When you began your career did you ever imagine you would have a leadership role like you have now? What advice would you give your younger self?
In a way, yes. I have always felt comfortable taking initiative and helping organize things, so stepping into my current leadership role over time felt natural. I do like having a sense of structure and control, and to maintain that, it came with taking on more responsibility. I have always been that way. Even as a child, so its not a huge surprise that I strove to be in a leadership position. Its more about how to balance that role and let go of certain things. That’s the advice I’d give my younger self. Be more comfortable not having everything figured out all the time; focus on leaning into your natural strength and work on what scares you.
Who inspires you and why? What is your most valued attribute in the leaders you respect or mentors you have had?
I’ve been fortunate to have several incredible mentors throughout my career—each one has shaped me in different ways. My first ‘real’ job was for a female architect and seeing her in that role, really shaped my perspective in a different way. Previously I had always had male professors and not many high level females in our industry. She modeled resilience and confidence in the AE male-dominated space, while teaching me the value of empathy, clarity, and leading without ego. One particularly influentially mentor once told me that every problem is the managers and every win is the teams. That really stuck with me and guides how I lead my team today.
What did it take in order to trust yourself to step into leadership?
It really just took time and experience to gain the confidence to lead others. I had to figure out that it wasn’t about having all the answers but being able to take responsibility, make decisions, know who to lean on, listen to others and be empathetic. The more I saw great leader and experienced those moments myself, the more I trusted that I could lead as well.
Have you experienced any hardships and how did you overcome the obstacles. When did you know, the business was going to make it?
Being in a male-dominated construction and engineering field definitely came with its challenges. Early on, I often felt the pressure to prove myself and to be taken seriously in a room full of contractors and Owners. But over time, I realized that preparation, confidence, honest and consistency gained me the respect of the team. My own resilience was often tested, but those experiences made me the leader I am.
What do you attribute your success too? Secret to your success…
I guess the closest thing to a ‘secret’ for me is leading with kindness and respect. People want to work with those who listen, support them, and treat them well. I’ve always believed that you catch more flies with honey. I’ve been lucky to have great mentors, and I try to pay that forward by being one for others as well.
What advice would you give other local women leaders?
Don’t wait for permission to express your thoughts and ideas. Build a strong network - Surround yourself with people who support your growth and challenge you to be better. Trust your instincts. Find something you’re truly passionate about and commit to it wholeheartedly.
Join the GRIT Community:
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Marianne Biangardi (right)(mbiangardi@uhy-us.com or 314-322-4871) is Sr. Associate, Marketing and Business Development, at UHY LLP.
Jennifer Bardot (left) (ownyourgrit@gmail.com, or 314-630-1451) is CEO and Founder of G.R.I.T. Community For Women.