The leadership advice you didn’t know you needed

Women continue to gain ground in construction, now representing 14.3% of the workforce. One of them is Kim Vierheilig, president of the national Buildings group at STV, who was recently named a Women of Achievement honoree by the New York chapter of Professional Women in Construction. We asked Vierheilig about the traits and lessons that fuel her success and what the industry needs to do to keep the number of women in the workforce growing.

—Interview by Margot Lester, edited by Bianca Prieto

What are two traits women of achievement in construction possess? 

Curiosity and initiative. It’s important to have clear career goals, but also remain open to unexpected learning opportunities that come from real-world experience. Career growth isn’t always linear, so it’s important to refine goals over time rather than expect to have everything figured out upfront. Some of my most impactful career moments weren’t planned; they happened because I was willing to ask questions and step outside my comfort zone. Women entering the world of construction and architecture should embrace spontaneous opportunities for growth. 

When there’s silence in the room and no one steps up, be the one who says, “I’ll lead.” It might feel intimidating at first, especially if you’re unsure of the path forward, but those moments are where confidence is built. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about having the courage to take initiative. Also, surround yourself with a strong support network. Seek out mentors, peers and champions who will guide you, challenge you and celebrate your wins. Don’t be afraid to ask for help—this industry is built on collaboration and no one succeeds alone. 

What does our industry need to do to get more women to join and stay?

Visibility and mentorship are critical. We need to actively show women that construction is not only a place where they belong, but where they can lead. That means highlighting the women who are already making an impact and creating clear pathways for others to follow. When I first entered the industry, there were very few women around me. That experience shaped my belief in the power of inclusive, accessible mentoring programs. When women see themselves reflected in leadership and are supported through mentorship, they’re more likely to stay, grow and thrive.

How can male allies help?

One of the most powerful things male allies can do is advocate behind the scenes. Representation alone isn’t enough. I was fortunate to have incredible mentors, many of whom were men, but the ones who made the biggest impact didn’t just advise me—they championed me. They recommended me for roles, opened doors and used their influence to elevate my voice. That kind of quiet advocacy can be transformational. It’s not always visible, but it creates real opportunities. Today, I strive to pay that forward by doing the same for others.

What trend has your attention right now?

A trend that is also central to STV’s approach is holistic design. That means considering not just the immediate needs, but also the long-term sustainability and resilience of the communities we serve. We believe in creating environments that foster growth, health and well-being. By integrating advanced technologies and sustainable practices into our designs, we ensure that our projects not only meet today’s standards but also anticipate tomorrow’s challenges. This forward-thinking mindset helps us build infrastructures that support thriving, vibrant communities. 

Can you leave us with one crucial lesson learned during your career?

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to stay grounded in your values—especially when the pressure is high. This industry demands resilience; there will always be tough days, complex decisions and competing priorities. But the best advice I ever received was to never lose sight of who you are and what you stand for. Your integrity is your compass. When you lead with authenticity, even the hardest challenges become opportunities to grow and inspire others.

Get more insights on increasing the number of women in construction.

Thanks for reading today's edition! You can reach the newsletter team at thelevel@mynewsletter.co. We enjoy hearing from you.

Interested in advertising? Email us at newslettersales@mvfglobal.com

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here to get this newsletter once a week. 

The Level is curated and written by Margot Lester and edited by Bianca Prieto.