Women in engineering don’t just have to solve technical problems—they often have to prove they belong in the room before anyone listens to the solution. 
 
Brian and Alex tackle the realities of being a woman in a traditionally male profession, from being mistaken for support staff and having expertise questioned to navigating imposter syndrome, jobsite culture, and the subtle biases that still exist throughout design and construction. Through personal stories, hard-earned lessons, and candid discussion, this episode explores what it takes to establish authority, earn trust, and advocate for others in the industry. 
 
If you've ever watched the smartest person in the room get talked over, had to re-establish your credibility in every meeting, or wondered how the industry can continue improving for future generations of engineers…this one's for you. 

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LINKS:

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Show Notes 

Chapter 1 – Getting in the Room 

• Being mistaken for support staff instead of the engineer 

• First impressions and assumed roles in design meetings 

• Why women often have to repeatedly establish authority 

• The balancing act between confidence and being labeled 'abrasive' 

• How visible leadership support changes careers 

Chapter 2 – Speaking with Authority 

• Vendors, consultants, and the credibility gap 

• The PE license versus perceived expertise 

• Getting talked over, interrupted, or ignored in meetings 

• Advocating for colleagues and redirecting conversations 

• The hidden cost of over-preparing to avoid being questioned 

Chapter 3 – Owning the Room During Construction 

• Jobsite interactions and contractor assumptions 

• When expertise gets questioned until a man repeats it 

• PPE, safety gear, and field conditions not designed for women 

• Building credibility through competence and problem-solving 

• Why respect often arrives only after the problem is solved 

Chapter 4 – Staying in the Room 

• Inspections, closeout meetings, and maintaining authority 

• Imposter syndrome in engineering and leadership 

• Women in STEM: progress, challenges, and industry trends 

• Documentation as a tool for credibility and protection 

• Creating a culture where expertise matters more than assumptions 

Key Takeaways 

• Authority should come from expertise and credentials, not assumptions 

• Advocating for colleagues can dramatically change workplace culture 

• Many biases are subtle, unintentional, and still impactful 

• Documentation and preparation remain powerful professional tools 

• Engineering is strongest when every qualified voice is heard