Global Goals, Local Impact: What Ben Learned in 90 Days with HITT
22nd August 2025
When Ben Carpenter, Project Manager at BW, swapped London for Washington DC to join our Global Alliance Partner Programme at HITT, he didn’t just change offices, he changed perspective.
We sat down with Ben to hear what three months in the US construction scene taught him about leadership, innovation, and saying “yes” to every opportunity.
What were the biggest skills you took away from the experience?
“Communication, networking, public speaking and a lot of planning. The programme pushed me out of my comfort zone and into situations I wouldn’t normally find myself in. I spoke about BW’s processes and systems to new audiences, toured departments I’d never worked in before, and said yes to opportunities that might have felt uncommon back home, and every conversation was a chance to grow my confidence.”
How has it changed the way you approach your role back at BW?
“It gave me space to reflect. Stepping away from the day-to-day let me see our own operations from a fresh angle. Where we excel, where we could improve, and what we might do differently. Seeing HITT’s growth, especially in technology, made me excited about BW’s own trajectory. We’re growing fast, and being part of that is invigorating.”
You mentioned HITT’s tech focus really inspired you…
“Absolutely. They invest in innovation even without an immediate ROI. I spent time at Co|Lab exploring robotics, learned about their Virtual Design and Augmented Reality work, and saw their HQ build in action. It was encouraging to see them backing their R&D with serious time and resources. BW has our own robo-dog now, and I’m looking forward to exploring how we mobilise them on site, maybe collaborating with HITT’s robotics team. I also picked up smaller ideas, like project hardhat stickers. It’s not operationally essential, but culturally? A win. We could adapt the concept for BW in a way that fits our unique culture.”
How did the partner programme shape your leadership style?
“I had the rare chance to sit with people at all levels, from Project Engineers to the Co-Presidents, and ask questions an insider might not. I learned what people value in leaders, what doesn’t work, and what’s unique to their styles. Those insights will stay with me, and I’ve already started applying them in my own approach.”
How did you make the most of networking opportunities?
“By saying yes to everything. I joined charity days, safety week events, industry challenges, you name it. I’d definitely recommend preparing a professional portfolio in advance so the itinerary can be matched to your skills and clients. That way you hit the ground running.”
What impact will this have on your career?
“It’s expanded my network globally and added ‘working abroad’ to my experience. I’ve strengthened my public speaking skills, built deeper connections with BW’s leadership, and learned to confidently represent our business anywhere. And personally? I got to live abroad, explore the US, and return with a renewed sense of motivation.”
Final thoughts?
“My biggest achievement was going for it and giving 100% to the experience, inside and outside of work. I came back with new skills, new friends, and a clear sense of how BW can keep pushing forward.”
