Thought Leadership: Beth Duyvejonck on Thriving During the Different Seasons of Life & Career

Beth Duyvejonck, Executive Vice President of Construction, joined Professor Brad Perkins on his Office Hours 36 podcast alongside six female construction engineering students at Iowa State University. During the conversation, Beth, an Iowa State University alumnus, didn’t talk projects; she shared the leadership mindset that has guided her nearly three-decade career in design-build construction.

A central theme of the discussion was the ongoing effort to find and maintain a style of work-life balance that works for each individual in the moment. Beth spoke candidly about how collaboration, mentoring and authentic engagement have shaped both her career and our organization’s success. She encouraged the students to build a “village” around them – an ecosystem of colleagues, mentors, family and friends who can help support different priorities as life and career evolve.

Beth described work-life balance not as a fixed formula, but as something that shifts across seasons. Early in a career, the focus may be on learning and gaining experience. At other points, family commitments, personal priorities or leadership responsibilities may take center stage. Having a strong ecosystem of support makes it possible to navigate those shifts while continuing to grow professionally.

“A career isn’t a straight line,” said Beth. “There are seasons where work takes center stage and others where family or personal priorities do. The key is building an ecosystem of support that allows you to move through those seasons while continuing to grow.”

After the podcast, the participating students shared with Beth that her story of returning to work as a construction project manager after having kids was the first time they had heard such a story – underscoring the importance of sharing different paths to success in the industry.

Listen to the podcast here.