Due Diligence: Getting to Know Kathryn Martinez
Our next “Due Diligence: Getting To Know…” employee spotlight is on: Senior Director Kathryn Martinez in Philadelphia.
Macro: What’s a fun fact most people don’t know about you?
Kathryn: Most people are surprised to learn that I am a horror movie junkie. I have a huge list of movies from all different decades that I am working through. A good horror movie tells you a lot about what was going on in the culture when it was made.
Macro: How did your background or studies prepare you for the work you do now?
Kathryn: I have an undergrad degree in Mechanical Engineering/Engineering Management and a grad degree in Project Management. I’ve spent my career in various roles within the AEC world and worked for Lockheed Martin for many years. I think the most important thing is that I’ve seen projects from many different perspectives, as an engineering consultant, a developer, a client, and an owner’s rep. I see things in a nuanced way that I hope helps my teammates and clients.
Macro: What song is always on your playlist when you need to focus or hype yourself up?
Kathryn: My favorite hype song is “Lose Control” by Missy Elliott. My daughter and I love to blast it in the car.
Macro: What’s a skill you’ve developed (or are working on) that you didn’t expect would be important in this field?
Kathryn: Mindfulness and stress management. Our work at Macro involves constant juggling of priorities, anticipating and avoiding problems, and sometimes navigating tense or difficult situations. I have to be purposeful about how I use my energy so that I can continue to have a long and healthy career and home life.
Macro: If you weren’t working in this field, what do you think you’d be doing?
Kathryn: I would love to open a roller-skating rink. I feel like it’s time to revitalize some of the fun “third places” that I enjoyed when I was a kid.
Macro: What’s something you’ve learned at Macro that has shifted how you approach your projects or clients?
Kathryn: I’ve learned this a thousand times over by now, but every client and every project team have a unique culture, personality, vibe, whatever you want to call it. To be successful in my role, I need to learn about that culture and build trust and rapport. The variety of teams and people that I encounter is one of my favorite aspects of my job.
Macro: What’s one thing on your bucket list?
Kathryn: I would like to travel to as many National and State Parks as I can fit in. They make me appreciate the vast spectrum of beauty in our country.
Macro: How do you define success in your role or in a project?
Kathryn: I am successful when I help my clients meet their project goals. I am successful when my teammates feel supported and they are learning and challenging themselves. I am even more successful when all of that was fun!
Macro: What’s something you’ve done that you’re proud of but don’t get to talk about often?
Kathryn: I don’t tend to toot my own horn. I love teamwork and lifting up those around me. I know that is a cheesy answer, but it’s true!
Macro: What’s a piece of professional advice or feedback that stuck with you?
Kathryn: Around the time that I had my daughter, my mentor at Lockheed Martin and I had a very long discussion about building a support network professionally and at home. Sounds obvious, but as a naturally headstrong person who doesn’t like asking for help, this was a major awakening for me. I appreciate her being so open and frank with me about the realities of being a working parent.
Macro: If you could give one piece of advice to a young professional, what would it be?
Kathryn: Try to approach all your interactions with an open and curious mind. Assume that people are showing up to work to do their best unless you know otherwise.
