International Women’s Day: Driving Change in Facilities Management with Mel James

March 8, 2026

Women’s leadership at Anabas

Facilities management has traditionally had fewer women in leadership roles, though this is steadily changing as more women advance and shape the industry’s future.

At Anabas, women are shaping workplaces, mentoring teams, and influencing the future of FM. This International Women’s Day, we are celebrating the talent and impact of our women leaders, including Mel James, whose career journey reflects both the progress made and the work still to do.

Finding a passion by chance

At 25, Mel didn’t plan a career in facilities management. She was working as a PA, unsure of her next steps, when her line manager, the Facilities Manager, began giving her FM tasks. Watching her mentor juggle multiple projects, manage stakeholders, and lead with confidence, Mel was inspired.

“I fell into FM accidentally, but it became my passion for life,” Mel recalls. “I love the fast-paced environment, the incredible workplaces I get to experience, and the daily challenges. Facilities management is so vast, and I’m still learning all the time.”

More than 20 years on, Mel is an Account Director at Anabas, guiding clients and teams with that same mix of curiosity, energy and commitment she first saw in her early mentor.

Navigating a male-dominated industry

Things have changed since Mel started her career, but progress has been gradual. “I joined FM at a time when a woman in FM was still quite unusual. I look back and think how totally normal it was, in those days, to be the only woman in a large meeting.”

From early on, Mel made a conscious effort to support other women in FM and has mentored many young women to help them reach their full potential.

“I am lucky to have a wide network of women in senior roles in FM, many of whom we have grown up together from our early careers to now. I am privileged that the Account Directors I work alongside today are modern thinkers, inclusive, great people, and we all work consciously to bring out the best in one another.”

Mel is part of a wider network of women leaders at Anabas, including senior leaders in finance, HR, marketing, business support, mobilisations and account management. Together, they are helping to shape the future of facilities management and set visible examples for the next generation.

Challenging stereotypes and building confidence

“One perception I want to see disappear is that women are not technically competent. Many successful women in FM hold their own in technical discussions and decisions.”

By promoting diversity and technical leadership, Anabas ensures that perspectives from across the workforce shape better, more inclusive facilities. Women are represented across all levels, from apprentices learning the trade on site to senior leaders, all supported through mentoring and visible, hands-on experience.

Learning from great leaders

Mentorship has been central to Mel’s journey. Many of her champions and mentors were women leaders across Sales, FM, HR and Finance who shared “boundless energy, a genuine passion for their teams, and staying true to their values. I hope I have carried these qualities into my own leadership style.”

“I have a genuine and natural interest in people. I want to support everyone to be their best and feel valued. I try my hardest to give people my time and a listening ear when I can see they really want some quality time with me.”

Advice for the next generation

Looking back, Mel’s advice is simple and practical.

“Be curious, learn as much as you can, and invest in yourself. Seek out mentors. There are always people willing to support you if you ask.”

The future of women in FM

Real progress, Mel believes, means having women ready to lead across all levels of FM.

“We need to be aware of unconscious bias, which exists in every industry. We have some outstanding women leaders in our industry. Progress is a long queue of talented women ready to step into leadership roles, rather than having to be sought out.”

Anabas is committed to building that pipeline by creating visible role models, investing in development and ensuring women have the support they need to thrive in FM.

A Journey worth celebrating

Mel James’ story is a powerful example of passion, mentorship, and perseverance. She is part of a wider network of women at Anabas driving positive change.

On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the achievements of all our women leaders and the inclusive culture they foster, creating opportunities and shaping the future of facilities management for everyone.

We’re proud to support the women shaping the future, not just on International Women’s Day but throughout the year.