What skill or mindset has been most critical to your success in the water industry?

"While skill is critical to success, your mindset is equally as important. From day 1, my mindset has been that I will work hard to achieve what men are able to achieve without trying, without complaint. We have a long way to go before we achieve gender equality, and I am proud and honored to be one of the pioneers of my generation."

Divya Agrawalla, Principal Civil Engineer

"Courage and a commitment to continuous growth have been the most essential drivers of my success in the water industry."

Anonymous, Business Relationship Manager - Group Country Manager

"Stubbornness!  Not always taking no for an answer and finding new avenues to get things done. Persistence as well. Just keep at it, you’ll get it. Don't give up. Being persistent has gotten illicit discharges handled, money being found and applied for, answers to questions from industries, and much more. Persistence with respect. That’s the way to go!"

Lettice Brown, MS4 Coordinator, City of York

"Show up, work hard, and always have a curious mind. You will learn something every single day if you're doing it right!"

Molly Dimick, Sr. Environmental Engineering Manager

"The mindset most critical to my success in the water industry — especially as a fierce activist for clean, safe water and wastewater and public health — has been courageous persistence. It requires standing firm in science, equity, and community accountability, even when it’s uncomfortable, and paring advocacy with strategic collaboration to drive real, sustainable change."

Pat Lindsay-Harvey, Commissioner and Board Chair, Willingboro Municipal Utilities Authority

"I believe building relationships with clients and potential clients has been instrumental in my success.  A strong professional network is essential for long-term career growth."

Paula Hart, P.E., Principal/Owner, Hart Engineering, LLC

"Really being present in every part of the business and listening to the customers’ needs and find the right solution for them! And having good team support is crucial! Also you have to invest back into your company! You have to keep up on all the changes that come along the way in your business."

Wendi Kramerpugh, Owner & Vice President, Pure Valley Water

"Being flexible and wanting to learn more about the industry. These traits have allowed me to grow, adapt, and lead with confidence in a field that is constantly evolving."

Tessa Chilson, Director of Environmental & Fleet Services, Alliance for Empowerment

"An open mindset has been the most critical to my success in the water industry. Nearly every day there is something new to do or learn, and allowing myself to take in everything, whether it sticks right away or not, has given me confidence in my ability to do my job and continue learning."

Rachel Smith, Water Distribution Operator Trainee, FCG DWSU

"The mindset that no one else gets to decide your fate.  And the skill to get back up if you are knocked down and don’t let that define you."

Kelly Devlin, Operations - Chemical Treatment Supervisor

"Integrity. I give our staff the annual Ethics refresher. It's so important to do your job well, always keep learning, and work together as an organization to provide your customers with reliable, safe drinking water. A personal sense of ethics and integrity helps you stay focused on what's important and always do your best."

Anonymous, Watershed Coordinator and drinking water plant Lab Directory

"The ability to see the puzzle pieces fall into place, the decisions that need to be made, and the people on my teams that need to either be empowered and/or connected."

Susan Spore, Managing Engineer (off the cuff I say “cat herder”), Brown and Caldwell

"Work ethic and determination have been foundational to my success. Long before I stepped onto a jobsite, I was raised with the belief that if you commit to something, you give it your full effort. That principle carries into every project I manage today. Water and wastewater infrastructure is mission critical.

The facilities we build and modernize directly impact public health and community resilience. Managing projects that involve some of the most advanced treatment technologies in the industry requires discipline, follow-through and the willingness to solve problems when conditions are less than ideal.

In many ways, it’s the same mindset that drives me outside of work — whether skydiving or standing on the edge of a 400-foot bungee platform. You prepare, commit, and when it’s time to move forward, you don’t hesitate."

Pamela Alvarado, Project Manager, Nox Group

"My powers of observation."

Rebecca Sagers, Former Treatment Control Analyst, Administrative Assistant, City of Three Rivers WWTP

"Never give up. And when you fall, get back up. This business is not for the weak at heart. You will face challenges, setbacks, and moments that test your resolve. Meet them with care, grace, and a commitment to doing the right thing.

You’ll have wins, and you’ll have losses. But truly, it’s win or learn. Take every experience as a lesson. Grow from it. Let it sharpen you, not stop you. Find one or two trusted sounding boards—people you admire, who can offer perspective and help you rise again when things get tough. Those difficult moments may feel heavy in the moment, but they often become the most rewarding chapters in your journey, the ones that teach you the most and later become the stories you proudly tell."

Amy Smitley, Vice President, Arcadis

"Talk less, listen more."

Kristy Lavelle, Expert Management Consultant, Associate Vice President, Arcadis

"Meeting people where they are has been one of the most helpful mindsets I have learned to practice. Whether it is the communities we partner with, team members, or donors who are new to this work, everyone comes in with a different level of understanding and experience.

Taking the time to listen first and respond to where they actually are builds trust. It creates stronger relationships, deeper engagement in the mission, and ultimately more sustainable and effective WASH systems.

Another skill that has made a real difference for me is equanimity. The ability to stay steady, especially in stressful or uncertain moments, has helped me lead through some very difficult times (and it's always a work in progress!)."

Erin Huber-Rosen, Executive Director and Founder, Drink Local Drink Tap

"Drive/grit and not underselling myself."

Susana Blauser Gonzalez, Client Service Manager, Houston Area Lead, Brown and Caldwell

"Attention to detail, without question. In this work, the details are everything. An auditor once pointed out a single transposed digit in my logbook and told me that if that record were ever presented in court, it would be thrown out. That stays with you.

The devil really is in the details — chain of custody, documentation, every step of every test. Alongside that, I would say the willingness to ask questions. There are no stupid questions, and I tell the people I work with that all the time - it is always better to ask than to assume you already know the answer. Precision and curiosity have carried me through every stage of my career."

Emilia Blake, Water Quality Lab Analyst, Skagit Public Utility District

"Learning new things is exciting and fun!"

Katy Langston, Wastewater / Water Operator, City of Palmer, Alaska

"The most critical mindset I’ve adopted is the belief that everyone is doing the best they can with the tools and resources they have in that moment. In the water sector, especially in Mojave Desert, scarcity and uncertainty are constant.

When water is at stake, emotions can flare and tensions run high. By approaching every interaction with the assumption that others are navigating their own pressures and limitations, I can lead with empathy rather than defensiveness.

This isn't just a soft skill; it is a strategic tool. It allows me to de-escalate conflict, find common ground, and focus on the sustainable solutions our community needs. Empathy creates the space for progress when resources are tight."

Melody Bailey, Director of Water Resources, Mojave Water Agency

"Patience. Taking a long view. Putting things into perspective."

Anonymous, Laboratory Director

"The skill and mindset most critical to my success have been listening and flexibility - grounded in confidence. In water, every system is unique and conditions change quickly. The operators who do best are the ones who listen closely: to the data, to the process, and to the people who know the plant’s history.

Flexibility matters just as much — being willing to adjust your approach, learn new technologies, and respond calmly when the “normal” day suddenly isn’t. I’ve also learned to believe in yourself, even when you’re the new person in the room. Confidence grows through preparation, questions, and showing up consistently."

Luiza Yordanova, Water Plants Manager, City of Yuma Utilities Department

"To make informed decisions based upon the facts available at the time."

Irene Schild Caminer, Attorney, Caminer Law, LLC.  Previously was the general counsel to the Chicago Department of Water Management from 1997-2017

"The most critical mindset for my success has been persistence paired with curiosity. The water industry is complex and often slow to change, and I’ve learned that asking questions, digging into the science, and focusing on long-term impact are essential.

Persistence has allowed me to keep pushing for solutions and improvements even when progress is slow or met with resistance. This mindset was instrumental in my 2024 lawsuit victory against the US EPA over the neurotoxicity of fluoride chemicals added to the public drinking water supply."

Brenda Staudenmaier, Water & Wastewater Training Specialist, WI Rural Water Association

"Curiosity and an overwhelming desire to leave the world a better place."

Tanya McCoy-Caretti, North America Business Area Sales Director, Resilience Water, Arcadis

"Persistence has been critical to my success. When starting something new, it is important to recognize that we will not always do things perfectly, even though we put in significant effort. When things do not go the way we had hoped, it does not mean we are failures. Instead, we have to see those situations as learning opportunities, adjust our approach accordingly and try again. Keep adjusting and improving until you find success."

Ashley Pifer, Director, Water/Wastewater, Halff

"Continuous Improvement and the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle that I learned from the American Society for Quality."

Anonymous, Quality Audit Coordinator

"Based on the research path I have pursued and the analytical nature of my work, the most critical mindset has been interdisciplinary thinking. My research integrates regression analysis, machine learning, and AI with water quality monitoring, which requires connecting technical modeling with real-world environmental challenges.

Staying adaptable and curious has been essential in navigating complex data systems and translating analytical results into meaningful insights for water management. "

Monireh Khayat, AI & Water Quality Researcher (PhD Candidate), Azad University, South Tehran branch, Industrial faculty

"To have an inquiring mind and a desire to make a difference no matter how small."

C Neisess, Associate Engineer, Stormwater Division, State DOT

"I find a growth mindset to be most helpful in this industry. A growth mindset means you believe that people can learn and grow instead of believing that all their capabilities are innate. This allows me to give myself permission to make mistakes as long as I know I can learn and grow from that experience. It also helps me relate better to others when they make mistakes."

Megan Konecki, Water Design Engineer, Baxter & Woodman

"Working on the problem and not the blame and always seeing the positive in every situation."

Pamela Jarecki, General Manager, Lake of The Woods Mutual Water Company

"The most critical mindset for my success in the water industry has been self-awareness. I’ve learned not to let emotions drive my decisions and to recognize that every experience good or difficult plays a role in shaping my growth. Understanding that challenges often serve a purpose, even if I can’t see it in the moment, has helped me stay grounded, focused, and resilient in this field."

Claudia Sandoval, General Manager, Chambers-Liberty Counties Navigation District

"Organization, being open minded and flexible have been critical to my own mindset since joining the water industry."

Anonymous, Executive Director

"My decision to see people as people, not as a business opportunity, has served me well in my community.   Water service is only one aspect of them, and I like to acquaint myself with those in the community and stay invested here.  That has been primary to my success. I am here to help and that is what I try my best to do."

Cynthia Ellis, General Manager, Madison Suburban Utility District

"Words. Words have power. Words flow. Words can shift realities, perspectives, directions.  In these ways words and water are synonymous."

Suzanne Forcese, Journalist, The WaterToday Media Group

"Having a creative mindset has been a defining factor in my success in the water industry. Solving the complex challenges we face today requires a fresh perspective and an inventive spirit. The answers aren’t always visible at first, but with an open, curious, and creative approach, new possibilities begin to take shape."

Amy Finch, Business Unit Leader (General Manager), WhiteWater, Inc.

"An adaptive, learning mindset is key to being successful working in water. Building — and nurturing relationships — that stretch across diverse interests is necessary to solve today's water challenges and our future ones."

Andrea K Gerlak, Professor, University of Arizona

"Communication has been the most important skill for me. The scientific and regulatory sides of water are complex and it's easy to overwhelm people with too much information. Knowing how to emphasize the right details and translate complicated topics for different audiences directly affects public support, funding outcomes, and regulatory approvals."

Vanessa Kichline, Capital Project Facilitator, Dutchess County Water and Wastewater Authority

"Being reliable accurate and always getting back to customers on time has been my key to success. I just care about my customers and helping them get everything they need to get the job done!"

Anonymous, Inside Salesperson

"My mindset has been not to be afraid to; try new things, feel uncomfortable, ask questions, go to classes/meetings where you are the only women, run equipment, and not being afraid to fail. This mindset has helped the most in my water career and given me strength."

Michelle Perkins, Wastewater Superintendent/Water & Distribution Operator, Tuolumne Utilities District

"Systems thinking and calm accountability. Understanding how every valve, sample result, operator, and capital decision connects — and leading with steady ownership when challenges arise — has been foundational. In water, leadership isn’t loud. It’s reliable."

Angela G Walker, Assistant Director of Wastewater Operations, Brunswick-Glynn Joint Water & Sewer Commission

"Continuing education and how important water quality is and to pass that on to our dealers so they can pass on to the homeowner the importance of having your own mini water treatment plant in place in your home for peace of mind."

Laura Witmer, Co-owner, Water Treatment & Accessories, LLC

"The mindset that has been most critical to my success is to always be a lifetime learner. Our industry is ever evolving in many ways. There is always an opportunity to learn, improve, or innovate in our industry."

Nadine Robertson, Project Leader, Veolia

"There is a solution to every problem. Problem solving is based on both technical and people skills. Reaching out to the right experts, understanding the full scope of the issue and for decision making knowing everyone's needs or motivations who are affected."

Doreen Bartoldus, Senior Client Director, Brown and Caldwell

"Being a good technical mentor has been good for those who have worked with me, but has also facilitated my growth, as I can continue to challenge myself while others rise up to do the work I once did."

Natalie Sierra, National Practice Leader, Solids and Energy, Brown and Caldwell

"Critical thinking has been most critical to my success throughout my career.  Being able to put a hold on emotional response and then research, evaluate, and provide reasonable conclusions has been a skill regularly employed in order to serve my customers."

Laura Leenderts, Project Manager, Outside Sales, DSG Supply

"Networking. Without networking, and good people skills, you will not thrive in this business. The water works community in New England is incredibly tight knit, and people skills are a must in order to grow, expand your network, and succeed."

Kirsten King, Chief Executive Officer, New England Water Works Association, Inc.