For decades, construction has been dominated by men. But as the labor shortage continues to squeeze the trades, companies are realizing it’s time to get serious about diversifying their workforce. And one of the biggest opportunities? Women.
In this episode of Titans of the Trades, host Ryan Englin sits down with Dr. Gretchen Gagel – CEO and Founder of Greatness Consulting, and author of Building Women Leaders – to explore why women are still underrepresented in construction and how we can start changing that narrative.
It Starts with Culture
Gretchen has lived it. She was Ralston Purina’s first female operations manager and has led everything from baby food plants to dog food factories. Today, she advises construction firms around the world. Her message is clear: If you want more women in the trades, you have to make the workplace somewhere they’ll want to stay.
That starts with company culture. You can’t bring people in if the environment isn’t ready. That means educating leadership, creating respectful job sites, and eliminating the subtle biases that keep talented people from thriving.
Unconscious Bias Is Real – And It’s Holding You Back
One of the biggest challenges Dr. Gagel tackles in her book is unconscious bias. It’s not always obvious, but it’s everywhere – from assumptions made during hiring to microaggressions in jobsite meetings. And the worst part? Most people don’t even realize they’re doing it.
She tells a story about being asked if she was a flight attendant while wearing a suit and traveling for work. Why? Because the idea of a woman business executive didn’t fit the driver’s mental “file folder.” These biases affect hiring decisions, team dynamics, and company reputation.
But the fix isn’t impossible. She recommends regular reflection, encouraging feedback from your team, and creating space for people to call out biased behavior in a respectful way.
The Data Tells the Story
Only 2.4% of electricians are women. That’s barely moved in a decade.
Dr. Gagel is launching a global institute focused on women thriving in construction, and she’s partnering with major industry players to publish new data. Her goal? Get more women into trades and leadership positions…and make sure they stay.
She also makes a compelling case for business owners: bringing in women isn’t charity, it’s strategy. Women leaders consistently outperform expectations. Many female plumbers, project managers, and tradeswomen are praised for their efficiency, attention to detail, and customer satisfaction. So why aren’t we doing more to recruit them?
How Business Leaders Can Lead the Change
The responsibility doesn’t fall solely on HR. Owners, CEOs, and site supervisors all play a role. Start by:
- Training your team on unconscious bias and respectful communication.
- Creating support systems.
- Partnering with nonprofits to help women re-enter the workforce.
- Engaging families to shift generational perspectives on the trades.
And most importantly, listen. Women in your organization will tell you what’s working, and what’s not, if you create space for honest feedback.
Want to see what leadership looks like when everyone thrives? Listen to the full episode now.
Connect With Dr. Gagel
Website: https://gretchengagel.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gretchen-gagel/
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Building-Women-Leaders-Blueprint-Construction/dp/1394251386
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