Colleague spotlight: Meet Vikki McKeown
Vikki McKeown joined Leighton in 2022 as part of our colleague experience team, ensuring colleagues are heard and seen across the business.
In our first colleague spotlight of 2026, we chat to Vikki to learn more about her role, her journey with Leighton so far and what makes working here so rewarding.
As a Colleague Experience Partner, my role is to support our consultants across the business who are working on a wide range of projects. I act as a key point of contact and an advocate for them, giving them a space to raise questions or concerns whether that’s around travel, project logistics, learning and development or personal matters.
A big part of my role is making time for regular one-to-one check-ins with each consultant. These monthly conversations give us the opportunity to reflect on what they’ve been working on, discuss their development goals and address any questions they may have about what’s happening across the wider business. Consultants are often deeply focused on their client work, so these sessions also help ensure they stay connected to internal updates and initiatives at Leighton.
Ultimately, my responsibility is to make sure colleagues feel supported, heard and informed. Whether that means providing answers directly or connecting them with the right people within Leighton, I’m there to help remove barriers and make their experience as positive as possible.
I’ve been with Leighton for almost three and a half years. When I was looking to move on from a large corporate organisation, I was keen to find something different and came across the role on LinkedIn. From the outset, I felt encouraged to apply.
What really stood out during the process was my initial interview with James, our CEO, alongside our then Head of People. Having that level of access to senior leadership so early on was a big moment for me. In previous roles, seeing or speaking to the CEO was rare, so it immediately signalled that Leighton had a strong, open culture. It gave me confidence that new starters are genuinely supported and that senior leaders are visible, approachable and invested in colleagues across the business.
I came into the role quite naturally rather than through a clear plan. When I left school, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do and chose a different path to my two older sisters, opting for an apprenticeship instead of college or university. That’s when I joined Northern Rock and began working in an operational role, before progressing into a team leader position.
It was during that time that I discovered how much I enjoyed working closely with people, supporting them and helping them grow. I later completed a degree in criminology and sociology, which helped me to understand more about people and behaviour. But at my core, I always knew that working and supporting others was what I enjoyed doing.
Now, with over 20 years’ experiences in this industry, I can confidently say that this path still feels like the right one for me, and being a Colleague Experience Partner is a role that plays to my strengths.
Understanding people and approaching every interaction with care and compassion are important in this role. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that every individual is different, each colleague has their own needs, challenges and expectations and no two conversations are ever the same.
Managing time effectively is also crucial, making sure each colleague has the chance to talk through any challenges or support they may require, while ensuring I can give them my full attention. This allows me to support them in a way that’s genuinely meaningful and appropriate. These are skills that can’t be learned overnight, they develop through experience, by working closely with people and truly understanding the value of strong listening, communication and relationship building skills.
Completing my degree is something I’m incredibly proud of, especially as I was working full time and had a young baby. It took a huge amount of commitment, with plenty of late nights spent studying and working on coursework. Achieving a 2:1 made all that hard work worthwhile, and it remains a special accomplishment for me. My certificate is still proudly on display at my parent’s house!
The opportunity to collaborate with such a diverse group of people. I love learning about individuals and their unique ways of working. At the same time, getting insight into the technical side of projects through our consultants has been equally as interesting. There’s always something new to pick up, from technical languages to project updates, which keeps every day interesting and engaging.
What stands out most to me about Leighton is the people. Everyone is approachable, friendly, and genuinely open, which makes it easy to start a conversation or collaborate across teams. Our bi-yearly company days really highlights this, even when meeting colleagues for the first time in person, the environment encourages conversations and connection. It’s a great reminder of the supportive and engaging culture we have here.
My favourite memory must be Leighton’s 30th anniversary celebration. At the time, I hadn’t even officially started, I was due to join the following month, and I walked in not knowing a single person. Despite that, the welcome I received was incredible. Colleagues went out of their way to introduce themselves, make me feel included and ensure I wasn’t on my own. Those are the kinds of memories that stick with you years later.
I can firmly see myself stepping into a leadership role at some point in my career. A Head of People or Colleague Engagement role feels like a natural progression given my experience. I’d like to take everything I’ve learned, supporting colleagues, building strong teams and adding to a positive culture and apply it on a broader scale. My goal is to make an impact on both the people I work with and the business, helping others to be the best versions of themselves whilst continuing to grow in my own career.
I once interviewed a murderer as part of my course whilst I was studying for my degree. Whilst a unique opportunity, it was certainly an eye-opener.
I enjoy going to the gym and recently took part in my first in-house gym competition in October. I also have a young family at home, so a lot of my time is spent with them and going on days out together.
There is a lot of admin work involved in my role and plenty of research, which can vary from what sorts of advice to offer consultants based on the individuals’ requirements. I can quite easily spend 30 minutes on a one-to-one call with someone but then spend a couple of hours researching the answers to their questions that they might have asked. It’s also important that things are documented, so a lot of my time is also spent typing up notes and making sure these are stored appropriately.
When I worked at Virgin Money, Richard Branson visited our office. During a talk, he shared a piece of advice that has stuck with me: “If someone gives you an amazing opportunity and you don’t know how to do it, say yes and learn how to do it later.”
To embrace each day that comes. Things can change quickly but often change is something that allows a business to evolve, so it’s important to stay adaptable and open-minded.
Vikki McKeown joined Leighton in 2022 as part of our colleague experience team, ensuring colleagues are heard and seen across the business.
In our first colleague spotlight of 2026, we chat to Vikki to learn more about her role, her journey with Leighton so far and what makes working here so rewarding.
As a Colleague Experience Partner, my role is to support our consultants across the business who are working on a wide range of projects. I act as a key point of contact and an advocate for them, giving them a space to raise questions or concerns whether that’s around travel, project logistics, learning and development or personal matters.
A big part of my role is making time for regular one-to-one check-ins with each consultant. These monthly conversations give us the opportunity to reflect on what they’ve been working on, discuss their development goals and address any questions they may have about what’s happening across the wider business. Consultants are often deeply focused on their client work, so these sessions also help ensure they stay connected to internal updates and initiatives at Leighton.
Ultimately, my responsibility is to make sure colleagues feel supported, heard and informed. Whether that means providing answers directly or connecting them with the right people within Leighton, I’m there to help remove barriers and make their experience as positive as possible.
I’ve been with Leighton for almost three and a half years. When I was looking to move on from a large corporate organisation, I was keen to find something different and came across the role on LinkedIn. From the outset, I felt encouraged to apply.
What really stood out during the process was my initial interview with James, our CEO, alongside our then Head of People. Having that level of access to senior leadership so early on was a big moment for me. In previous roles, seeing or speaking to the CEO was rare, so it immediately signalled that Leighton had a strong, open culture. It gave me confidence that new starters are genuinely supported and that senior leaders are visible, approachable and invested in colleagues across the business.
I came into the role quite naturally rather than through a clear plan. When I left school, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do and chose a different path to my two older sisters, opting for an apprenticeship instead of college or university. That’s when I joined Northern Rock and began working in an operational role, before progressing into a team leader position.
It was during that time that I discovered how much I enjoyed working closely with people, supporting them and helping them grow. I later completed a degree in criminology and sociology, which helped me to understand more about people and behaviour. But at my core, I always knew that working and supporting others was what I enjoyed doing.
Now, with over 20 years’ experiences in this industry, I can confidently say that this path still feels like the right one for me, and being a Colleague Experience Partner is a role that plays to my strengths.
Understanding people and approaching every interaction with care and compassion are important in this role. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that every individual is different, each colleague has their own needs, challenges and expectations and no two conversations are ever the same.
Managing time effectively is also crucial, making sure each colleague has the chance to talk through any challenges or support they may require, while ensuring I can give them my full attention. This allows me to support them in a way that’s genuinely meaningful and appropriate. These are skills that can’t be learned overnight, they develop through experience, by working closely with people and truly understanding the value of strong listening, communication and relationship building skills.
Completing my degree is something I’m incredibly proud of, especially as I was working full time and had a young baby. It took a huge amount of commitment, with plenty of late nights spent studying and working on coursework. Achieving a 2:1 made all that hard work worthwhile, and it remains a special accomplishment for me. My certificate is still proudly on display at my parent’s house!
The opportunity to collaborate with such a diverse group of people. I love learning about individuals and their unique ways of working. At the same time, getting insight into the technical side of projects through our consultants has been equally as interesting. There’s always something new to pick up, from technical languages to project updates, which keeps every day interesting and engaging.
What stands out most to me about Leighton is the people. Everyone is approachable, friendly, and genuinely open, which makes it easy to start a conversation or collaborate across teams. Our bi-yearly company days really highlights this, even when meeting colleagues for the first time in person, the environment encourages conversations and connection. It’s a great reminder of the supportive and engaging culture we have here.
My favourite memory must be Leighton’s 30th anniversary celebration. At the time, I hadn’t even officially started, I was due to join the following month, and I walked in not knowing a single person. Despite that, the welcome I received was incredible. Colleagues went out of their way to introduce themselves, make me feel included and ensure I wasn’t on my own. Those are the kinds of memories that stick with you years later.
I can firmly see myself stepping into a leadership role at some point in my career. A Head of People or Colleague Engagement role feels like a natural progression given my experience. I’d like to take everything I’ve learned, supporting colleagues, building strong teams and adding to a positive culture and apply it on a broader scale. My goal is to make an impact on both the people I work with and the business, helping others to be the best versions of themselves whilst continuing to grow in my own career.
I once interviewed a murderer as part of my course whilst I was studying for my degree. Whilst a unique opportunity, it was certainly an eye-opener.
I enjoy going to the gym and recently took part in my first in-house gym competition in October. I also have a young family at home, so a lot of my time is spent with them and going on days out together.
There is a lot of admin work involved in my role and plenty of research, which can vary from what sorts of advice to offer consultants based on the individuals’ requirements. I can quite easily spend 30 minutes on a one-to-one call with someone but then spend a couple of hours researching the answers to their questions that they might have asked. It’s also important that things are documented, so a lot of my time is also spent typing up notes and making sure these are stored appropriately.
When I worked at Virgin Money, Richard Branson visited our office. During a talk, he shared a piece of advice that has stuck with me: “If someone gives you an amazing opportunity and you don’t know how to do it, say yes and learn how to do it later.”
To embrace each day that comes. Things can change quickly but often change is something that allows a business to evolve, so it’s important to stay adaptable and open-minded.
Vikki McKeown joined Leighton in 2022 as part of our colleague experience team, ensuring colleagues are heard and seen across the business.
In our first colleague spotlight of 2026, we chat to Vikki to learn more about her role, her journey with Leighton so far and what makes working here so rewarding.
As a Colleague Experience Partner, my role is to support our consultants across the business who are working on a wide range of projects. I act as a key point of contact and an advocate for them, giving them a space to raise questions or concerns whether that’s around travel, project logistics, learning and development or personal matters.
A big part of my role is making time for regular one-to-one check-ins with each consultant. These monthly conversations give us the opportunity to reflect on what they’ve been working on, discuss their development goals and address any questions they may have about what’s happening across the wider business. Consultants are often deeply focused on their client work, so these sessions also help ensure they stay connected to internal updates and initiatives at Leighton.
Ultimately, my responsibility is to make sure colleagues feel supported, heard and informed. Whether that means providing answers directly or connecting them with the right people within Leighton, I’m there to help remove barriers and make their experience as positive as possible.
I’ve been with Leighton for almost three and a half years. When I was looking to move on from a large corporate organisation, I was keen to find something different and came across the role on LinkedIn. From the outset, I felt encouraged to apply.
What really stood out during the process was my initial interview with James, our CEO, alongside our then Head of People. Having that level of access to senior leadership so early on was a big moment for me. In previous roles, seeing or speaking to the CEO was rare, so it immediately signalled that Leighton had a strong, open culture. It gave me confidence that new starters are genuinely supported and that senior leaders are visible, approachable and invested in colleagues across the business.
I came into the role quite naturally rather than through a clear plan. When I left school, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do and chose a different path to my two older sisters, opting for an apprenticeship instead of college or university. That’s when I joined Northern Rock and began working in an operational role, before progressing into a team leader position.
It was during that time that I discovered how much I enjoyed working closely with people, supporting them and helping them grow. I later completed a degree in criminology and sociology, which helped me to understand more about people and behaviour. But at my core, I always knew that working and supporting others was what I enjoyed doing.
Now, with over 20 years’ experiences in this industry, I can confidently say that this path still feels like the right one for me, and being a Colleague Experience Partner is a role that plays to my strengths.
Understanding people and approaching every interaction with care and compassion are important in this role. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that every individual is different, each colleague has their own needs, challenges and expectations and no two conversations are ever the same.
Managing time effectively is also crucial, making sure each colleague has the chance to talk through any challenges or support they may require, while ensuring I can give them my full attention. This allows me to support them in a way that’s genuinely meaningful and appropriate. These are skills that can’t be learned overnight, they develop through experience, by working closely with people and truly understanding the value of strong listening, communication and relationship building skills.
Completing my degree is something I’m incredibly proud of, especially as I was working full time and had a young baby. It took a huge amount of commitment, with plenty of late nights spent studying and working on coursework. Achieving a 2:1 made all that hard work worthwhile, and it remains a special accomplishment for me. My certificate is still proudly on display at my parent’s house!
The opportunity to collaborate with such a diverse group of people. I love learning about individuals and their unique ways of working. At the same time, getting insight into the technical side of projects through our consultants has been equally as interesting. There’s always something new to pick up, from technical languages to project updates, which keeps every day interesting and engaging.
What stands out most to me about Leighton is the people. Everyone is approachable, friendly, and genuinely open, which makes it easy to start a conversation or collaborate across teams. Our bi-yearly company days really highlights this, even when meeting colleagues for the first time in person, the environment encourages conversations and connection. It’s a great reminder of the supportive and engaging culture we have here.
My favourite memory must be Leighton’s 30th anniversary celebration. At the time, I hadn’t even officially started, I was due to join the following month, and I walked in not knowing a single person. Despite that, the welcome I received was incredible. Colleagues went out of their way to introduce themselves, make me feel included and ensure I wasn’t on my own. Those are the kinds of memories that stick with you years later.
I can firmly see myself stepping into a leadership role at some point in my career. A Head of People or Colleague Engagement role feels like a natural progression given my experience. I’d like to take everything I’ve learned, supporting colleagues, building strong teams and adding to a positive culture and apply it on a broader scale. My goal is to make an impact on both the people I work with and the business, helping others to be the best versions of themselves whilst continuing to grow in my own career.
I once interviewed a murderer as part of my course whilst I was studying for my degree. Whilst a unique opportunity, it was certainly an eye-opener.
I enjoy going to the gym and recently took part in my first in-house gym competition in October. I also have a young family at home, so a lot of my time is spent with them and going on days out together.
There is a lot of admin work involved in my role and plenty of research, which can vary from what sorts of advice to offer consultants based on the individuals’ requirements. I can quite easily spend 30 minutes on a one-to-one call with someone but then spend a couple of hours researching the answers to their questions that they might have asked. It’s also important that things are documented, so a lot of my time is also spent typing up notes and making sure these are stored appropriately.
When I worked at Virgin Money, Richard Branson visited our office. During a talk, he shared a piece of advice that has stuck with me: “If someone gives you an amazing opportunity and you don’t know how to do it, say yes and learn how to do it later.”
To embrace each day that comes. Things can change quickly but often change is something that allows a business to evolve, so it’s important to stay adaptable and open-minded.
Vikki McKeown joined Leighton in 2022 as part of our colleague experience team, ensuring colleagues are heard and seen across the business.
In our first colleague spotlight of 2026, we chat to Vikki to learn more about her role, her journey with Leighton so far and what makes working here so rewarding.
As a Colleague Experience Partner, my role is to support our consultants across the business who are working on a wide range of projects. I act as a key point of contact and an advocate for them, giving them a space to raise questions or concerns whether that’s around travel, project logistics, learning and development or personal matters.
A big part of my role is making time for regular one-to-one check-ins with each consultant. These monthly conversations give us the opportunity to reflect on what they’ve been working on, discuss their development goals and address any questions they may have about what’s happening across the wider business. Consultants are often deeply focused on their client work, so these sessions also help ensure they stay connected to internal updates and initiatives at Leighton.
Ultimately, my responsibility is to make sure colleagues feel supported, heard and informed. Whether that means providing answers directly or connecting them with the right people within Leighton, I’m there to help remove barriers and make their experience as positive as possible.
I’ve been with Leighton for almost three and a half years. When I was looking to move on from a large corporate organisation, I was keen to find something different and came across the role on LinkedIn. From the outset, I felt encouraged to apply.
What really stood out during the process was my initial interview with James, our CEO, alongside our then Head of People. Having that level of access to senior leadership so early on was a big moment for me. In previous roles, seeing or speaking to the CEO was rare, so it immediately signalled that Leighton had a strong, open culture. It gave me confidence that new starters are genuinely supported and that senior leaders are visible, approachable and invested in colleagues across the business.
I came into the role quite naturally rather than through a clear plan. When I left school, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do and chose a different path to my two older sisters, opting for an apprenticeship instead of college or university. That’s when I joined Northern Rock and began working in an operational role, before progressing into a team leader position.
It was during that time that I discovered how much I enjoyed working closely with people, supporting them and helping them grow. I later completed a degree in criminology and sociology, which helped me to understand more about people and behaviour. But at my core, I always knew that working and supporting others was what I enjoyed doing.
Now, with over 20 years’ experiences in this industry, I can confidently say that this path still feels like the right one for me, and being a Colleague Experience Partner is a role that plays to my strengths.
Understanding people and approaching every interaction with care and compassion are important in this role. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that every individual is different, each colleague has their own needs, challenges and expectations and no two conversations are ever the same.
Managing time effectively is also crucial, making sure each colleague has the chance to talk through any challenges or support they may require, while ensuring I can give them my full attention. This allows me to support them in a way that’s genuinely meaningful and appropriate. These are skills that can’t be learned overnight, they develop through experience, by working closely with people and truly understanding the value of strong listening, communication and relationship building skills.
Completing my degree is something I’m incredibly proud of, especially as I was working full time and had a young baby. It took a huge amount of commitment, with plenty of late nights spent studying and working on coursework. Achieving a 2:1 made all that hard work worthwhile, and it remains a special accomplishment for me. My certificate is still proudly on display at my parent’s house!
The opportunity to collaborate with such a diverse group of people. I love learning about individuals and their unique ways of working. At the same time, getting insight into the technical side of projects through our consultants has been equally as interesting. There’s always something new to pick up, from technical languages to project updates, which keeps every day interesting and engaging.
What stands out most to me about Leighton is the people. Everyone is approachable, friendly, and genuinely open, which makes it easy to start a conversation or collaborate across teams. Our bi-yearly company days really highlights this, even when meeting colleagues for the first time in person, the environment encourages conversations and connection. It’s a great reminder of the supportive and engaging culture we have here.
My favourite memory must be Leighton’s 30th anniversary celebration. At the time, I hadn’t even officially started, I was due to join the following month, and I walked in not knowing a single person. Despite that, the welcome I received was incredible. Colleagues went out of their way to introduce themselves, make me feel included and ensure I wasn’t on my own. Those are the kinds of memories that stick with you years later.
I can firmly see myself stepping into a leadership role at some point in my career. A Head of People or Colleague Engagement role feels like a natural progression given my experience. I’d like to take everything I’ve learned, supporting colleagues, building strong teams and adding to a positive culture and apply it on a broader scale. My goal is to make an impact on both the people I work with and the business, helping others to be the best versions of themselves whilst continuing to grow in my own career.
I once interviewed a murderer as part of my course whilst I was studying for my degree. Whilst a unique opportunity, it was certainly an eye-opener.
I enjoy going to the gym and recently took part in my first in-house gym competition in October. I also have a young family at home, so a lot of my time is spent with them and going on days out together.
There is a lot of admin work involved in my role and plenty of research, which can vary from what sorts of advice to offer consultants based on the individuals’ requirements. I can quite easily spend 30 minutes on a one-to-one call with someone but then spend a couple of hours researching the answers to their questions that they might have asked. It’s also important that things are documented, so a lot of my time is also spent typing up notes and making sure these are stored appropriately.
When I worked at Virgin Money, Richard Branson visited our office. During a talk, he shared a piece of advice that has stuck with me: “If someone gives you an amazing opportunity and you don’t know how to do it, say yes and learn how to do it later.”
To embrace each day that comes. Things can change quickly but often change is something that allows a business to evolve, so it’s important to stay adaptable and open-minded.
