Anchors in the Work: Mentorship, Growth, and Human-Centered Leadership in the AEC Industry

With the holidays here and a new year on the horizon, I find myself reflecting on what shaped me—and what I hope to shape moving forward. My most enduring lessons didn’t come from manuals or training, but from mentors and colleagues who modeled integrity, curiosity, and care in every project.

Early experiences in the AEC industry have taught me that technical skill is only part of the equation. How we work with others, how we lead, and how we respond when things go wrong often defines the trajectory of a career—and the culture of the teams we build.

What follows are two stories of mentors who guided me, the moments that left a lasting impact, and what those lessons mean as I watch my own kids navigate their paths.

Learning to Build—Both Skills and Perspective

When I first started in the field, I was focused on mastering the technical side of things—mechanical systems, building enclosures, sustainability. I loved that phase: conferences, technical sessions, and hands-on challenges were opportunities to grow. But over time, I have come to appreciate that the most enduring lessons weren’t in the manuals or calculations—they were in the people interactions, in the “soft skills” that make work meaningful and rewarding.

Lessons in Integrity and Teamwork

I remember a project installing compact fluorescent bulbs—long before LEDs became standard. A fixture broke. It wasn’t a huge deal, but the site superintendent was steamed—and he let everyone know it. Mike, my project manager, stepped forward and said, “I broke it.” He wasn’t the one who had broken it, yet by taking accountability, he protected the team and diffused tension. That small moment stuck with me. It showed the quiet power of integrity, accountability, and caring for the people we work with—lessons that are just as vital as technical expertise in any career.

Learning Through Mentorship

Later, Caitriona joined our team—a senior leader in an industry not always welcoming to women. She had worked hard to reach a position that required toughness and resilience, a protection she extended to her team. But one of her best strengths was her way of turning mistakes into learning opportunities. 

More than once, I slunk into Caitriona’s office, tail between my legs, to admit I’d underbid a project. She would stare at me and ask, “Did you learn the lesson?” Once I owned it, she’d say, “Good. Now be off with you,” and send me back out to do better next time. 

That simple question reframed mistakes as growth, not failure. Caitriona’s presence, strength, and mentorship still shape how I approach leadership, collaboration, and team culture today—reinforcing the importance of guiding and supporting others while navigating my own challenges.

As one of Caitriona’s many pearls of Irish wisdom goes, “It’s an ill wind that blows no good.” I’ve come to understand it as a reminder that even the tough moments can shape us for the better.

Reflections as a Father

Now, as I watch my own three boys—18, 15, and 11—begin their journeys, I hope they encounter mentors and experiences like those I had. Moments that root them in their work, challenge them to grow, and surround them with people who inspire them. I hope they learn the lessons, as I did: that technical skill is essential, but character, curiosity, and support for others are what make a career—and a life—truly meaningful.

Moving Forward with Intention

The supportive lessons my mentors gave me—in integrity, curiosity, and community—continue to shape how I lead, collaborate, and guide others in work and in life.

This year, my hope is simple, yet clear: may we all find anchors in our work, mentors who inspire, and communities that endure—in the people we uplift, the lessons we pass on, and the values we model.

Here’s to carrying these lessons forward and making each moment an opportunity to learn, grow, and lead with purpose.