In this special episode of 21st Century Engineer, Dr. Dennis D. Truax talks with Jennifer Todd about the “Doubt Tax” the hidden mental and emotional cost women pay in AEC just to be seen as competent.

Jennifer explains why this is different from imposter syndrome, how credibility pressure and bias drive talent out of civil engineering, and why fixing retention starts with leaders building systems that assume competence. The result: stronger culture, better quality of life, and a more productive workforce.