Unlock the Truth About Mentorship and Women’s Leadership Success – EP 034

January 21, 2025

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Empower your leadership journey.

In this episode, I talk with Keisha Seals, assistant director of public works at the City of Sugar Land, Texas, about how transitioning from management to mentoring redefines leadership, the skills that make mentorship impactful, and its role in shaping the future of women’s leadership in engineering.

***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Keisha:

What motivated your shift from project management to mentoring, and was there a specific moment that influenced this decision?
How has managing large-scale infrastructure projects shaped your approach to mentoring?
What are the key differences in mindset when leading a team compared to mentoring an individual?
What do mentees look for in a mentor, and how should they choose the right one?
How do you tailor your mentoring style for different personalities or career stages, and what has mentoring taught you about your own growth?
What final piece of advice can you give to women engineers out there?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Unlocking the Truth About Mentorship and Women’s Leadership Success:

Transitioning from project management to mentoring often arises from leadership roles that require managing people, expectations, and challenges. Taking on roles that prioritize team success and resource management builds the ability to guide others and support their development.
Managing complex infrastructure projects highlights the importance of clear communication, accountability, and adaptability. These experiences shape a mentoring approach centered on listening, providing direction, and maintaining confidence under pressure.
Leading a team requires collective accountability and shared decision-making, while mentoring emphasizes personalized guidance. Building trust and addressing individual needs are essential to achieving meaningful growth and collaboration.
Effective mentorship is rooted in transparency and shared values. Selecting a mentor from outside one’s profession can provide fresh perspectives, helping mentees acquire new skills and address areas of improvement.
Adjusting guidance to accommodate diverse personalities and career stages creates impactful relationships. Mentoring helps leaders grow by revealing their influence and expanding their understanding of complex challenges.
Sharing knowledge and experiences through mentorship enhances organizations, communities, and individuals. By prioritizing mentorship, engineers inspire growth and success in the next generation.

More Details in This Episode…

About Keisha Seals

With over 30 years of expertise in civil engineering and project management, Keisha Seals has built a career defined by excellence, resilience, and transformative leadership. A graduate of Michigan State University with a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering (1994), Ms. Seals began her career in Detroit, Michigan, mastering the complexities of transportation design and construction in the private sector. Her early experiences equipped her with skills in project management, networking, and navigating challenges with determination and ingenuity.

In 2006, she transitioned to the public sector, joining the City of Sugar Land, Texas, where she managed three of the city’s largest roadway projects: the widening of US 90A, SH 6, and US 59. Known for her exceptional communication, collaboration, and customer service skills, Ms. Seals quickly became a trusted leader, overseeing multi-million-dollar infrastructure projects and fostering productive partnerships with organizations such as UPRR and TxDOT. Her notable projects include the reconstruction of Dulles Avenue, the expansion of University Boulevard, and the development of bridges and key roadway expansions.

About the Host: Rebecca Swabey, P.Eng.

Rebecca is a professional engineer who transitioned into the role of a tech startup founder. With ten years of experience in the civil consulting industry, specializing in water resources engineering and land development, she co-founded Equator Studios in 2018. The company enhances efficiency and quality for civil firms in the early stages of projects by providing better access to LiDAR and proposal automation tools. Based in Ontario, Canada, Rebecca enjoys hiking along the Grand River, experimenting with pizza recipes, and spending time with her two dogs.