My Authentic Self Gets the Best Results
For the past three summers, I’ve spoken on career panels for the NYC School Construction Authority’s high school and college intern program. Each six-week cohort introduces students to careers in architecture, engineering, construction management, and adjacent industries.
I show up the same way I do at every business event: in a track suit or a matching outfit. I am comfortable in these clothes and when I do not need to think about comfort, I am more confident. Comfort fuels my confidence. I also show up in my normal, although often changing, multi-colored hair. Not balayage, but bold palettes: Libertine, Masquerade, Empire, Diablo, Hustler, Sea Glass, Jam. For nearly a decade, my hair has been two to eight colors at a time.
During that time, I’ve:
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Been promoted to Vice President of Business Development at a leading construction technology company. - Served as an Expert for Primary Venture Partners, an early-stage VC in New York City.
- Planned high-impact events on the ConTech Alliance Leadership Council.
- Become an Ambassador for LaunchBreak, a women’s athletic networking initiative.
- Joined the StartOut NY Planning Board, supporting queer entrepreneurs with community and funding.
- Founded my own marketing strategy and sales enablement business for construction technology companies.
- Been hired by companies of all sizes nationwide.
- Taken on the role of Executive Director of the US Women’s Rugby Foundation.
- Been recognized as an Outstanding Woman by the Women Builders Council.
- Named a Notable LGBTQ Leader by Crain’s New York.
- Spoken on panels from Phoenix to Paris about construction technology, diversity, sales strategy, and more.
People call me for my perspective. They want to work with me — the woman with rainbow hair — because they know I deliver results. I’m a collaborator who makes complex ideas accessible, a team player who thrives on building bridges.
At this year’s School Construction Authority panel, I wondered if my story resonated. While other panelists offered clear career roadmaps — certifications, introductions, linear paths — I shared my circuitous journey: bartender, newspaper editor, Verizon salesperson, then construction technology leader.
At first, students clustered around the architect, engineer, and developer. But after a pause, they came to me — one by one.
- “How long did you work before you wore your hair the way you wanted?”
- “What do you do when you’re the only woman in the room?”
- “Are you out at work?”
That’s when I realized: my presence mattered. My story mattered. I’ve been told I’m a walking representation of diversity and authenticity. I don’t color my hair or skip business suits to make a statement — I do it because it’s me. And sometimes, being yourself brings others joy.
In addition to construction technology, I spend a lot of time in my role as the Executive Director of the US Women’s Rugby Foundation. I do think rugby can save the world. It is a sport where all body sizes are not only needed but celebrated. It is a sport that teaches teamwork, camaraderie, trust in each other, creative problem solving, personal strength and leadership.
Any girl or women who is able to feel the strength of their body when playing rugby can translate that into financial literary, negotiation tactics, healthy relationship decisions and community leadership. Rugby is a very authentic sport. It is rough and dirty and people are in close contact. As a lesser-known sport, everyone involved in the community, from coaches and referees to parents, team admins and friends, are integral in procuring practice locations and equipment as well as putting on tournaments. I gravitated to the authenticity of rugby when I played years ago and am now honored to be in a position that can help others discover the benefits of being a part of girls’ and women’s rugby.
Yes, some people assume I’m not serious because of how I look. That’s their choice. My circle of control extends about two inches from me, and I focus on that. I don’t spend energy convincing skeptics. I spend it with people who value collaboration, creativity, and results.
I do worry that people won’t “choose” me because I look different. I also know that the right people find each other. Kind of like this post. I know Carrie because we worked at competing companies, but that didn’t stop us from respecting each other. I am so proud of her and honored to be a part of this uplifting journey she is on!
-Lisa K.
