Hala Taouk has traded fitting in for standing out, carving her path in the construction industry with authenticity and unwavering enthusiasm.
Speak with Hala Taouk, senior commercial manager at CIMIC Group’s UGL, and it quickly becomes clear: she is proudly herself – passionate about construction and a natural leader. But this sense of authenticity was hard‑won, honed over many years of perseverance and self-discovery.
A civil engineering graduate from the University of New South Wales, Taouk wasted no time diving into the construction world. Her debut project – a high-rise building in Sydney – saw her stepping onto a site as the sole woman among 200. While many might have been daunted by such an environment, Taouk rose to the challenge, overcoming obstacles and emerging stronger in the process.
Reflecting on it now, despite its challenges, she says she enjoyed the experience.
“I started as a site engineer and, as I like to say, earned my stripes. The great thing about being on a construction site is the authenticity – there’s a level of genuine connection I haven’t seen elsewhere. By the end of a project, it often feels like you’ve become a family because everyone is working towards a common goal every single day,” says Taouk.
“Even though I graduated with a civil engineering degree, I realised I wanted to be part of that atmosphere. That, and I loved the smell of fresh concrete in the morning.”
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While Taouk looks back on the experience with fondness, recognising how it helped shape the leader she is today, she’s also grateful to see how the industry has progressed. Her male colleagues often struggled to know how to communicate with her, and she, in turn, found it challenging to connect with them.
“Fast forward 20 years, and I’ve seen significant progress,” she says. “People have become more aware, and with awareness comes understanding. I don’t see men resisting these changes. Quite the opposite – I see them actively promoting and supporting women, even with gestures like wearing pink shoelaces to show solidarity.”
A defining moment in her career came years later, when she shared a site office with a female engineer sporting fluoro-purple nails and reading Vogue during lunch. It was a far cry from her early days – a testament to how the industry had grown to embrace individuality.
“Back yourself and be yourself,” says Taouk. “Don’t try to be one of the boys – your strength lies in doing things your way. That’s the key takeaway I want women to know.”
Taouk’s identity as a Lebanese Australian also plays a vital role in her story. Although born in Australia, she spent her teenage years in Lebanon before returning at 18 to study engineering on her own. This experience instilled a profound resilience.
“I’ve realised that embracing my whole self – both as a woman and as someone from an ethnically diverse background – is a strength,” she says. “Times have changed, and so has the way people appreciate diversity, both cultural and personal.”
At a company she previously worked for, Taouk experienced the power of diverse perspectives in an operations role within the company’s digital business. Collaborating with architects, engineers, software developers and user experience consultants reinforced the value of authenticity and confidence.
“Your personal brand is what sets you apart,” she says. “When you embrace it, you not only advance your career but also make a meaningful impact.”
With a career spanning iconic projects like Sydney’s Darling Square, Taouk is now working on the HumeLink West transmission project being delivered by CIMIC Group companies, UGL and CPB Contractors for Transgrid Group. The initiative, which will deliver renewable energy to Australian households, holds special significance for her.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity,” she says. “Being part of a project that powers homes with renewable energy is incredibly meaningful. It’s something I’m proud to share with my kids and friends.”
Taouk’s days are as varied as her career. Mornings begin early, juggling emails and family routines. Work often involves tackling procurement issues, managing teams and ensuring regulatory compliance.
“To excel as a commercial manager, you need to be a jack of all trades, master of none,” she says. “The role requires a combination of skills – part engineer or construction professional, part lawyer, part accountant, and, most importantly, an effective communicator.”
Once at work, Taouk’s plans often shift as unanticipated events arise. If she completes even 30 per cent of her planned tasks, she considers it a success.
“No two days are the same,” says Taouk. “The construction industry, particularly at this level, requires a blend of process-driven activities and reactive problem-solving.”
She also takes pride in fostering seamless communication between her team and senior management, ensuring ideas are heard at all levels.
“As a manager of managers, I act as a conduit,” she says. “Whether it’s the most junior team member or senior leadership, my aim is to create harmony and let the best ideas drive decisions.”
Throughout her career, Hala Taouk has demonstrated the versatility of an engineering background, working across various roles and business areas.
“My journey proves engineering isn’t confined to design offices or calculations,” she says. “I’ve moved up, sideways and beyond, always seeking new challenges. It’s a dynamic, exciting path.”
For now, Taouk’s focus remains on the HumeLink West project, but she also has her sights set on operations management.
“It’s all about people, oversight and leadership, which really excites me,” she says. “Beyond that? The sky’s the limit.”
With her passion and authenticity lighting the way, it seems the sky truly is the limit for Hala Taouk.
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