Due Diligence: Getting to Know Sarah Alim
Our next “Due Diligence: Getting To Know…” employee spotlight is on: Manager Sarah Alim in New York.
Macro: Tell us a bit about yourself.
Sarah: I’m Sarah Alim! I was born and raised in New York, a first-generation Guyanese American – the third of four sisters, the aunt of five nieces, and the mother of two daughters, ages one and two. Like a few others at Macro I fell into project management, after getting my bachelor’s in mathematics with a minor in secondary education (I wanted to be a math teacher!). I decided to stick with my job at a small electrical contracting firm, instead of pursuing teaching. I stumbled upon Macro in October of 2014 and have loved my work here ever since!
Macro: What do you love most about your work or working for Macro?
Sarah: After almost ten years at Macro, I can truthfully say that every year has been a new adventure. Ranging from a new tower in Philadelphia, creating processes for one Fortune 50 company to sell services on the platform of another Fortune 50 company, remodeling 250+ retail locations in 4 months, fitting out a NYC hospital, planning a return to office during and after COVID… the list goes on and on. The breadth of work that Macro is able accomplish fills me with excitement and keeps me excited to be a part of the next “big thing”.
Macro: What is your favorite part of the project life cycle, and why?
Sarah: Final turnover – and no, not because the work is over, but because it’s just beginning! The adrenaline preceding turnover day, coupled with the gratification of seeing spaces meticulously crafted over weeks or even years being integrated into practical use, is profoundly fulfilling. It has been hard to beat the feeling of observing patients settle into the Kimmel Pavilion mere hours after our team hustled to finalize the space. It was truly a testament to the power of our work at Macro!
Macro: What is the one thing you couldn’t make it through the day without?
Sarah: Laughter. Luckily, my coworkers are hilarious, and my daughters don’t mind Mommy laughing when they fall.
Macro: What are your tried-and-true “work hacks”?
Sarah: The two-minute rule. If I can get it done in less than 2 minutes, do it right then.
Macro: What hard and soft skills do you lean on most in your day-to-day work?
Sarah: I rely heavily on both my hard and soft skills. Excel proficiency and data analysis allow me to refine large amounts of information into actionable insights. Equally as important are my interpersonal skills, which allow me to navigate diverse personalities, fostering connections and communication across all levels of the organization.
Macro: What surprises people aboput your job?
Sarah: If someone asked me every year what my job was, I would have a completely different answer each time.
Macro: If you could give one piece of advice to a young professional, what would it be?
Sarah: Ask questions and respond honestly with your thoughts – authenticity goes a long way! It’s cliché but asking questions shows you’re eager to learn, and engaging in discussion demonstrates interest in diving deeper. Plus, it means you’re contributing your unique perspective, which is invaluable.
Macro: Describe yourself in 5 words or less.
Sarah: On top of my game. (mic drop)
