Empowering excellence: Tugce Komsuoglu's journey in strategy and transformation at Mott MacDonald

From delivering technical advisory services in Qatar to leading transformative infrastructure projects, Tugce's career journey is a testament to the power of strategic vision and dedication.

Tell us about your role and where you are based

I am a senior manager in the strategy and transformation practice based in our Qatar office. My role involves delivering technical advisory services, with a particular focus on public private partnership (PPP) tender stage services for both public and private sector clients in the Gulf Cooperation Council region. I also support the Group with programme building, monitoring and process improvement for internal initiatives.

Why did you choose your career path? Why Mott MacDonald?

As a graduate, I was inspired by Mott MacDonald’s reputation for delivering exceptional engineering work, its legacy and its commitment to excellence. Choosing advisory as a specialism has allowed me to leverage my technical expertise while also problem solving and working closely with clients to make a broader social and economic impact. The opportunity to work on PPP projects in the region has been particularly exciting. This role enables me to support critical infrastructure projects and drive positive change for communities.

What are some of the most exciting or innovative projects you’ve been trusted to lead or contribute to?

One of the most exciting projects I have worked on was the 115km Northern Marmara Motorway project, including the construction of the 2.1km long, single-deck iconic Third Bosporus Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey, which features four traffic lanes and two railway lanes. This impressive structure connects the European and Asian sides of Istanbul near the entrance to the Black Sea.

I served as lenders’ technical adviser for this landmark project during the early years of my career. I was trusted by colleagues to take on challenges that significantly boosted my confidence and willingness to take on more responsibilities. Witnessing the build of such an inspiring engineering solution was truly motivating.

More recently, I was entrusted to lead the implementation of our Moata digital solutions for client progress monitoring as part of our programme management office services for one of the largest real estate developers in Qatar. This included two major projects: an integrated housing complex for workers and an integrated residential city for low-income families, both addressing accommodation needs for the 2022 World Cup. The complexity and size of these projects, coupled with strict deadlines, presented significant challenges. The trust Mott MacDonald placed in me to efficiently implement these solutions motivated me to overcome obstacles and stretch my abilities, which has helped me to grow.

What does a typical day look like for you at Mott MacDonald, and how do you find opportunities to excel in your role?

My typical day involves a combination of collaborative meetings with colleagues or clients and focused individual work. I start my day by reviewing my to-do list and priorities, ensuring that I am aligned with the expectations of clients and colleagues. While keeping a focus on my to-do list, I always look for ways to add value, contribute further and integrate our purpose into my daily work or interactions.

Throughout the day, I engage in team meetings where we brainstorm ideas, discuss progress and address any challenges. These interactions are crucial for me to learn, grow and maintain collaboration, which ultimately drives us collectively to excellence.

I believe in the importance of feedback and reflection. Regularly seeking feedback from colleagues and senior managers helps me identify areas for improvement and refine my approach. I have also developed a habit of making daily or weekly reflections about myself, where I write down what went well, what didn't, why I felt a certain way and what I could have done better. These reflections help maintain a growth mindset and contribute to the company's success.

What does being part of a global team mean to you, and how does it influence your work?

To me, being part of a global team means ‘broadening your horizon,’ as it requires adaptability and open-mindedness. Working with different regional teams for projects or internal Group initiatives has helped me accommodate various working styles, preferences and embrace diversity. Being exposed to different viewpoints helps me develop more comprehensive solutions and enhances my communication skills. I have learned to convey ideas effectively and collaborate with team members across different time zones and cultural contexts.

What inspired you to join Mott MacDonald, and how has your career journey evolved since then?

I started as a civil engineering graduate and have been fortunate to work across a diverse range of projects, delivering technical excellence and making a positive impact for communities.

I have been involved in various significant infrastructure projects in different roles. This includes acting as lenders’ technical adviser on the Third Bosporus Bridge and the Bilkent and Etlik integrated health campus projects in Turkey. I also provided project management office services for one of Qatar's largest real estate developers and technical advice on Qatar’s s various PPP projects.

Each project has presented unique challenges and learning opportunities, allowing me to grow both professionally and personally. Being part of this legacy has always motivated me to strive for excellence, continuously improve my skills and take on new challenges.

What resources or support at Mott MacDonald have been most beneficial to your growth?

When I started as a graduate, I was offered the opportunity to join the Mott MacDonald graduate academy, a multi-year comprehensive programme that included training sessions and courses to enhance my soft skills and technical knowledge. This programme equipped me with valuable tools and techniques for effective project management and provided an invaluable network of peers. During my time at Mott MacDonald, I have always had access to learning opportunities, both internal and external, tailored to the needs of my projects and sectors.

I was recently selected to join our internal emerging leaders programme, which has been an inspiring journey so far. I have gained self-awareness and the programme is helping to equip me with tools and methods to address my weaknesses and use my strengths to excel and elevate my career.

Mentorship has also played a significant role in my growth. Mott MacDonald fosters a culture of mentorship, where experienced colleagues provide guidance and support to newer employees. I have been fortunate to have mentors who shared their expertise, offered constructive feedback and helped me navigate my own challenges.

The collaborative work environment at Mott MacDonald has been a major contributor to my growth, promoting teamwork, open communication and allowing me to work closely with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and disciplines.