As part of our wider International Women’s Day: Investing in Women’s Development campaign, we’re sharing individual employee journeys from across our operating companies.
This spotlight focuses on Katie Walker, Intercompany Planner, whose development journey combines professional growth with personal motivation.
Name: Katie Walker
Position: Intercompany Planner
Joined: January 2023
Operating company: Part of Infrastructure Products Europe
Development completed:
2024: The CRH Employee Development Programme (EDP)
2025: BA (Hons) Business Management, Open University
Building confidence through connection
For Katie, the EDP proved a catalyst for self-confidence. She experienced structured learning, space to connect with people across the wider Group, and an invigorated ambition in her career.
“In the first instance, the EDP gave me the opportunity to meet people from other operating companies with completely different skill sets. The exposure definitely helped me see the business from a broader perspective.
Despite our training cohort working in such a mix of different roles, we all faced similar challenges and shared a similar drive to succeed. That in itself was a spark of motivation. I made friends I still keep in touch with now, which was an unexpected bonus of the training.”
The programme also included self-analysis modules, helping Katie better understand how she processes information and approaches leadership.
“I learned a lot about myself – including how I naturally take responsibility while still caring about people. That self-awareness was really valuable.
Maybe most importantly, the programme helped me find confidence in my own voice. I’d always assumed I wasn’t confident enough for management. The EDP proved me wrong. It helped me realise that I have valuable things to say, and that people do want to listen. My opinion matters.
In what remains, statistically, a male-dominated industry, I believe that shift in mindset for me was significant. It gave me a real confidence boost to just be myself, and to back myself too.”
Turning development into action
During the EDP, Katie had completed an individual development plan. This plan, combined with her newfound sense of self-confidence, stirred Katie to take the next step in her career. Ultimately, the mounting momentum led to Katie enrolling in her (fully funded) Business Management degree.
Katie is now studying part-time alongside her role, with dedicated learning time built into her working week and strong backing from her line manager and leadership team.
“I felt encouraged to ask about my options, and the leaders around me genuinely supported me to start the course. Having that backing makes a huge difference.
The degree covers core business areas including marketing, finance, and HR. It’s giving me a more holistic understanding of how different functions connect. For example, I’m learning about parts of the business that aren’t directly in my role, but I can see how everything links together. R&D shapes marketing, which shapes sales, which shapes orders, which shapes my role in planning and supply chain. It’s given me a much more well-rounded perspective that puts me in good stead for future growth.”
I’ve found that I’m already applying what I’m learning in my day-to-day work, building skills that support both my current role and my future ambitions.”
Balancing career, learning, and motherhood
Alongside her professional development, Katie is also a mother to a young daughter. That personal motivation plays a big part in her journey.
“It’s fair to say that I deprioritised my career after having my child. Now that she’s getting older, everything feels like it’s coming together to allow me to push myself.”
I have to give credit to the business for creating an environment where both career progression and family life are supported. That support means a lot, and I really value being able to do both.”
Looking ahead
Katie’s long-term ambition is to move into a senior supply chain role, manage people, and give back by supporting others in their own development.
Her journey reflects one of many featured in our International Women’s Day: Investing in Women’s Development campaign, which brings together stories from across our operating companies to show how confidence, capability, and opportunity are built through sustained (and inclusive) investment in people.
