. There’s a growing awareness of the need for equal opportunities for all genders and backgrounds. Sustained effort is essential to building an inclusive environment where diverse voices are truly heard and valued.
What else do you think can be done to further drive equality and diversity in the construction industry in India?
To achieve meaningful progress in diversity and equality, the organisations can implement training programs to address unconscious gender bias, develop mentoring programs to attract diverse talent, introduce flexible working policies to support work-life balance. They can also celebrate diverse leaders and role models and ensure work environments are free from harassment and discrimination.