SCWCC Business Lunch

How to be Heard and Succeed in a Man’s World 

Have you ever felt:

• Discriminated against
• No one is listening
• Under valued
• Not treated fairly

Trying to communicate across genders requires the understanding of the stereotypical ideas that everyone has. Understanding different techniques and focusing on the task and details at hand can help eliminate the gender gap, leading to success. Ensuring you bring valuable information and knowledge to the table and then standing your ground and knowing your limits are keys to overcoming the glass ceiling and being seen as an equal.

You can achieve anything you want – all you have to do is ask and then stand behind yourself. Men frequently get promoted over women simply because women don’t express their interest in being promoted or taking on more responsibility. Don’t wait to be asked, seek out what you want.

Shannon Steiner is President and founder of Kodiak Development Group, Inc. and specializes in Stormwater Management and Erosion Control and Air Pollution. A native of Colorado Springs, she has been working in the construction industry for more than 20 years. After beginning as the capital projects manager for all new construction for Phil Long Dealerships, she left to start her own company in 2000, after realizing the new Phase 2 of the Clean Water Act would change the way things were done in the construction industry. Environmental concerns would have to be taken into account on every project – and companies and government agencies would need assistance to make the transition.

In 2002, Shannon incorporated Kodiak Development Group, Inc., which specializes in environmental compliance consulting and full support, including full installation to keep the environment protected and projects running simultaneously. With degrees both in Business Management and Civil Engineering, she has worked on projects across the nation for both private and government organizations – from the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to the local City of Colorado Springs engineering department – providing solutions, guidance and heavy civil construction support to both natural and manmade environmental concerns, while ensuring all projects are environmentally safe.

A member of the International Erosion Control Association (IECA) and a stakeholder with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), she participates in decisions and the creation of regulations related to protecting the environment in our ever-expanding world. 

Sponsored by:  Penrose-St. Francis Health Services