Building the Future: A Conversation with Vuyolwethu Badi
"An empowered woman is someone who knows who she is, understands her worth, and is not afraid to take up space. She remains true to her values, works hard to achieve her goals, and when she gets to the top, she reaches back and opens the door for others."
With 20 years of experience in the construction industry, Vuyolwethu Badi has built her career around cost management across retail, commercial, residential and fit-out projects. She joined RLB in 2014 and was appointed Director four years later. Her academic and leadership development includes a Degree in Quantity Surveying, a Postgraduate Diploma in Property Development and Management from Wits University, and further executive development through GIBS and Duke University.
Her leadership philosophy is grounded in a simple but powerful belief: success starts with believing in yourself, while remaining humble enough to recognise that there is always more to learn. She brings this balance of confidence, continuous learning and humility to both her leadership and her approach to the industry. Empowerment, in your own words
What does this year's theme, "Empowered Women Empower The Nation," mean to you?
To me, the theme is deeply personal. I would not be where I am today without people who believed in me, encouraged me, and opened doors that I could not have opened on my own. Their support has shaped not only my career but also my perspective on leadership.
Because others invested in me, I feel a responsibility to do the same – especially for women who come from backgrounds similar to mine. Whether it’s through mentoring, creating opportunities, sharing knowledge or simply encouraging another woman to believe in herself, every act of empowerment matters.
Throughout my career, I have learned that creating opportunities for others has a ripple effect. When you open a door for one person, you don't just empower that individual; you positively impact their family, inspire their peers, and uplift their community. True empowerment is not about personal success alone – it is about creating pathways for others to grow, thrive, and contribute meaningfully to society. For me, success is not measured only by the position I hold, but by the number of people I can help rise alongside me.
How do you empower those around you?
I empower others by being open about my own journey. I believe people connect more with authenticity than perfection, so I am honest about the challenges I have faced, the setbacks I have experienced and how I have navigated them. I want people to understand that where you start does not have to determine where you finish.
Not all of us had the privilege of attending the best universities or receiving scholarships, and I believe it is important for young professionals to hear that success is not determined solely by where you start, but by what you do with the opportunities you are given.
For me, gratitude, resilience, consistency, faithfulness in the small tasks and a strong work ethic have been fundamental to my journey. I try to pass these lessons on through mentoring, creating opportunities for others, opening doors where I can, and simply encouraging people to believe in their own potential.
I want those around me to see possibilities in themselves, even when their circumstances may suggest otherwise. If my journey can give even one person the courage to keep going, to pursue an opportunity they may not have thought was possible, or to believe that their circumstances do not define their future, then I believe I have made a meaningful difference.
Leading with confidence and humility
Looking back on your career, what project or achievement are you most proud of, and why?
One of the projects I am proudest of is the successful delivery of an 862-bed student accommodation development in Cape Town.
What makes it particularly special to me is not only that we delivered a high-quality project on time and within budget, but that I had the privilege of seeing my team grow and reach new heights in project delivery.
The project also reminded me that we are not simply constructing buildings; we are creating spaces that can shape the experiences and opportunities of future generations. Knowing that the project will contribute to the lives of young people makes the achievement even more meaningful.
What has been the biggest lesson you've learnt as a leader?
The biggest lesson I have learnt is that leadership begins with believing in yourself. There will always be moments of uncertainty, but if you don't believe in your own abilities, it becomes difficult for others to believe in you.
I have also learnt that humility is one of the greatest strengths a leader can have. You don't have to have all the answers. Some of the best leaders are those who are willing to listen, ask questions, learn from others and surround themselves with people whose strengths complement their own.
For me, leadership is not about knowing everything. It is about being confident enough to lead, humble enough to keep learning and intentional about helping others grow along the way.
Finding your voice
Construction and the built environment have traditionally been male-dominated industries. Have your experiences shaped your approach to leadership?
Absolutely. Working in a traditionally male-dominated industry has taught me the importance of confidence, resilience and knowing who you are.
There have been moments when I have had to find my voice, trust my expertise and hold my ground, but those experiences have shaped me into a stronger leader. They have also taught me that you don't have to become someone else to earn your place in the room.
I have learnt to lead with confidence, but also with humility and respect. I believe the strongest leadership is not about proving that you belong – it is about contributing your knowledge, creating value and making space for others to succeed too.
My experiences have also made me passionate about creating an environment where young women entering the industry can see that there is a place for them at the table.
Looking to the next generation
How do you hope to influence the next generation of professionals entering the industry? And what advice would you give to young women considering a career in the built environment?
I hope to influence the next generation by showing them that you don't have to change who you are to succeed.
The built environment is demanding and often male-dominated, but I believe there is strength in bringing your authentic self into the spaces you occupy.
My advice to young women is simple: don't change who you are. Put professionalism first, stay true to your values and remain committed to what you believe in. Your integrity and reputation will carry you much further than trying to fit into someone else's idea of who you should be.
There will be challenges and moments when you question yourself, but don't allow those moments to make you lose sight of who you are. Work hard, keep learning, ask questions and never be afraid to take up space.
Most importantly, remember that you don't have to become someone else to earn your place at the table. You belong there!
Beyond the workplace
Outside of work, what keeps you inspired or motivated?
I love travelling, exploring new places and experiencing different cultures. I am naturally curious about the world and enjoy learning from new people, places and experiences.
There is something incredibly inspiring about stepping outside of your familiar surroundings and seeing the world through a different lens. It reminds me that there is always more to discover, learn and experience.
What advice would you give your younger self at the start of your career?
I would tell my younger self: you reap what you sow!
The effort, discipline and commitment you put into your career will ultimately influence what you get out of it. If you want to grow, achieve great things and reach new heights, you have to be willing to work hard and remain consistent.
Don't take opportunities for granted. Keep learning, keep pushing yourself and always give your best. The seeds you plant early in your career will shape the future you build. And perhaps most importantly, enjoy the journey. You don't have to have everything figured out at the beginning.
What makes RLB different?
If there is one thing you would like clients and colleagues to know about RLB, what would it be?
One of the things I value most about RLB is that people really do grow here.
As a global consultancy, RLB gives you exposure to different sectors, project types and opportunities globally, and I have had the privilege of watching many of my colleagues develop, grow and excel to new heights.
For me, that is one of RLB's greatest strengths – the people and the opportunities available to them. You are encouraged to learn, take on new challenges and build a career that can take you further than you initially imagined.
What do you enjoy most about your role at RLB?
Working with some of the best Quantity Surveyors in the industry – who also happen to be incredibly tech-savvy! 😊
I love being surrounded by talented people who continuously challenge me, inspire me and keep me learning. There is something special about working with people who are passionate about what they do and who are constantly looking for better and smarter ways of doing things.
- Coffee or tea? Both: coffee in the morning, tea in the evening 😊
- Beach or bush? Beach. Always!
- Best career advice? Feel the fear and do it anyway.
- Hidden talent? I’m actually quite sporty! I used to run the 100m and played provincial netball during my high school and university years. I’ve always been passionate about sport and, at one point, even considered pursuing a career in it. Clearly, my career took a different direction, but the competitive spirit never left me! I think sport taught me a lot about discipline, resilience, teamwork and pushing yourself beyond what you think you are capable of – and those lessons have stayed with me throughout my professional journey.
- A quote you live by? “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” - Desmond Tutu
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