IWD - Investing in Women's Development
Leadership, learning, and giving back through development
As part of our wider International Women’s Day: Investing in Women’s Development feature, we’re sharing individual employee journeys from across our operating companies.
We’re focusing on how training and progression support women across a wide range of roles - helping to foster an inclusive, equitable workplace.
This spotlight focuses on Emma Montgomery, General Manager at NAL. Emma's career reflects development from both perspectives – as a participant building leadership capability, and as a facilitator supporting others through their own learning journeys.
Employee profile: Emma Montgomery
| Position: General Manager
| Joined: 2007
| Operating company: NAL, Cubis Systems
| Development completed:
2018-2019: “Lead like an Owner” development course
2021: The CRH Management Development Programme (MDP)
2023: The CRH Employee Development Programme (EDP) – facilitator
2026: Buddy Programme
Emma has experienced training and development from both sides. She’s been a participant building her own leadership capability, and a facilitator supporting others through their development journeys.
“My leadership training helped establish core skills, while the MDP provided valuable exposure to colleagues across the wider Group. Despite very different roles and operating environments, I found that many leadership challenges were shared.
That reinforced how transferable effective communication, people management, and decision-making skills can be.”
Learning across functions and operating companies
In 2023, Emma became a facilitator on the Employee Development Programme. The scheme brings people together from different operating companies and functions – encouraging collaboration, time management, and ‘managing upwards’ skills.
Participants also contribute to practical improvement projects and take part in team challenges designed to build confidence and resilience.
“Taking part in the EDP as a facilitator was a real highlight. Seeing people step outside of their comfort zones to grow in confidence, present to senior leaders, and realise their own potential is incredibly rewarding.
The programme isn’t just a tick-box exercise. Having been part of the process, I saw first-hand how it builds belief in what people can achieve – even in situations they’ve never faced before.
As a leader, it’s powerful to watch that transformation.”
📷 Pictured right: A snapshot from the 2023 CRH Employee Development Programme (EDP)
Supporting others from day one
In 2026, Emma will also support new starters through the Buddy Programme, helping provide a familiar face and guidance during their early days with the business.
“Overall, these training experiences are both meaningful and rewarding – not only for those taking part, but also for leaders supporting them.
I’ve been part of amazing experiences that empower you to come back to work and do your job better.”
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Emma’s journey is one of many featured in our International Women’s Day: Investing in Women’s Development article. We've brought together stories from across our operating companies to highlight how structured training, shared learning, and long-term investment help build confidence, capability, and career progression.
👉 Read the full International Women’s Day feature to explore more development journeys from across Cubis Systems, NAL, and FILOform: https://www.cubis-systems.com/uk/news-and-events/2026/march/iwd-investing-in-women-s-development/