21 Jul “Spotlight” on Villie Xeni

MiCiM recognise the lack of representation of minority groups in construction and the need for change to create equal opportunity for all individuals. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone can be themselves regardless of age, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, ethnicity and perspective. We know that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds strengthen our team, enabling us to deliver better results.

MiCiM are proud to announce that whilst growing our business substantially over the past year – even with the impact of COVID – we have been fortunate to welcome several new female members to our expanding workforce. We chat with Villie Xeni – Project Manager, whose role focuses on our client side Project Management sector, which is headed up by our new Project Management Executive, Andy Jenkins.

Tell us a bit about your career and what you’re bringing to your role:

My career has always been about managing teams on site, either this was managing a 2-person site team for a small pipework modification, or different sub-contractors and the delivery of their packages in coordination with the overall project, or a project team itself. I have learnt this way how to organise the workstreams, always keeping the project deadline and the budget in mind, all the way through to a successful completion.

You have a highly pressurised career – what would you say are the key strengths you bring to a team?

I am a task-oriented person, and have the ability to maintain focus on  multiple items. Also, with experience comes the increased ability to prioritise between important and urgent tasks, to maintain a balance and this way to relieve pressure

What are the main challenges in the Mission Critical sector?

I would say the very specific requirements of the end users, which turn a type of building that seems fairly simple into a very detailed and challenging environment

What kind of skills does one need to have to enable a career in the Construction industry that spans for over 6 years?

The ability to understand and accommodate the end user’s requirements

Over the course of your career, what would you say was your most challenging project?

Probably my current project, which is a complex project with many different stakeholders which was set up before MiCiM were involved – due to its size and complexity it is challenging to manage having a positive impact.

Is there any cutting-edge technology which you are excited about, which will be at the forefront of the industry in the next few years?

Anything that has the potential increase the cooling efficiency of the data halls while reducing their carbon footprint, either by using current technologies in an innovative way or by changing current practices

As you are always heavily involved in the final push to complete a project, what are your coping mechanisms to deal with the pressurised environment you live in?

The moto “Do not leave something for tomorrow if you can do it today!”

What is it that you enjoy about working with the MiCiM team?

Everyone feels like family – there to support and encourage you whenever you need them

After a busy working week, what do you do in your down time?

I exercise, meet with friends to cook together, read anything that comes in my hands and occasionally take courses (currently doing the PowerMBA – online MBA). Also travel a lot when there is no pandemic.