From the ground up: Jacinta Begley on leading with purpose in construction

AS chief executive of Hamlan and Geelong Homes, Jacinta Begley is shaping the future of a proudly local family building business, guided by people, culture and a leadership style grounded in trust.

From climbing frames as a child, to working in display homes, to leading the organisation today, Jacinta’s journey has been both unconventional and deeply personal.

“I’ve been around Hamlan for my entire life,” she said. “From working as a display hostess and helping at reception to processing accounts through high school, I genuinely learned the business from the ground up.”

After gaining experience in banking, Jacinta officially joined the family business in 2009. Seventeen years on, her connection to the brand runs deeper than ever.

“Hamlan isn’t just a business to me, I often say it feels like a sibling,” Jacinta said. “Growing up alongside the business gave me perspective. Stepping outside the business first gave me commercial discipline and confidence.”

Taking on leadership in a historically male-dominated industry wasn’t without its pressures.

“I was young, female and part of the founding family. That combination meant I had to earn credibility quickly and I did that by listening, learning and backing myself,” Jacinta said.

Rather than focusing on fitting a traditional mould of leadership, Jacinta focused on building her own.

“I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about being good at everything,” she said. “It’s about building the right team, asking questions and creating an environment where people feel trusted and accountable.”

With International Women’s Day approaching, Jacinta sees the occasion as both a celebration and perspective.

“It’s a moment to recognise progress, but also to acknowledge the complexity of modern life balancing leadership, family, ambition and responsibility,” she said. “There’s strength in that juggle.”

At the heart of Hamlan and Geelong Homes is a strong belief in people and culture.

“I’m incredibly passionate about the culture at Hamlan. It’s something we’ve been very intentional about building and nurturing over time,” Jacinta said.

“We’re a social, connected team, and that genuine sense of camaraderie strengthens the way we work together. We actively encourage face-to-face conversations rather than defaulting to emails, because real connection drives better collaboration. I truly believe that open communication and strong relationships are at the heart of our culture.”

That commitment shows through open communication, regular staff feedback and a collaborative office environment.

“There’s real value in side-by-side learning those incidental conversations where you overhear something and grow from it,” Jacinta said.

“That connection is hard to replicate remotely.”

For Jacinta, leadership ultimately comes down to responsibility.

“It’s a privilege to be trusted with what is often the biggest investment of someone’s life,” she said. “That trust is never lost on me.”

With more than 43 years behind the brand and a second generation now leading it forward, she carries that responsibility with pride.

“It’s an honour and one I take very seriously,” she said.

For more information, head to hamlan.com.au