What It Really Takes to Grow as a Leader in Civil Engineering

Key Concepts

• "Just Say Yes" Mindset: Embracing new opportunities and challenges, even if they seem outside one's comfort zone or expertise.
• Leadership Development: Continuous learning and skill-building to prepare for leadership roles.
• Internal Talent Pipeline: Developing and promoting talent from within the organization.
• Employee Ownership: A business model where employees own a significant portion of the company.
• Authentic Leadership: Leading in a style that is genuine and true to one's personality.
• Networking: Building and maintaining relationships with colleagues, clients, and industry professionals.
• Proactive Career Development: Taking initiative and advocating for one's own career growth.

Barge Design Solutions and Carrie Stokes's Background

• Barge Design Solutions is an employee-owned, multidiscipline design firm founded in 1955, celebrating its 70th anniversary.
• The firm offers comprehensive services from site selection and due diligence to design and engineering, serving federal, state, and local government clients, as well as private industry markets like healthcare, data centers, and land development.
• Carrie Stokes started as a summer intern at Barge while studying civil and environmental engineering at Vanderbilt University and has worked her way up to CEO and President, assuming the role on March 1st.
• Stokes's journey included various roles in technical and leadership positions across different groups within the company.

Career Evolution and Leadership Development

• Stokes initially pursued a master's degree to strengthen her technical foundation but gravitated towards construction law and project management, bridging the gap between business and technical aspects.
• Barge is committed to developing internal talent and providing pathways for employees to take on more responsibility.
• Stokes participated in internal leadership programs focusing on both hard and soft skills, as well as external leadership opportunities through professional organizations like ACEC and ASCE.
• She emphasizes the importance of learning from both positive and negative experiences to develop an authentic leadership style.
• Stokes highlights the importance of a strong technical background for project managers and leaders to understand project complexities and engage effectively with clients and teams.

The "Just Say Yes" Mindset

• Stokes attributes her career growth to having a "just say yes" mindset, being open to different opportunities regardless of initial fit or interest.
• Research indicates that professionals who embrace new challenges with a "just say yes" mindset are up to 40% more likely to fast-track their careers.
• Example: Stokes was asked to lead a group encompassing environmental, civil, landscape architecture, and planning, despite her limited knowledge in some areas.
• She encourages emerging leaders to be open to opportunities in professional organizations and nonprofits, even if they seem outside their expertise.
• Stokes advises young professionals to be flexible and avoid limiting themselves, as they may discover unexpected passions.

Benefits of Long-Term Employment and Diverse Experiences

• Working in different departments and aspects of a company provides valuable insights and a well-rounded perspective.
• Stokes's experience as Chief of Staff broadened her understanding of business services like marketing and accounting.
• Barge encourages employees to explore different paths, including technical, project management, sales, and management roles.
• The company provides "Barge 101" training to educate employees on the business aspects of the firm, regardless of their role.
• Stokes emphasizes the importance of building a strong internal network and relationships with colleagues across different offices and groups.

Honoring Legacy and Leading Innovation

• Stokes is focused on honoring Barge's legacy while leading the company into its next chapter of growth and innovation.
• The company's annual meeting involves reflecting on the past 70 years and identifying key elements to preserve, improve, and innovate.
• Barge is committed to investing in its people and unleashing their potential, as well as the potential of clients and communities.
• The company is focused on maintaining growth while addressing the challenges that come with it, including leveraging technology and AI.
• Stokes emphasizes the importance of providing team members with clear guidance and support in adopting new technologies.

Building a Strong Internal Pipeline

• Developing an internal talent pipeline is a key priority for Barge, starting with a robust intern program.
• The company is rolling out an emerging leadership program to address the development needs of mid-level staff and managers.
• The program includes presented content, mentorships, executive team engagement, and a capstone project.
• The goal is to provide engaging learning experiences that encourage application and build a strong network among participants.

Final Advice for Leaders

• Stokes advises leaders to say yes to opportunities and to be their own biggest advocates for career development.
• She encourages individuals to proactively express their interests and seek out opportunities for engagement.
• Stokes emphasizes that most firms are willing to support their staff but need to be aware of their aspirations.
• She advises patience and persistence in pursuing career goals.