5 ways to be an inclusive leader (what 38 years at AtkinsRéalis has taught me)
I'm David, the Operations Director for AtkinsRéalis' Strategic Highways projects in the UK. In Part One of my blog series , I shared my experiences building an inclusive culture at AtkinsRéalis over the past 38 years. If you haven't read it, I recommend starting there to see how my team has shaped our ED&I journey. In this second part, I reflect on five leadership insights I've gained along the way:
1. First, understand yourself as a leader
Leadership models have changed over my 38 years and for the better. I identify most with leadership models that focus on being an inclusive and authentic servant. I've learned to spend time getting to know myself and my own style and preferences. This has helped me understand how I come across to others and develop approaches to influencing others.
2. Create a workplace where your team thrives
As a leader, you're only as good as your team. You must create a culture for your teams to thrive, so motivation is vital. I aim to help everyone reach their potential, individually and collectively. I guide and encourage colleagues, shifting to a more directive approach only when needed. Understanding others' experiences is crucial to becoming an inclusive leader.
3. Value two-way mentoring in leadership
Mentoring colleagues in the UK and India has been rewarding—I've learned as much as I've shared. In recent years, I have favored a two-way mentoring approach. This has allowed me to learn from colleagues who are Gen Z and Millennials, and it has shaped my leadership approach by ensuring I do not assume others think in the same way as me.
4. Take on new opportunities to grow as a leader
If you want to grow your career at AtkinsRéalis, especially in leadership roles, take opportunities to broaden your experience when they arise. The timing may not always be perfect, but having a breadth of experience will add to your personal brand and CV. Take a few risks and trust in your own capabilities and adaptability. Others will always be there to support you.
5. Build diverse teams for stronger results
Diversity of thought and experience is crucial to team success. I've seen the power of diverse teams, especially when working on global projects. Teams that reflect a variety of perspectives can solve problems more creatively and effectively. One of my priorities going forward is ensuring that we actively select and develop inclusive teams for our projects and measure their effectiveness.
6. Lead with integrity and compassion
As a Christian, my faith provides a values-based framework that drives my commitment to ED&I and my focus on colleagues' wellbeing. I believe every person is valuable and has a contribution to make—I want everyone to thrive and succeed. Some of my toughest decisions have involved addressing issues like underperformance or over-resourcing, knowing their impact on individuals. I always approach these challenges with integrity and compassion, and time after time, I've seen positive outcomes.
Explore leadership with us and become part of a team where inclusion, mentorship, and growth are at the heart of what we do. Browse our leadership opportunities today.
Interested? Find out more about life at AtkinsRéalis
Sign up to receive the latest content tailored to your interests
Our articles

Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
03/12/2025
Summary
Hi, I'm Lana. I hold a French engineering degree in geotechnical and civil engineering from Polytech Grenoble, which included a two-semester Erasmus+ exchange at Loughborough University. My journ

Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
03/07/2025
Summary
Hello, my name is Manali, and I work at AtkinsRéalis at the Global Technology Centre (GTC) in India. This International Women's Day, I want to tell you about my career journey, which has been as

by
Akash Kumar
.jpg)
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
03/06/2025
Summary
The state of the UK water industry Water is the foundation of life. It sustains communities, powers industries, and supports ecosystems—but across the world, this critical resource is under increa
.jpg)
Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
03/06/2025
Summary
What are social value jobs? Social value jobs aren’t just roles with ‘social value’ in the title—they’re careers that make a tangible impact on communities, the environment, and society as a whole
.png)
Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
03/05/2025
Summary
Hi, my name is Britty. I'm a Chartered Water and Environmental Manager based in Bengaluru. I have over seven years of engineering experience in the water and wastewater industry and work in the Gl

by
Akash Kumar

Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
03/03/2025
Summary
The importance of job satisfaction can’t be understated. When we work in a great place, we do our job with a smile. At AtkinsRéalis, we’re committed to being the best place in the Middle East for impa
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
03/03/2025
Summary
Civil engineering jobs in the Middle East are among the most in demand and exciting opportunities in the industry. Backed by ambitious sustainability goals and mega-projects like NEOM, the growth

Preview
CanadaContent type
BlogsPublish date
03/03/2025
Summary
Snippet title Lire en français Mechanical engineering jobs in Canada are in higher demand than ever. With technological advancements and a growing emphasis on sustainability in the industry

Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
03/03/2025
Summary
Being a woman is still seen as a disqualification for many professions, even today, especially in male-dominated fields like civil and mechanical engineering. Motherhood adds another layer of re

by
Akash Kumar

Preview
AsiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
02/25/2025
Summary
The Singapore Grand Prix is not just a spectacular event for motorsport enthusiasts; it’s a testament to organizational excellence and technical precision. At the helm of this monumental projec

Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
02/25/2025
Summary
Hello, I'm Justin. As Associate Director of Project and Programme Services at AtkinsRéalis, I work on complex projects in the highways and infrastructure sectors whilst also leading a team of peo
Preview
AsiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
02/12/2025
Summary
Snippet title Lire en français Engineering has traditionally been a male-dominated field, but this dynamic is steadily changing. Women are breaking barriers and excelling in STEM careers
Related jobs
Salary
Location
Orlando
Job Type
Part Time
Career Area
Architecture
Market
Transportation
Category
Contractor / Temporary
Location
Orlando
Description
WE ARE HIRING!AtkinsRéalis is seeking a Transportation Planning Intern to join our team in the Orlando, Florida office.ABOUT US AtkinsRéalis is one of the world’s most respected design, engineering, a
Reference
R-128380
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Epsom
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Consultant
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
Birmingham
Manchester
London
Epsom
Bristol
Edinburgh
Various locations
Description
Are you ready to take up a vital role in leading some of our exciting projects and shaping our future growth? How about joining our talented team, where everyone has a voice, and together we face our
Reference
R-128355
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Vinayak DaddiAuthor
Vinayak DaddiSalary
Location
Bangalore
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Engineering (Other)
Market
Transportation
Category
Loan of Personnel
Location
Gurgaon
Bangalore
Description
We’re AtkinsRéalis, a world-leading Design, Engineering and Project Management organization. Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, we are a world-leading profe
Reference
R-128354
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Raleigh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Project management
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
Greensboro
Raleigh
Description
Why join us? It’s an exciting time at AtkinsRéalis! We are rapidly growing in the US. Our company's purpose is to build a better world for our planet and its people. We recognize the importance of ma
Reference
R-128661
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Calgary
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Project management
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
Calgary
Description
Systems Integration DirectorAre you looking for a company that works on major engineering projects all over the world? Do you want to make a difference by improving the daily lives of communities worl
Reference
R-128603
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Atlanta
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Civil engineering
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
Atlanta
Description
Why join us?It’s an exciting time at AtkinsRéalis! We are rapidly growing in the US. Our company's purpose is to build a better world for our planet and its people. We recognize the importance of maki
Reference
R-128601
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Woodbridge
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Administrative support
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
Woodbridge
Description
Administrative Laboratory AssistantAre you looking for a company that works on major engineering projects all over the world? Do you want to make a difference by improving the daily lives of communiti
Reference
R-128494
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Atlanta
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Civil engineering
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
Atlanta
Description
Why join us?We are hiring! AtkinsRéalis is seeking a Roadway Engineer to join our Atlanta, GA office.This role will be reporting to Sr Technical Professional or Technical Manager. Under supervision, p
Reference
R-128458
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Calgary
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Civil engineering
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
Calgary
Edmonton
Regina
Saskatoon
Various locations
Description
Team Lead - Transportation InfrastructureAre you looking for a company that works on major engineering projects all over the world? Do you want to make a difference by improving the daily lives of com
Reference
R-128419
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Bangalore
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Engineering (Other)
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
Bangalore
Description
We’re AtkinsRéalis, a world class Engineering Services and Nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our i
Reference
R-128401
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Orlando
Job Type
Part Time
Career Area
Architecture
Market
Transportation
Category
Contractor / Temporary
Location
Orlando
Description
WE ARE HIRING!AtkinsRéalis is seeking a Transportation Planning Intern to join our team in the Orlando, Florida office.ABOUT US AtkinsRéalis is one of the world’s most respected design, engineering, a
Reference
R-128380
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Epsom
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Consultant
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
Birmingham
Manchester
London
Epsom
Bristol
Edinburgh
Various locations
Description
Are you ready to take up a vital role in leading some of our exciting projects and shaping our future growth? How about joining our talented team, where everyone has a voice, and together we face our
Reference
R-128355
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Vinayak DaddiAuthor
Vinayak DaddiSalary
Location
Bangalore
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Engineering (Other)
Market
Transportation
Category
Loan of Personnel
Location
Gurgaon
Bangalore
Description
We’re AtkinsRéalis, a world-leading Design, Engineering and Project Management organization. Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, we are a world-leading profe
Reference
R-128354
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Raleigh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Project management
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
Greensboro
Raleigh
Description
Why join us? It’s an exciting time at AtkinsRéalis! We are rapidly growing in the US. Our company's purpose is to build a better world for our planet and its people. We recognize the importance of ma
Reference
R-128661
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Calgary
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Project management
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
Calgary
Description
Systems Integration DirectorAre you looking for a company that works on major engineering projects all over the world? Do you want to make a difference by improving the daily lives of communities worl
Reference
R-128603
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Atlanta
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Civil engineering
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
Atlanta
Description
Why join us?It’s an exciting time at AtkinsRéalis! We are rapidly growing in the US. Our company's purpose is to build a better world for our planet and its people. We recognize the importance of maki
Reference
R-128601
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Equality, diversity and inclusion
We’re devoted to growing the diversity of our people, promoting an inclusive culture, providing everyone with an equal voice because simply put, it’s the right thing to do. Click to learn more.
Find out more