Jyoti Sehdev
Jyoti is a chartered civil engineer with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the rail sector. Her new role as Group ED&I lead gives her great satisfaction in making a different kind of positive change that she wants to see in the world.
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Group equality, diversity and inclusion lead
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Corporate responsibility
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Civil engineering, corporate responsibility
About Jyoti
Since joining Costain after graduating in 2015, Jyoti has worked in the rail sector on the London Bridge Redevelopment Scheme and the HS2 Enabling Works, with a design secondment in between. Chartered through the Institution of Civil Engineers, she took on the role as the Group equality, diversity & inclusion (EDI) lead creating and implementing a new inclusion strategy for Costain.
What led Jyoti to her career?
“When I applied to do a civil engineering degree, I thought I could save the world with maths and physics! I was a geek at school and loved all my subjects, especially the sciences, and civil engineering seemed to combine them all into one. I imagined I would design bridges for a living, however when I did my first placement on the Rhydyfelin Flood Alleviation Scheme in 2012, I fell in love with being on site and seeing the changes before my eyes which were going to improve people’s lives (in this case, preventing their houses from flooding to the first floor every four years!).
I have been involved on a range of projects since, during which I founded the Costain LGBT+ & Allies network. My involvement in the network expanded my involvement with inclusion in the business. As a gay woman of colour, I felt that I couldn’t give enough to all the different networks that I associated with. Through the Costain Emerging Leaders Programme, I was encouraged to take on my new role as Group EDI lead, which gives me great satisfaction in making a different kind of positive change that I want to see in the world."
What is the most common misunderstanding of Jyoti’s role?
There is a common misconception that an EDI role sits within a human resources function. At Costain this vital role is part of the fabric of the company, corporate responsibility and underlines the goal of becoming a truly sustainable business.
“Making EDI priority a cross business will help Costain eliminate discrimination in all its forms, creating an environment where people can bring their whole selves to work and be at their best every day" says Jyoti.
What is a typical work day for Jyoti?
“That has drastically changed throughout my career. As an engineer it was a typical site schedule, from 7am to 6pm out on site. As I have developed into new roles, the ratio of site to office time has decreased. I am now home-based which I enjoy as it gives me the opportunity to work dynamically alongside my team."
Three things’ people won’t know about Jyoti
She has a twin sister and lived in Melbourne, Australia for a year. To keep fit Jyoti plays football, is a keen kickboxer and practices the martial art of Muay Thai (Thai boxing).
Connect with Jyoti on LinkedIn or alternatively send her an email.
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