Mandy Bujold: From the Boxing Ring to Building Industry Change
Take a break, we’re on Smoko. In this episode, I sit down with Olympian Mandy Bujold for an in-depth conversation about her remarkable journey from the world of elite boxing to a leadership role in the construction industry. Mandy is an 11-time national champion and two-time Pan American Games gold medalist who now serves as the Manager of Industry and Community Partnerships at the Grand Valley Construction Association.
Mandy shares how she first discovered boxing through fitness and self-defense classes—only to uncover a talent that would carry her to two Olympic Games. Her path wasn’t easy. She speaks candidly about the barriers women face in male-dominated sports, and her advocacy for women’s boxing to be included in the Olympic program.
“Boxing taught me discipline, but it also gave me a lifelong passion.” – Mandy Bujold
In this episode, Mandy reflects on the high-stakes pressure of competing internationally, the resilience she developed from setbacks, and the mindset that fueled her athletic and personal growth. Her transition into the construction sector is equally compelling. Mandy talks about leveraging her discipline and leadership skills in her new role, where she fosters industry and community partnerships and champions mental health and safety on the jobsite.
We dive into the parallels between high-performance sport and construction—two spaces where grit, teamwork, and focus are everything. Mandy also shares her passion for mentorship, the programs she’s involved in to support women entering trades, and how she’s building a culture of inclusion in a historically rigid industry.
This episode is a testament to the power of reinvention and the importance of lifting others as you climb.
Connect with Mandy Bujold
mandybujold.com
@mandybujold on Instagram
Mandy Bujold on LinkedIn