2022 Women in Construction: Jordan Crouse, Lendlease

Name: Jordan Crouse

Title: Senior Project Manager

Company Name: Lendlease

What advice would you offer to other women getting into the construction industry?
There is a divide between supers and PMs and I implore all in the industry—not just women—to try to ignore that divide as best they can. PMs: Work well with your supers, get into the field, meet the tradespeople, and see the real-life buildings. Supers: Build genuine relationships with your PMs. Both roles require different skill sets, equally important to the success of a project. Last, speak up. If you experience any gender bias speak to your manager, seek another woman/mentor/confidante to guide you through potential difficulties working in a predominantly men’s field.

What was your greatest professional achievement or most notable project in the last 12 months?
Serving as senior project manager for Google on their new corporate headquarters in Manhattan. The project involves core and shell renovation of an eight story, 329,000 s/f building originally constructed in 1905. For two years, I’ve worked with them as we progress through preconstruction—and I’m looking forward to starting construction in the fall of this year. As a client, they have been a breath of fresh air simply because they fully embrace working collaboratively. As a result, the time I’ve spent on the project has been both productive and rewarding.

Why should women consider a career in construction?
Construction is ripe for women interested in design, engineering, architecture or real estate. Also, women seeking a lively industry where they can physically see their hard work come to fruition. Our business requires an extraordinary team of professionals to ultimately get a building or space built. Every project I work on brings its own set of challenges, interesting design features, and an opportunity to learn. Collaboration is key, whether internally at the company one works for, or with outside designers, consultants, expeditors, and so on. The professional network you grow and cultivate can provide for various potential future career paths.

Starting out in the construction business, who or what empowered you?
I’ve always been a curious person, which I believe is a driving force behind my career successes. Knowing the ‘how and why’ has empowered me to get into the field to see how something is physically built—not just seeing it on paper. My first manager was very invested in my career and embraced my curious nature. 16 years later, we’re at different companies in different states but remain in touch and I remain grateful to him for showing me the ropes and instilling in me valuable traits that I’ve applied throughout my career.

Who within your own firm has helped you succeed within the construction industry?
There have been many people at Lendlease who have helped me succeed. In particular, my first boss when I first moved to NYC helped me build confidence being in a new city and a new role. From the start, he believed in me, gave me a lot of responsibility and room to grow. He was always open to having honest conversations about my career trajectory and what opportunities were available to me within Lendlease. He was extremely supportive and helped me to see that being a woman in this business is not a negative trait, but instead a positive one.