In celebration of International Women’s Day, we recognise the important contributions being made by women who are leading at all levels and in all roles across the organisation.
This year, we’re highlighting Keogh McArthur, Senior Facilities and Compliance Manager, to recognize the sheer dedication she put into the project management of our recent office renovation and move in Oakdale.
Keogh, who has a financial services and relationship management background, joined us in 2018 and this role brought her biggest challenge yet.
The ask came in August 2022: A relocation that would see our office footprint in Oakdale transition from 67,000 square feet, two floors, with many labs and 500 desks to 28,000 square feet with flexible working options to accommodate a hybrid Mission Systems workforce. The 10-week build was to start in September.
Keogh and her team hit the ground running. “We really had to consider how we work as a hybrid workforce; to listen to our colleagues about how they wanted to work differently while still meeting their diverse needs as a primarily engineering based organisation,” she shared.
Consideration was also made about how we use the space to tell our brand story. The General Dynamics ethos was incorporated on the walls as a constant reminder to colleagues of what really drives our business and our culture: Integrity. Honesty. Trust. Alignment.
“I led the effort with a predominantly male project team of subcontractors and my facilities engineers, with specialists across design, construction, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and other disciplines. The teams recognised that I brought something different to the table and I felt empowered to lean in and, in turn, empower others to do what they do best and to trust in their delivery. I believe in the diversity of thought and everyone contributing their piece of the puzzle. It was this diversity that delivered such a fantastic outcome,” she explains.
The 10-week build went off without too many hitches and Mission Systems colleagues began working in the fantastic new office space in January 2023. Keogh credits much of her career highlights to being surrounded by other strong leaders who are always looking to make space for others.
“As a mum to two little girls I strive to be that strong role model for them; to show them that resilience matters; and to always let them know that “you can do anything!”.