Due Diligence: Getting to Know Naida Serak
We’re thrilled to share the next spotlight in our “Due Diligence: Getting To Know…” series: Senior Director Naida Serak in Los Angeles!
Macro: Tell us a bit about yourself, Naida.
Naida: I grew up in the Midwest, then moved to New York for architecture graduate school at Syracuse University and absolutely fell in love with NYC. Following graduation, I decided to move to the city and started to build my career in construction management working for a general contractor. I joined Macro over eight years ago and moved to the West Coast (best coast) around four years ago – my second love after New York City.
Macro: What do you love most about your work?
Naida: Easy – the people. I always say that we spend too much time at work not to be surrounded by folks that we enjoy. I feel this way with Macro employees, clients, project partners, and many others I work with.
Macro: What is your favorite part of the project life cycle, and why?
Naida: The beginning – no one knows what they are getting into, and we all have the best intentions to cross the finish line. It’s an opportunity to set up the project for success. One of my favorite sayings is, “You don’t have to know everything. You just have to know where to find it.”, which perfectly applies to the start of the project life cycle.
Macro: What is one thing you couldn’t make it through the day without?
Naida: A lot of coffee. So much black coffee – no sugar or milk.
Macro: What are your tried-and-true “work hacks?”
Naida: I calendar my workouts & dog walks so that folks do not book meetings during that time. I’s my “me time” and I need it on a daily basis.
Macro: What hard and soft skills do you lean on most in your day-to-day work?
Naida: Soft skills are some of the most important, in my experience. Picking up the phone and calling colleagues or other project partners for advice or perspective, even if they are not a part of a particular project, is essential for success. We spend our entire careers building relationships – it’s critical to surround yourself with people you value and trust.
Macro: If you could give one piece of advice to a young professional, what would it be?
Naida: Focus on building partnerships and trust. No one is a one-stop-shop and if they are, they probably don’t carry coriander.
Macro: Describe yourself in 5 words or less.
Naida: Used to be a decent basketball player. Six words?
