How do you define success?

Success can be defined as a traveling road, a multi-dimensional state, impacted by hard work, obstacles, mistakes/wrong decisions, juggling acts, family, community, spiritual state and lessons learned. The journey has no definite timeframe and constantly changes.

Reach one destination/goal and another appears. It’s not static. Success means making positive impact and difference to those around you along that journey.

Success doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Circumstances, people, the universe, all shape the successful person. Showing gratitude to those who have walked alongside you and those who will accompany you in future journeys defines your success. Parents, sisters, daughters, friends, mentors.

Success can also be defined by mindset, starting by trying to erase negativity. It’s not easy to stay positive. Appreciating today and having the next day is the first positive thing. Success is the mindset to move forward when the going gets tough and to keep trying to stay high when you feel low.

Success is not defined by chance, luck or prizes won. Success doesn’t happen without hard work, perseverance, grit, determination, failure, wrong decisions.

Spirituality is the foundation that can also define success. Success in faith and trust in God allow you to continue moving forward especially in difficult situations. Faith allows you to trust and gives strength that translates into courage to take you to the next step in that journey to success. That’s my definition.

What drives you to succeed?

The drive to succeed has to be cultivated. Once you see the fruit it becomes its own motor for continued self-motivation. Confidence requires continual validation and the need to be kind to oneself. Confidence in oneself and passion are driving factors for that self-motivation to keep trying until you achieve one goal and then the next… a chain of events that leads to success.

Don’t let fear get in the way. It will prevent you from achieving your full potential. Put all of your focus and energy into your goals and the results will always be the correct ones even when you don’t think so. – My dad

What is the best advice you have received that impacted on your business?

The engineering consulting and construction industry can be a challenging stage.

Different factors affect a project’s dynamics which can affect team effort and ultimate success. Some of the best advice I have received that positively impacted the progression of my projects is ‘communication is key.

In my business, there are many players. Effective, consistent, ongoing communication makes a very positive impact through reaching common ground. It’s the best fuel for teamwork.

What significant challenges have you had as a woman in your industry?

Engineering is an industry where women’s presence lags behind men and is only 14-15% of the workforce. This male-dominated field can be intimidating and at times one may feel out-of-place.

Throughout my life and career, I have been one to push through and forward. One of the best ways to overcome this challenge is to dive into the work and responsibilities, ask questions and learn as much as possible. Make sure to develop important skills and build confidence to navigate this environment.

One of the most difficult challenges women in the workforce encounter is juggling family and careers. This requires organization, discipline and creative problem solving to be present for both work and family.

As a mother of three daughters, it was a very delicate balancing act to stay on top of both parenting and career. Rethinking schedules for chores, being home to help with homework etc. was always a moving target. The dynamic of my house along with tenacity, organization, being flexible, creative and staying calm, were some of the constantly changing factors.