Is there anything more empowering than seeing a female make waves in a male-dominated industry? Today, we’re chatting with Katharine Moodie, Chief Operating Officer at Cook Construction. The Bay Area project management and general contracting firm is known for architecturally complex and innovative homes (as well as commercial spaces), and works alongside prestigious architectural and interior design firms throughout the San Francisco/Bay Area and Los Angeles. As C.O.O., Katharine is in charge of overseeing many moving parts–and she does so with ease. In 5 minutes, she explains how she makes it all happen:

MY LIGHTBULB MOMENT:
A few years ago, I realized one day that I am really good at corporate finance, even though I have had no formal managerial finance training. At Cook Construction, I have created my own elaborate system of reports and spreadsheets and I can tell you, with confidence on any day of the week, where every single dollar is in this company. To a T. 

I CAN’T START MY DAY UNTIL:
My morning routine varies – especially now that I am balancing WFH and in-office days, but the things that are the most constant are a workout, a cup of coffee, and a big savory breakfast. 

SUCCESS IS:
Feeling like you did a good job and knowing your best effort went into it. Things don’t always work out, but I find that I feel the most successful when I know I gave it my all. It doesn’t hurt that when something receives focused attention, it tends to be the most successful. 

YOU’LL NEVER SEE ME WITHOUT:
At least one pen, sometimes many more. I take a lot of notes in a big notebook/planner and often run out of ink, so I carry as many backups as I can.

DREAM COLLABORATION:
I have always wanted to build a wine cave – either commercial or private – with a reputable firm in the wine country. I have a few firms in mind so stay tuned and I’ll let you know if we land one!

THE ONLY PLACE BETTER THAN THE BAY AREA:
In a glass cabin in the middle of the woods with two dogs.

WHEN I FEEL UNINSPIRED:
I am an avid reader and I keep a collection of books that inspire me to do the creative/strategic side of my job. I really like the collections put out by the Harvard Business Review and usually keep one with me to inspire ideas. 

ADVICE I WISH I HAD 5 YEARS AGO:
The people who work at Cook Construction and in our industry are some of the most down-to-earth, helpful people I have ever had the pleasure of working with. I wish I had known earlier what a pleasure it would be to work in construction. My colleagues are always very happy to participate, collaborate, and lift one another up. I love construction because I’m most passionate about the people, and how well we work together. It’s a very all-hands atmosphere.

IN 5 YEARS, FIND ME:
I want to be right here, still with Cook Construction. I’ve put a lot into the life I’ve created, and I am very happy with it. I get a lot of enjoyment from being productive, so I see myself continuing what I am doing now. 

ABOVE ALL ELSE: 
Pinot Noir. But also, I spend a lot of time thinking about the words perseverance and temperance. Those are my two guideposts. So Pinot Noir, perseverance, and temperance.