When I first entered this industry, I thought I had to become “hard” to survive it. I believed I needed to speak louder, push harder, hide emotion and prove that I belonged. Construction, deep foundations, piling – these industries are built on pressure.
Tight schedules. Heavy equipment. High stakes. Long days. Constant problem-solving.
Somewhere along the way, many of us start believing that strength only looks one way. What I wish someone had told me earlier is this: You do not have to lose your humanity to succeed in this industry. Some of the strongest people I have ever met are the ones who remain calm under pressure, who care deeply about their crews, who take pride in doing things properly, who communicate honestly with clients and who continue showing up even when things get difficult.
There is a difference between being tough and being grounded.
I also wish someone had told me that confidence does not come first. Experience comes first. Confidence is built slowly – one difficult conversation, one jobsite problem, one estimate, one mistake, one solved issue at a time. It took me nearly three years before I truly felt comfortable quoting and estimating on my own. My business partner, Mat Bergevin, patiently taught me every thing I know about construction, screw piles, foundations and estimating. There were so many moments where I doubted myself or felt overwhelmed trying to learn an industry that is incredibly technical and demanding. But over time, through repetition, experience, mentorship and persistence, I found my footing.
Today, I can confidently excel on my own in quoting, estimating, project management and client communication. One of the biggest lessons he taught me was the importance of clear and honest communication – especially when having difficult conversations with clients.
Never underestimate the value of emotional intelligence in an industry built on pressure.
In construction, surprises can become expensive very quickly. Mat always could see the potential risks, site challenges and “what ifs” before they happen, and because of that, he has always required me to communicate openly and transparently with our clients from the beginning. Whether it is discussing possible extensions, site conditions, engineering requirements, optional items, scheduling realities or unexpected costs, we believe clients deserve honesty upfront – even when the conversation is uncomfortable.
Another thing I learned the hard way is that construction is not only about building foundations in the ground. It is about building foundations within yourself, learning how:
- To handle stress
- To lead people
- To communicate clearly
- To recover when things go wrong
- To keep going during uncertainty
This industry will test you mentally, emotionally and physically. But it will also teach you resilience, resourcefulness, leadership and grit in ways few industries can.
To younger women entering deep foundations, geotechnical, construction, operations, estimating, engineering or project management, your perspective matters more than you realize. You do not need to know everything immediately. You do not need to become someone else to belong here. You do not need permission to take up space. Ask questions. Pay attention. Learn constantly. Stay adaptable. Treat people well. Stand your ground when necessary. And never underestimate the value of emotional intelligence in an industry built on pressure.
Some of the best leaders are not the loudest people in the room. They are the people others trust when things become difficult.
And finally, don’t forget to build a life while you’re building projects.