Leader Spotlight #21 - Ben Mahmoud

Ben Bahaa Mahmoud is a Commercial Manager at SHAPE Australia and has a Lebanese cultural heritage.

1. Background and Inspiration: Could you share your journey into the property and construction industry and the key experiences that shaped your passion for this field?

I started my career in residential construction for a couple years before joining SHAPE Australia as a Project Coordinator I worked my way into my current role as Commercial Manager and building on our diversification into Health/ Aged Care sectors. Early in my career I realised I enjoyed seeing things come to life from beginning to end, I find it rewarding to see spaces transform and be used in a different way or new purpose. Now as a Leader in the VIC branch, that passion has turned towards people, I enjoy working with young up and coming leaders, mentoring and supporting them to be their best. Understanding what drives them as individuals, seeing their career progression and them hit their own personal and professional goals is really rewarding.

2. Leadership Strategies: In your leadership role, what strategies do you use to incorporate diverse cultural perspectives, and how do these align with-or differ from-approaches you see in the wider industry?

It took me a little while to understand my unique strengths and values, however over the years I’ve realised my genuine interest in people, emotional intelligence and ability to practice empathy were unique and my values as a Leader. I also recognised the influence I have as a Senior Leader within the industry and also at SHAPE and how I can facilitate and encourage a positive environment that embraces diverse cultures, whether that’s through hiring, putting together teams or advocating for people and initiatives. Unfortunately, our industry and certain organisations can be somewhat tokenistic with DEI or treat it as a tick-box exercise. I believe empathy and education are key, being open to learning new perspectives, asking questions with curiosity and doing so with understanding and not judgement.

3. Future Vision: Looking ahead, what changes or initiatives do you believe would have the most impact in helping the property and construction industry better embrace multiculturalism?

I believe people respond and respect value. If you can effectively educate and communicate the value of multiculturalism, that’s what brings people together. It’s not creating division but inviting everyone to the table (I think if you have hummus at the table, you’ll get more people), some people will sit and engage while others may decline the invite and that’s okay. Without diversity you’re missing out on wonderful things. (and everyone loves hummus).