When Elise Klarenbeek first stepped into the construction world nearly two decades ago, she was armed with an interior architecture degree, an eye for detail, and little idea of how profoundly the industry would shape her life. What began as design shifted into construction management, with the determination of someone who refuses to be underestimated in a notoriously male-dominated industry.

“I remember even as a designer being one of the only females in the room,” Elise recalls. On site, in meetings, dealing with consultants and clients, she was often the youngest and the only woman. The commentary was predictable for its time: Can we speak to your manager? Can we talk to a man? Elise never bristled. She simply used it to push herself further. “I like to prove people wrong,” she laughs. “Tell me I can't do something, and I'll show that I can, and I can do it better. If someone puts a challenge in front of me, I find it really hard to say no.”

That drive would become a defining force in Elise’s career, taking her from designer to project manager, then senior project manager, and operations manager. Today, she stands as the General Manager of FDC ACT, and was recently honoured as the 2025 Construction Businesswoman of the Year at the NAWIC Awards, which recognises outstanding individuals shaping the future of construction, celebrating leadership, resilience, diversity and contributions to the construction industry.

The Path to Leadership

Elise joined FDC almost nine years ago, just as the ACT branch was finding its feet. Because the team was small and the market dynamic, she was entrusted early with opportunities to stretch her capability, managing $15 million projects, then $20 million, and eventually $100 million delivery programs. But the pivotal moment in her career came when the role of General Manager opened. Elise knew she wanted it. She also knew she wasn’t the typical candidate. “I communicated to the senior leadership team, ‘i’d love to do this role, but I’ll need more help and mentorship than someone who has done it before.’ And they listened,” she says.

FDC’s response was considered and personal. They connected Elise with a mentor, Josh Williams, National Manager, Fitout & Refurbishment , who supported her closely for 19 months. That decision did more than prepare her for the role; it forged a new connection between the ACT and Queensland branches and reinforced something essential in FDC’s culture: leaders don’t just promote people, they invest in them. “That support paid off,” Elise says. “At FDC they believe in you, and they push you to believe in yourself.”

Made Personal

Of all her achievements, the one Elise speaks most passionately about is culture.

Over the past 19 months under her leadership, the ACT branch has undergone extraordinary growth, expanding from 22 to more than 40 team members, increasing revenue, and securing significant Commonwealth projects including Department of Health, Disability and Aging, which went on to win a 2025 Master Builders award. But all that success is meaningless, says Elise, without creating an environment that supports people to thrive. “We work hard, so we want people to love coming to work,” she says. “The culture has become a huge focus.”

Today, the ACT team is known for its cohesion, and strong performance, a reflection of Elise’s belief that people succeed when they feel seen. “We're a big business, but we still operate like a family business. It's the whole ‘made personal’ philosophy. The general managers and senior leadership genuinely care about their people, and the milestones in their lives.”

It’s one of the key reasons Elise chose FDC nearly a decade ago, even when ACT was only a fledgling branch. After meeting the senior directors during her interviews, she walked away certain and has never looked back.

A Powerful Acknowledgement

Winning Construction Businesswoman of the Year was, in Elise’s words, “a shock.” She has always pushed relentlessly, rarely pausing to acknowledge her own accomplishments. The award forced her to stop and see herself the way the industry sees her: as a leader who has made a genuine impact.

It means even more knowing she is FDC’s first female GM in 35 years, and that the ACT branch’s reputation has shifted dramatically under her leadership. The award recognises not only her work ethic and achievements, but the example she sets for the next generation.

“There are cadets and young women who now look at our team and think, ‘I can be a Project Manager one day.’ Or ‘I can be a General Manager.’ That visibility matters. It shows them the path is real.”

Looking to the Future

Elise laughs when asked about her goals. “I just want to win all the work. Grow the team, expand into new sectors, strengthen our market presence. I want FDC to be everyone first choice she says. “I love the tangible results of working in construction. You spend so much time and energy and effort on building something, and at the end you can stand back and say: I helped create that, construct that, deliver that. I also absolutely love the problem-solving portion. It makes me nervous when the day's too quiet!”

As for the future, she’s already planning for 2027, strategising opportunities, building relationships, and strengthening FDC’s position in the ACT market. But beneath all the planning is a simpler, more human motivation: to keep building something meaningful with people she genuinely cares for. For Elise, success is important but it’s about much more than just revenue. It’s the people who walk through the doors each morning. “I honestly can’t see myself anywhere else,” she says. “FDC changed my path in life. They believed in me from day one, and I’m proud of what we’ve built together.”

Celebrating 35 Years + Counting