• Your name:   Michelle Boughton.

• Age group:   36-45.

• Your role title/trade within the building industry?

Business Development Manager.

• What is involved in training for your role?

I completed a level 4 certificate in Business Administration which also included modules which were part of the Business Management certificate. Being a large company, the training for this particular role came from within where experienced people directed myself and advised me where required.

• How/why did you get into your chosen trade?

It has been a progressive journey, starting as a junior filing clerk 20 years ago. I then moved into a customer service role and then later into an administration position. An opportunity arose to venture into external sales where the State Manager appointed me the position of Business Development Manager.

• What obstacles have you overcome on your path into and through the building industry?

The building industry can be very much a 'boys club'. When I first started in the industry at the age of 17, I was a very shy and easily intimidated young girl. Very few women held positions of seniority and all managers were male. Times did change though, and I guess I was lucky to grow with the changes and was appointed positions in which I was able to prove myself and earn respect from my fellow peers. Even after 20 years there are still few women in senior positions, though the attitude has changed toward women who do hold these positions.

• Lessons learned?

Behind every great man is an even greater woman!

• Why do you think it is important to help establish a name and better recognised opportunities for females in building?

Women have always been the backbone of many industries; unfortunately we just don't seem to give them the recognition they deserve. Even as women we tend to judge and critisise each other, rather than respecting and supporting each other. This showcase should be congratulated on highlighting successful woman so as that others can be inspired to aim high as anything is possible.

• What are your goals for the future?

Branch Manager. There has only been a few other women I have had the fortune of knowing who held the position of Branch Manager within Queensland.

• How do you effectively deal with your workplace culture?

I am fortunate to work within a workplace that has a reputation for employing women. We currently have two female external reps and both of us work in the Townsville branch - we are the only reps in Queensland. We have a manager who supports having women in executive roles and encourages and supports us in these positions.

• Has there been a role model you have looked to for inspiration?

I have been very fortunate to have the experience of meeting many successful women within our industry, all who in their own individual ways have made me realise that through hard work and persistence you will succeed and along the way earn respect.

The most significant role model in my life has been my mother. She was the eldest of six children and worked from the age of eleven to provide financially for her single mother and siblings. She achieved a scholarship to go to nursing school and would send nearly all of her pay home each week so her family would not go without. This is how my mother has always been - family first and then herself. She has been through many hardships in her life but has always remained strong. My mum has always been a dedicated member of the Lions Service Organisation, joining 32 years ago as a Lioness member (female club). In 1989 she tranferred over to be a member of the Lions Club (previously only men could serve as a Lion and it was still frowned upon by some of the 'old boys club'). Mum perservered and after holding numerous positions within the club, and at a District level, became the first female District Governor of the District 201Q2, whose area incorporates North Queensland and Papua New Guinea. It was a huge achievement, she had managed to overcome all obstacles and adversities to succeed in what she believed in. There is no question as to why she is my role model; mum has inspired me to always work hard, try all that I can and to believe that nothing is impossible. She has taught me to be loyal, loving, honest, respectful and understanding. Mum has shown me how to be a loving partner and now a caring mother myself. I feel privileged and proud to have had such an amazing woman by my side to help shape and share my own success.

• Michelle's inspirational message:

Never let success go to your head or failure go to your heart.