2022 Women in Commercial Real Estate: Caitlin Bernal, Shawmut Design and Construction

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What has been your biggest challenge and how have you faced it?

My biggest challenge has been learning and refining my own personal management style. Throughout my career, I’ve been told by male counterparts that I am calm in the face of challenges but not assertive enough—and for years I took this feedback negatively. My perspective changed, once I realized that my demeanor is actually a unique valuable asset that I bring to my projects, teams, and mentees. Once I accepted this, my confidence grew, which ultimately helped me become a better project manager.

In the past year, what project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of?

In the past year, I’m proud of the work and positive relationship that I established and maintained with my repeat client and longstanding Shawmut partner—a prestigious local university. Last summer, we completed a dining hall for them and since then we’ve been awarded two new projects. This new work was a result of the great experience the client had with our team—and they specifically requested to work with the same team again. I am proud to know that I had such a positive impact on the client that we are continuing to be awarded work as a result.