Building Confidence: Advice from Female Industry Leaders During Women in Construction Week

Every year, Women in Construction Week shines a spotlight on the talent, resilience, and leadership of women across the construction industry. It’s a time to celebrate progress—but also to have honest conversations about what it takes to succeed in a field that has traditionally been male-dominated.

For our upcoming panel webinar, we asked women across the industry to share their biggest piece of advice for other women in construction. A clear theme emerged:

Have confidence.

But confidence isn’t something you either have or don’t have. It’s something you build—intentionally and consistently. Below are the key insights and practical tips to help women in construction strengthen their confidence and lead with impact.

1. Know Your Value—and Own It

Confidence starts with recognizing your expertise.

Many women in construction underestimate how much they bring to the table—technical knowledge, financial acumen, operational experience, leadership skills, and communication strengths. Whether you’re managing a job site, overseeing payroll, or negotiating contracts, your role directly impacts project success.

Shannen Tkatch, Vice President, Multi-Site ASCC, Inc., put it this way:

“We need to empower women to have the confidence that they can be in every room where a decision is made, and they are worthy of being in there. They don't have to fit in. They can shape the fit. They can shape what it looks like to be part of that.”

Instead of waiting for validation:

• Track your accomplishments
• Keep a record of project wins and measurable outcomes
• Speak to your results with facts and clarity

Data builds credibility—and credibility fuels confidence.

2. Stop Waiting to Be 100% Ready

A common confidence trap? Waiting until you feel fully ready before raising your hand.

Many women hesitate to apply for promotions, volunteer for stretch projects, or speak up in meetings unless they feel 100% qualified. Meanwhile, others may step forward at 60–70% readiness.

Confidence often follows action—not the other way around.

If an opportunity stretches you slightly, that’s usually a sign you should take it.

3. Find Allies and Mentors

Confidence grows in community.

Whether it’s a senior executive, a field superintendent, a CPA partner, an industry association, or another project manager, having someone who:

• Advocates for you
• Offers honest feedback
• Shares lessons learned
• Encourages you to push forward

can dramatically accelerate your confidence.

Laurie Kendall, President/CEO of Associated Builders and Contractors Pacific Northwest Chapter, mentioned that,

“When I became President of ABC’s Pacific Northwest Chapter 16 years ago, I would not have survived if I had not had my female peer group throughout the country, and when I did feel confident, they reminded me who I was and what I could do.”

Industry organizations like Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) and the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) create spaces where women can connect, learn, and lead. Building relationships within your company and across the industry reminds you that you’re not navigating challenges alone.

4. Speak Up—Even When It Feels Uncomfortable

In construction meetings, voices can be strong and opinions firm. It can feel intimidating to insert yourself into the conversation—especially early in your career.

But confidence is built through repetition.

Start small:

• Ask a clarifying question
• Offer one insight backed by data
• Share a solution you’ve seen work before

Over time, those moments compound. And others begin to expect your input.

Remember: your perspective adds value. If you’re thinking something, chances are someone else in the room is too.

5. Separate Confidence from Perfection

Another takeaway from our panelists: confidence is not perfection.

Mistakes happen in construction. Budgets shift. Schedules change. Materials get delayed. The key is responding with ownership and solutions.

Confidence means:

• Admitting when something needs adjustment
• Proposing next steps
• Staying calm under pressure

It’s not about always being right—it’s about being steady and solution-oriented.

6. Develop Technical and Financial Fluency

Confidence is closely tied to competence. The more you understand:

• Job costing
• WIP reporting
• Labor burden
• Revenue recognition
• Project controls
• Technology systems

the more confidently you can contribute to strategic conversations.

I believe that when you understand the numbers behind the project, your confidence naturally grows. Being fluent in job costs and financials doesn’t just help you do your job—it helps you lead with speed, clarity, and control.

Invest in learning. Ask questions. Sit in on meetings outside your immediate role. Volunteer for cross-functional initiatives. Knowledge reduces hesitation.

7. Redefine Leadership on Your Terms

One of the most empowering insights was this:

You don’t need to lead like anyone else to be effective. Leadership in construction doesn’t have to look like the loudest voice in the room. It can look like:

• Clear communication
• Steady decision-making
• Financial discipline
• Team development
• Strong client relationships

Authentic leadership builds sustainable confidence because it aligns with who you are—not who you think you need to be.

Moving the Industry Forward

Women continue to make meaningful contributions across the construction industry—from the field to the back office to the executive suite. As the industry evolves, so does its leadership.

During Women in Construction Week, we celebrate the progress made—but we also recognize the work still ahead. Confidence isn’t about ego. It’s about believing in your capability, backing it with preparation, and taking action even when it feels uncomfortable.

To every woman in construction: Your voice matters. Your expertise matters. Your leadership matters.

And the industry is stronger because you’re in it.