5 minutes with… Leah Llewellyn

In this edition of our ‘5 Minutes with…’ interview series, we speak with Leah Llewellyn, Operations Manager at Engineered Timber Solutions Ltd (ETS). From marketing to management, Leah’s journey into timber engineering has been anything but conventional.

As operations manager at ETS, she has not only driven improvements in health and safety but also helped foster a culture of openness around mental wellbeing.

In this interview, Leah shares her career story, the lessons she’s learned, and why encouraging greater diversity across the construction industry matters now more than ever.

What first brought your attention to a career in timber engineering?

I joined ETS just over four years ago after coming across the job advert by chance. I knew very little about the timber engineering industry at the time, but sometimes the right opportunities come along when you least expect them. Within seven months, I was promoted to senior management and became operations manager.

My background is in operations and marketing, and I’ve always been drawn to roles where I can bring people together, solve problems, and help things run smoothly. I’ve enjoyed getting stuck into such a dynamic and hands-on industry, and it’s been a great journey so far.

What has been your proudest moment in your career to date?

One of my proudest achievements has been leading efforts to promote a strong health and safety culture within the company. I’ve also been passionate about encouraging open conversations about mental health and wellbeing at work. It’s important to me that everyone feels safe, supported, and empowered to speak up.

Building that kind of environment isn’t always easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding to see positive changes take hold and improve company culture. Knowing that my efforts have helped make the workplace more inclusive and caring is something I value.

What advice would you give someone who is starting in your profession?

Experience isn’t the most important thing when you’re starting; it’s your attitude that truly matters. Be ready to learn, be curious, and work hard.

Learning on the job has been key to my growth, and I’ve been lucky enough to work with some incredible people who have supported me, shared their knowledge, and given me the opportunities to develop. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, I’d also say: give it a go and push yourself.

Speaking up can feel intimidating at first, but the industry is more welcoming and supportive than you might expect. Don’t be afraid to share your ideas and get involved; you’ll find your place quickly.  

If you could change just one thing about the construction industry, what would it be and why?

I would like to see much more diversity and inclusion throughout the construction industry. Bringing different perspectives into the workplace makes teams stronger and sparks innovation.
It also helps create a more positive and welcoming culture where everyone can thrive. The construction sector has historically been quite traditional, but that’s changing.

Encouraging more variety in backgrounds and experiences will help the industry grow and attract new talent, especially younger generations who expect workplaces to be open and progressive.

If you could have dinner with anyone (dead or alive), who would it be and why?

If I could choose anyone, it would be my Nana and Grandad. They both faced a very long, hard battle with Alzheimer’s. Nana was diagnosed just after she retired, and Grandad cared for her until she passed, before sadly facing his diagnosis. I’d give anything to sit down with them again, tell them who I’ve become, and hear their voices and laughter. My Grandad was an incredible engineer, and I know he’d be so proud that I’m in this industry; he’d be asking me loads of questions about how it all works.

And then there’s Stevie Nicks… I was brought up on Fleetwood Mac, and she’s been my idol for as long as I can remember. She’s endlessly creative, totally captivating, and I imagine she’d have the most fascinating, off-the-wall stories to share over dinner. And knowing my Nana and Grandad, they’d have a few stories of their own to share with Stevie too! I’d just sit back and soak it all in.