The value of giving back: Danielle Bayliss
As part of International Women’s Day 2026, leaders in Greater Birmingham share their thoughts on the power of reciprocity and support following this year’s theme of ‘Give to Gain’.
Danielle Bayliss, managing director of Legionella & Fire Safe Services, is a firm advocate for mentoring and helping young professionals climb through the ranks.
Throughout her career, she has made her voice heard through confidently demonstrating her knowledge in a male dominated industry.
She writes about the need for more women leadership and the importance of believing in yourself.
What changes would you like to see for women in business in Greater Birmingham?
For me, meaningful progress would include:
Better access to investment and growth capital for female-led businesses
More women represented in leadership and board-level roles across key regional industries
Stronger mentorship and sponsorship networks connecting experienced business leaders with the next generation
Greater visibility of women in traditionally male-dominated sectors such as construction, engineering and technology
Practical support for balancing business leadership and family life, so women don’t feel they must choose between the two
What is one action you could take to challenge gender bias or stereotypes?
One action I take is to actively promote and support women in industries where they are traditionally under-represented, such as construction and compliance.
Doing this by mentoring, creating opportunities for women to take on leadership roles, and ensuring their contributions are visible.
Challenging stereotypes becomes easier when people can clearly see women succeeding in those roles.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as a woman in business and how did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in construction is being overlooked in meetings, where people naturally direct technical or commercial questions to the men in the room instead of me.
I overcame this by consistently demonstrating my knowledge, being confident in speaking up, and making sure my voice is heard.
Over time, delivering results and building a strong reputation has meant people recognise my expertise and address me directly.
It’s also reinforced the importance of visibility, so other women entering the industry can see that leadership roles are absolutely achievable.
This year’s IWD theme is Give to Gain. How will you give back to either your organisation or community to help drive more change?
This year I’m giving back by becoming a Director of the Safety Net Foundation, where I’m helping to support and mentor people entering the health and safety profession, with a particular focus on encouraging more women into the sector.
Through mentorship, industry roundtables and community initiatives, we aim to create opportunities, build confidence and show that careers in safety and construction are accessible to everyone.
By supporting the next generation and sharing knowledge, we can help drive long-term change and greater representation for women in the industry.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to women looking to succeed in your industry?
Believe in your knowledge and don’t be afraid to speak up.
Construction and compliance can still be male dominated industries, but expertise, professionalism and confidence earn respect quickly.
Focus on building strong technical knowledge, surround yourself with supportive networks, and remember that you absolutely belong in the room.
How has being part of GBCC helped support your business or career?
Being part of the GBCC has helped by providing valuable regional insight and awareness that I wouldn’t normally have access to.
It keeps me informed about developments across the Greater Birmingham business community, while also creating opportunities to connect with other organisations, share knowledge and build relationships that support both my business and professional growth.
