#LifeLessons - The Biggest Life Learnings Of Louise Collins

NAME: Louise Collins

AGE: 45

JOB TITLE: Partner Focal Middle East

Louise Collins is a mechanical engineer with an Executive MBA who founded her own consultancy after two decades in the industry. A mother of two, she also sits on the board of a development company and is passionate about championing women in construction. Louise thrives on building businesses and strong teams, believing that success is rooted in collaboration and trust.

Away from projects and boardrooms, she values the support of her girlfriends and the power of shared experiences. Her journey blends professional leadership with personal resilience, showing that growth comes from both ambition and community.

Today Louise shares with us her biggest life lessons to-date:

#LIFELESSON – 1 - Keep Learning

One of the biggest misconceptions in professional life is that once you’ve gained experience, the need for structured learning fades away. The truth is, learning never stops and the further you progress, the more important it becomes to stay ahead. Experience gives you wisdom, but education sharpens your perspective and arms you with tools to adapt in a rapidly changing world.Over the last few years, I’ve made deliberate choices to keep learning. I pursued an MBA, became LEED certified, and achieved board certification. Each step wasn’t just about adding letters after my name, but about gaining fresh insights and challenging myself to think differently. Now, I’ve embarked on an AI qualification because the pace of change in technology demands it. If we want to remain relevant, we need to evolve with the times.Knowledge compounds like interest: the more you invest in it, the greater your ability to lead, innovate, and adapt. Continuous learning is not just about staying competitive; it’s about curiosity, growth, and refusing to settle. The best leaders are lifelong students who understand that education is not a phase but a mindset.

#LIFELESSON – 2 - Be Humble

In industries like ours, one truth stands out: people move around—often more quickly than we expect. Today’s junior associate might be tomorrow’s client, partner, or even boss. Roles, titles, and companies change, but what remains constant is how people remember you. That’s where humility becomes one of the most important traits a professional can have.Being humble doesn’t mean undervaluing yourself—it means recognizing that every person you meet has something to teach you. It’s about listening, acknowledging others, and treating everyone with respect, regardless of their position. Too often, success can breed arrogance, but real leadership is about connection, not hierarchy.I’ve seen time and again that those who lead with humility create trust that endures across roles and organizations. When people know you treat them with respect, they’ll want to work with you again, no matter where they land. Success is rarely achieved in isolation—it’s built on relationships.Humility is also grounding. It reminds us where we started and keeps us open to new ideas. In a world where titles are temporary, humility ensures your legacy is defined by character, not just by achievement.

#LIFELESSON – 3 - Put Your Hand Up

One of the biggest barriers to career growth is silence. Too often, opportunities are missed simply because people don’t put themselves forward. Research highlights a striking gap: women are 25% less likely than men to ask for promotions or stretch assignments. Yet those who stay longer in a role are 30% more likely to be promoted based on tenure. The message is clear—waiting quietly for recognition isn’t enough.Putting your hand up doesn’t guarantee success, but it guarantees visibility. Whether it’s volunteering for a new project, applying for a leadership role, or directly asking for a promotion, speaking up positions you for consideration. Yes, rejection is possible—but every “ask” also builds confidence, shows ambition, and signals to others that you’re ready for more.For women especially, advocating for yourself is not just about personal advancement but about shifting workplace culture. The more we normalize asking, the more opportunities will open. Longevity and hard work are important, but they must be paired with courage and self-advocacy.Careers are not built on waiting to be noticed—they’re built on action. So put your hand up. It’s not just a step forward for you; it’s a step forward for all of us