Angela Whittaker on success, strength and women in construction

BUSINESS FEATURE

If anyone embodies the term powerhouse, it’s Angela Whittaker. As owner and financial lead of Port Douglas Windows & Glass, she’s grown the business alongside her husband, Ady’s company Angel Construction, while creating a workplace where the team thrives.

After 20 years in finance, including most recently at Bendigo Bank Port Douglas, Angela shifted to construction in 2023, first joining Angel Construction before leading Port Douglas Windows & Glass.

“I didn’t know much about construction when I started, but I knew how to run a business, manage finances, and make sure money was where it should be,” Angela said. 

“Since I came on board, we’ve doubled, maybe even tripled, our turnover and put in the correct processes and procedures.”

At Port Douglas Windows & Glass, teamwork comes first, and Angela ensures a positive work environment for everyone.

“We work closely across all areas of the business,” she said. “Everyone’s input matters, and that openness encourages people to contribute. You spend so much of your life at work, it has to be a place where you feel like you belong,” she said.

Women in construction 

Over the years, Angela and Ady have worked to ensure that everyone is in the right role, in the right team, where they feel supported and empowered.

One key example is Shanise, a standout team member at Port Douglas Windows & Glass.

“Shanise runs all the regular visits and is hands-on with the team, she’s an absolute powerhouse,” Angela said.

While construction has long been a male-dominated industry, Angela has never let that be a barrier, and she doesn’t want other women to, either.

“I’m quite feisty, I don’t feel like I’m in anyone’s shadow,” she said. “I’ve never had anyone tell me I don’t know what I’m talking about because I don’t try to tell them about construction. 

“I know my role, I know how to manage people, and I leave the technical side to the experts.”

She also believes women bring a different kind of leadership to industries like construction.

“Women tend to be great at reading people, adapting to situations, and managing relationships. That’s an important skill in any business,” she said.

For young women entering male-dominated fields, her advice is simple: don’t hold back.

“If you’re passionate about something, go for it. The skills you develop in one industry are transferable. 

“If you know how to lead a team, manage a business, or drive success, you can take those skills anywhere.”

Women who inspire me

Gina Rinehart inspires me because of her remarkable ability to succeed in a male-dominated industry. She built Hancock Prospecting into a global powerhouse through determination, strategic vision, and bold decision-making. 

Her resilience and innovative thinking show that with hard work and confidence, it’s possible to break through barriers and achieve extraordinary success, no matter the challenges. She is one of the wealthiest women in Australia.

Real life Donna Sheridan

Angela’s strong personality extends beyond the workplace right onto the theatre stage.

She is currently rehearsing for Mamma Mia! at The Clink Theatre, playing Donna Sheridan, a tough, independent character not far from her own personality.

“It’s a great role, she’s strong, independent, and doesn’t take any nonsense,” Angela laughed. “So I guess I don’t have to act much.”