Role Model of the Year — Winner: Ellie Farlow (née Carswell), AtkinsRéalis
Ellie Farlow has been named Role Model of the Year, recognised for her exceptional leadership, unwavering professionalism, and profound impact on colleagues, clients, and communities. In a category celebrating individuals who uplift others and set the benchmark for behaviours across the industry, Ellie stood out as the embodiment of what a modern construction role model should be.
Her dedication to inclusivity, her commitment to high standards, and her tireless support for others have had a transformative influence within AtkinsRéalis and beyond.
Why She Won
Ellie’s influence extends far beyond the duties of her role. She consistently demonstrates the behaviours that inspire confidence, trust, and ambition in those around her. Judges were particularly impressed by the breadth of her impact—spanning technical delivery, pastoral support, mentoring, advocacy, and positive cultural change.
Ellie’s leadership style is rooted in empathy and integrity. She leads by example, empowers others, and sets a standard for professionalism that has become a defining force within her organisation.
What Set Her Apart
Leading Through Example
Ellie’s professionalism and attitude have elevated the performance and culture of the teams she supports. She approaches challenges with composure, clarity, and determination, demonstrating the resilience and accountability that others naturally gravitate toward.
Championing the Next Generation
Ellie invests significant time in mentoring emerging professionals, helping them navigate their early careers and develop confidence in their abilities. Her guidance has accelerated the progression of numerous apprentices, graduates, and trainees.
Advocating for Inclusivity and Better Representation
Her voice has been central in promoting equality, diversity, and a safe, supportive workplace culture. Ellie encourages open conversations, challenges outdated perceptions, and helps build environments in which people from all backgrounds feel valued and empowered.
Promoting Wellbeing and Positive Culture
Ellie plays an active role in improving workplace wellbeing, offering support, creating safe spaces for discussion, and helping colleagues overcome challenges—both personal and professional. Her influence fosters stronger teams and healthier workplaces.
Delivering Excellence in Practice
Beyond her people-focused contributions, Ellie is an outstanding technical and project professional. Her work is consistently of the highest standard, and she approaches every challenge with rigour and purpose, earning strong respect from clients and leadership teams alike.
The Impact
Ellie’s impact is deep and wide-reaching. She has shaped a culture of empathy, professionalism, and continuous improvement within AtkinsRéalis, while also influencing wider industry conversations about inclusivity and opportunity. Her support has accelerated the careers of many young professionals, strengthened team cohesion, and helped embed the values needed for a more progressive and representative construction sector.
Ellie represents the qualities the industry aims to champion—leadership grounded in compassion, excellence rooted in expertise, and a commitment to lifting others as she rises.
A truly deserving winner of Role Model of the Year.