Steve Bowcott had effectively retired when he got the call about the role of CEO at John Sisk & Son Ltd. Having worked in PLCs for most of his career, Bowcott was intrigued by the idea of working for a private, family-owned company, with a long history and a clear purpose.  Now, almost six years after taking up the role, Steve finds himself steering John Sisk & Son Ltd. through what is arguably one of the more challenging periods in its 160 history. 

The COVID-19 lockdown has been tough on the construction industry, particularly in Ireland. Having overseen John Sisk & Son Ltd.'s involvement in some of the most iconic construction projects in Ireland, the UK, and Europe, Bowcott must now ensure that the company has the labour, materials, and regulations in place to deliver on the company’s next set of major projects.  

In this episode of The EY CEO Outlook Podcast, Steve Bowcott tells host Richard Curran about his journey to the top of the construction industry, the leadership skills he has developed working both in PLCs and private companies, and views on the future of residential and commercial property construction. They also talk about: 

• Steve’s upbringing in a working class mining family in the Welsh valleys. 
• The highlight’s of his 40-year career working at the most senior levels of the construction industry, and what he has learned from it
• His views on the Irish culture and approach to business, and how that has shaped his leadership style
• The John Sisk & Son Ltd. company values of  Care, Integrity and Excellence and how they are applied in very practical ways to improve safety, mental health, and gender balance within the industry
• The CEO he most admires, his business mantra, and how he would like to be remembered as a leader.