Bernice Cowton Fciob

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT BERNICE COWTON FCIOB

I’ve spent over 27 years navigating the commercial side of complex projects of all scales—from construction and rail infrastructure to consulting and the built environment. Along the way, I’ve learned that while commercial acumen is critical, the real impact often comes from the perspective you bring, the curiosity you nurture, and the connections you build.I’m a maximizer by nature: I see opportunities where others see complexity, spot cross-benefits in projects that can turn good outcomes into exceptional ones, and thrive on bringing people, ideas, and strategy together to unlock potential. While I’m deeply comfortable with numbers, contracts, and commercial rigor, my real energy sits at a different altitude—thinking broadly, seeing the bigger picture, and enabling teams to deliver at their best. I believe work is strongest when people are playing to their strengths, doing what gives them energy, and collectively achieving more than any one individual could alone.Giving back to the sector has been a constant. I serve as a Trustee on the Council of Management at CICES, as Vice Chair of the EDI Council, and previously as Yorkshire Regional Chair. I’m also a Fellowship panel Chair for the Chartered Institute of Building, and an active mentor, supporting others as they navigate their careers. These roles reflect my commitment to the future of the sector—one where people, innovation, and collaboration come first—because good work is nothing without the right people to deliver it.Outside of work, I was an international British athlete. Nearly two decades since retiring, that experience is still part of who I am: competitive, resilient, team-focused, and always striving for excellence—but only where it’s enjoyable and shared. Those values remain central to how I lead, collaborate, and define success.Above all, I’m guided as much by intuition and curiosity as by precedent. I believe the biggest opportunities come from connecting perspectives, challenging the comfort of “we’ve always done it this way,” and creating safe environments where teams can thrive. Projects succeed because of people; technology simply amplifies what they make possible. I’m drawn to challenges that reward fresh thinking, diversity of thought, and opportunities where my experience can translate into meaningful, tangible impact—with a clear sense of connection and purpose, and always with curiosity and a bit of fun.If you want to know more, or you’d like to explore a different perspective, feel free to reach out.