By Funmbi Adeagbo, keynote speaker at BE-ST Fest 2024  

Driving change in construction and the built environment is not about waiting for others to take the lead – it’s about stepping up, being visible, and inspiring others to follow. That’s where Funmbi Adeagbo, a British Chartered Architect, social activist, and passionate advocate for sustainable architecture and diversity, believes real progress will happen. 

Speaking ahead of November’s BE-ST Fest, a two-day industry conference focused on net-zero carbon construction, she says that our current approach to leadership isn’t going to work if we want to transform the industry, improve diversity and achieve net-zero.  

Attendees on the first day of BE-ST Fest – the Summit – will hear Funmbi share her journey of joining the Just Transition Lobby, running for RIBA President 2024 and using her new-found platform to influence others and break down barriers in the sector. “By making yourself visible, you become an attractor to other people, and that creates a catalyst for change. People start speaking up, openly supporting, and that generates the kind of momentum we need to shift the status quo,” she says. 

“I’m frustrated with the culture of the construction industry, where things like diversity and net-zero are often talked about but not acted upon. We need to stop the performative conversations and start taking real action,” she notes. Funmbi is determined to change these long-held dynamics by encouraging individuals to raise their voices. She says, “Don’t wait for saviours – be the saviour. When you stand up and take action, you inspire others to come along.” 

For Funmbi, making change is all about creating a ripple effect through collaboration. This approach, Funmbi argues, is essential to addressing the climate emergency and improving representation across the industry. “The communities that suffer the most from climate change are not the ones contributing the most to the problem,” she explains. “It’s the same with diversity – the people who are most affected by exclusion are often the ones least able to influence the system. That’s why we need to break the cycle and create opportunities for real representation.” 

At BE-ST Fest, Funmbi will focus on how individuals can harness their power to create change, both in terms of sustainability and diversity. “The construction industry talks a lot about diversity and inclusion, but we need more action,” she says. “You don’t have to be an expert to make a difference – you just need to be willing to speak up about the issues you see.” 

For her, this isn’t just theoretical. Her own journey over the past year and a half has shown how quickly things can shift when you remain persistent and focused. “I went from being someone who didn’t feel empowered to make a difference to someone who feels confident going into spaces and making change. It’s about forcing your way into places traditionally occupied by people senior to you, and not being beholden to the forces that control your career,” she says.  

Funmbi Adeagbo will be sharing her insights on diversity, sustainability, and leading change in the built environment at BE-ST Fest Summit, alongside other thought leaders from across the sector including Joanna Yarrow, Chief Impact Officer at Human Nature, and Emma Fletcher, Low Carbon Housing Director at Octopus Energy.  

BE-ST Fest is the culmination of a month-long festival celebrating the sustainable built environment. It brings together hundreds of professionals from construction and the built environment to showcase best practices and highlight emerging opportunities. 

Tickets for BE-ST Fest are free, book here: http://www.be-stfest.org