scilence S2: 69 Construction Engineering & RESOLUTENESS

This week on Scilence, my guest comes from a man’s world, as a construction engineer, yet she is responsible for many jobs.  As a result, it took her much longer to earn resect from her team.  She ignored any nasty comments, which helped her to gain resilience.  

Her first job involved engineering railways, despite never having seen a train before.  Originally, she came from a very patriarchal culture, yet the men in her life were extremely supportive and encouraging - which positively influenced her adult life.  Its so important to have someone in your corner.  

My guest describes the difficulty in balancing motherhood, especially if you’ve been really successful in your career.  She talks of the self-care she has had to sacrifice for the sake of getting everything done and meeting the expectations of family and others. 

My guest believes that men can be agents of change, by being there for their families.  Men are shunned for putting their families before their work.  Women are judged for going to work instead of staying with the family. 

She feels lucky to have the support of her partner.  Usually, women feel that is it their responsibility to keep a home together.  She’s worked extremely hard to get to where she is career-wise, she now doesn't wan to throw it all away for motherhood - its a juggle and a struggle, and often something has to give. 

She hasn’t give up on changing the corporate mentality at work.  She loves challenging the naysayers.  She makes the change happen, but it hasn't been  smooth ride.  She’ll never ever give up on what she wants.  She really fights for what she believes in. 

Her advice:  Consider the perspectives of the majority.  Listen to others and have compassion for others; and learn a lot from your mistakes.  And lastly, but by no means least:  Be who you are, don’t try to be anybody else..