IWD: 60 seconds with Jane Hodder

60 second Q&A with Jane Hodder

What was your career path like? Did you always want to work in this field?

My career path was varied. I had no real concept of Projects or Real Estate Development when I first started. I wanted to be IR lawyer and spent time working with Graeme Smith, John Cooper and Graeme Watson and then navigated through Litigation, Corporate and Property before joining the Projects team when it was first started in 1995 – so I guess my tip for young players is don’t be inflexible and enjoy the ride!

What do you wish someone had told you early in your career?

In our industry there are big highs and big lows, but let neither one distract you from the main game because we can sometimes have some flat times but you have to keep your eye on horizon and focus.

What tips do you have for all the women coming up behind you?

Really make yourself known and your ambitions known. Get involved, don’t wait for someone to invite you to play, just get among action. If you wait on the side lines waiting to be asked you may well be in for a long wait.

What woman inspires you and why?

Angela Merkel. In the face of such global turmoil she is able to stay so focused and calm and brings people along with her. She has such a tough job to do, she is different to Margaret Thatcher who achieved so much and was really a woman of her time.

Where do you see the future taking you?

To exciting places! It’s not over yet for me but the fun is not knowing exactly where you will end up. But you work on the ground work and set yourself up so you are well placed for the opportunities you want. For me those are both inside and outside the firm. I am very interested in board work and already sit on three boards but would welcome more opportunities.