Julie Zulich

PERSONAL OBJECTIVES

This is such an exciting time for women – period!  There are tremendous opportunities within the construction industry in every capacity, from the trades, to engineering, estimating, finance, safety, to management.  From a personal perspective, I am both excited and honoured to be part of a collective group of dynamic women who are combining years of experience in the industry together with a network of contacts and are working to forge a path for other women to take hold of opportunities while providing leadership, direction and mentorship through the WiMC.

ADVICE

I have had the privilege to work in the construction industry for just over 20 years.  It has not gone without its challenges.  Looking back, it was all of those challenges that shaped me into the person and leader that I am today.  When I am asked for advice or how I managed to have a career and be a mother, wife, friend etc the answer is not magical but very simple.  Hard work and lots of hours.  Opportunities are given to us, but it is what you do with them.  Everyone’s starting point in life will be different, but I am a firm believer that everyone can be successful, it just depends on how they define success.

Don’t be afraid to go after what you want, but do so with intelligence and with integrity.  The older I become, I realize the importance of character.  When you first start out you are looking to please everyone else.  Take time to establish your self-worth.  If I was starting out again, I wish I would have had more of this wisdom – unfortunately, you can’t buy that, it only comes with experience so its best to enjoy the journey.

MENTORS, INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE

Categorically my parents and my children.  I am blessed beyond belief with the family I was born into and for my 3 children who impact every decision I make.  Family keeps you grounded.

Having said that, at this moment in my life and career I feel obliged to give those people who presented me with serious challenges or obstacles some credit as well, as it was often in those circumstances that I thrived from a personal development perspective.  It was those people that gave me the internal desire to be different than them … to learn more, give back, adapt better, listen effectively and think differently.   There is a lesson to be learned from everyone and every circumstance!!  Don’t let people keep you stuck.