Whether you are a man or woman, you have to be able to build relationships and respect those you work with. — Tahereh Hedrick, FedEx Office
Over time, you need to increase your education and skill set. Become a subject matter expert in maybe one or two areas. Be that go-to person. Never stop learning.
Severson: I started back in the '80s, too. When I started, it was an interesting experience. Every day someone would question or challenge me on something. They would think, "That little girl doesn't know anything." I had to go home
at night and do extensive reading on HVAC, plumbing and electrical. My first project was a renovation of two restaurants. I'm dealing with his- toric buildings and with unions. I learned to listen. That's the most im - portant thing you can do. Ask the sub- contractors what they would do. Ask them if they've thought of something else to do. Never lose your femininity. Above all us, stay true to yourself.
Keingstein: Asking the right ques-
tions and other people's advice is important.
James: You have to have thick skin, too. You have to be able to give back the jokes as much as you get
One-on-one meetings allow end users, vendors to talk shop
"And the clock starts…now." That's the phrase you have to get used to during one of the Women in Construction & Facilities Retreat's vaunted one-one-meetings, which puts end users and vendors face-to-face in 15-minute busi- ness meetings. The sessions continue to be one of the best networking and business opportunities the industry has to offer. The retreat was sponsored by Commercial Construction & Renovation magazine.
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