Strategic clarity for built environment firms competing in an ever more competitive market.
I deliver keynotes, panels and workshops that challenge how built environment firms compete, position themselves and grow.
Most architecture, engineering and construction firms still rely on technical excellence as their main differentiator. The problem is that everyone is technically and/or design excellent. In crowded markets, expertise alone no longer wins work or protects fees.
My talks focus on what really drives commercial advantage today. Strategic market positioning and leadership confidence. Clear narratives that help firms win better clients, rather than just more work. I speak to founders, Partners, Managing Directors and senior marketers who want to compete on value rather than price.
Every session is tailored to the audience and context. No generic marketing theory. No recycled slides. Just practical thinking grounded in real experience from inside and alongside built environment firms.
What I speak about?
Rather than fixed ‘off-the-shelf’ topics, I design each session around the room I’m speaking to.
Common themes include:
Strategic positioning and competitive differentiation
Winning higher-value clients through narrative and storytelling
Selling to corporates and government
Marketing as a growth driver, not a support function
Thought leadership and professional presence
Diversity, inclusion and leadership in the built environment
AI and digital tools for marketers
Client communication and performance narratives
Speaking experience.
Architizer Future Fest
I was invited to speak at Architiizer Magazine’s Future Fest virtual event. Over 1000 architects registered for the talk on How telling stories can help architects win better clients.
Women In Architecture.
I mentored two Women in Architecture as part of their programme and was invited to be a panelist for their in-person event in June 2023 about Changing The Face of Architecture.
Creatives Like Us events
Co-hosted and founded Creatives Like Us events in 2025 for Black and Brown business owners. We hosted 3 practical events in February, June and October.
Other recent talks.
Digital Women AI skills fest x Canva, London - Panellist exploring how marketers are using AI in practice and what it means for competitive advantage.
Enterprise Nation / Santander X - How to sell to corporates and governments Strategic procurement positioning for public sector work.
WSP / Engineering Matters - Closing the building performance gap: the missing conversation (panel moderator - strategic client communication challenges)
RIBA Guerrilla Tactics 2020 Ten practical digital marketing tactics for architects to build visibility and enquiries.
Architizer Future Fest 2023
How storytelling helps architects win better clients. Speaking to over 1,000 architects on narrative as competitive differentiation.
Women in Architecture 2023
Panel on changing the face of architecture. Strategic perspectives on leadership and inclusion.
Inside Housing Communications Conference Podcasts: all talk? How thought leadership platforms drive positioning and influence.
BuildUp Events - Multiple panels on brand positioning, race and diversity, sustainability, and business development
Brunel University & SOAS - Professional development sessions on personal positioning and understanding how the industry operates.
How I speak.
My style is direct, commercial, practical and fun. My sweet spot sees me connect marketing to leadership, business development and firm-wide strategy.
Audiences typically leave with:
A clearer view of how their firm is perceived
Practical frameworks they can use immediately
Confidence to challenge old ways of competing and working
Strategic clarity on where to focus effort
Energy and a sense that they can do it.
Sessions can be delivered as:
Keynotes
Panels
Leadership workshops
Roundtables
In-house team sessions, including away days
Available in person and virtually.
“I really liked the case studies with the visual examples illustrating her points. It was also packed with content.”
Who I speak to.
Founders and Partners
Managing Directors
CMOs and Marketing Directors
Business development teams
Built environment students preparing for leadership
My content is always adapted to the seniority, size and ambitions of the audience.
Why book me
With 25 years’ experience inside the built environment, I understand the realities of long sales cycles, complex procurement, political decision-making and matrix style organisations with an array of stakeholders.
I founded Abbas Marketing in 2020 to work exclusively with leadership teams on strategic positioning, to get clarity and build market confidence. I bring both insider credibility and external perspective.
Credentials
Overall winner, Digital Woman of the Year 2022
Host, The Built Environment Marketing Show podcast
RIBA London Awards Judge (2023, 2025)
Architizer A+ Awards jury member (2024, 2025)
Media and platforms
Podcasts continue to rise in popularity, and I have been an avid listener for over 10 years. I was inspired to set up my own podcast The Built Environment Marketing Show in 2020 which has had over 20,000 downloads. I interview many engineering and architecture firm leaders about what creates competitive advantage in our sector. The show has been shortlisted for a Podcast for Business Award and for an Archiboo Award.
In 2023 and 2024 I set up, produced and hosted two seasons of a podcast series called Interchange for my client Meeting of Minds where I interviewed transport leaders and changemakers about how we can make integrated transport a reality.
I regularly appear on built environment, marketing and business podcasts to discuss strategic positioning, competitive differentiation, and how firms build market confidence.
What people are saying.
“Ayo works well across mediums from digital to print to events and particularly well in the engineering disciplines and STEM where she translates complex language into something that regular mortals, i.e. customers, can understand.”
Graham Brown-Martin, Former Chief Innovation & Learning Product Officer, pi-top
“Ayo worked with us on the copy for our new industrial-focused website. She was able to listen to what we wanted and work with us to create short succinct text that encapsulates the key messages we want to get across to our clients.”
Hasan Dikme, Managing Director, Stonna Limited
Frequently Asked Questions
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I'm focusing on strategic clarity and market confidence for built environment firms - how to compete on value rather than price, what actually differentiates firms, strategic procurement positioning, and building market confidence through thought leadership. I also draw on practical experience with digital marketing, storytelling, and professional branding to illustrate strategic points. All content grounded in 25 years working in the sector.
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Conference keynotes (30-60 minutes), panel discussions, webinar presentations, university guest lectures, and workshop facilitation. In-person or virtual delivery.
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From intimate roundtables (15 people) to virtual conferences with 1000+ participants. Most corporate events are 30-150 people, industry panels typically 15-50 attendees.
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Always. I work with you to understand your audience and their strategic challenges. Whether it's partners needing clarity on positioning, marketers wanting to influence strategy, or students understanding industry dynamics, content is tailored to deliver strategic value.
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Fees depend on session length, format, and delivery method. Generally £1,500-£5,000 for conference keynotes. Contact me for a specific quote: ayo@abbasmarketing.com
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Yes. I help students understand how the built environment sector actually operates strategically - how firms win work, what creates competitive advantage, and how to position yourself professionally from the start. I've worked with Brunel University, SOAS, and others.
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Yes. I've moderated panels for WSP, BuildUp, and others, bringing strategic framing to keep conversations valuable rather than generic industry commentary. I can help draft session outlines and suggest strategic discussion angles.
