My name is Daisy Mulingani, and I’ve been with Ibstock PLC since 2018. I started my career as a Laboratory Technician conducting fired product and raw material testing, before progressing to Assistant Geologist in 2019 and later being promoted to Geologist in 2022. In my role today, I support quarries across the UK to deliver safe, sustainable, and optimised mineral extraction.
I credit my dad with sparking my interest in geology, with fossil-hunting trips to the beach and ‘find the best pebble’ competitions in my childhood. I haven’t changed much since then as my pockets are still full of rocks!
I studied Geology at the University of Birmingham, and shortly after graduating, I came across the Laboratory Technician role at Ibstock. The raw material testing aspect of the job drew me in and I quickly fell in love with the brickmaking process. To this day, my favourite place to be is down a quarry (usually covered in mud).
I’ve had the privilege of working with some incredible people throughout my time at Ibstock, who have inspired and influenced me on both a professional and personal level. They have championed my development from day one and created an environment where I have truly been able to thrive. I would not be the person I am today without their continued support, guidance and friendship.
A recent highlight was receiving the HCTa’s Ernest Simpson and Lisney Award for my contributions to the Heavy Clay industry. It came as a complete surprise, and it still feels surreal to have my name engraved alongside industry legends.
Another milestone has been returning to the University of Birmingham to pursue a Master’s in Geotechnical Engineering, further developing the technical skills that support my role.
When I look back to where I started, I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is that I view, analyse and interpret what is essentially millions of years of the Earth’s history and use that knowledge to help create essential construction materials. The bricks we produce build homes, schools, hospitals and communities that shape everyday life across the UK.
Early in my career, I struggled with my own assumptions about how I would be perceived and whether I needed to act or present myself in certain ways to be taken seriously. These concerns were rooted in self-doubt and perhaps influenced by so often being the only woman in the room. Over time, with experience and a supportive team, I’ve learned that being true to myself is the best approach, and I never needed to worry
Most of the time, I simply see myself as someone doing a job I love. But I’m also mindful that women before me fought hard to open doors I now walk through freely. I’m in a position that many women historically and globally have not had access to. That motivates me to make the most of every opportunity and contribute to continued progress for future generations.
While the industry has made huge strides, I still feel focus is needed on inclusive PPE and the provision of adequate welfare facilities.
My advice for other women considering this industry would be: Go for it. This is a brilliant industry, and I’m so glad it’s the path I chose. Believe in yourself, you are more capable than you realise and know that your voice and perspective matters.
Be the change you want to see in the world. Or alternatively, I really like this proverb: ‘A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they know they shall never sit.
