On today’s episode of Architectette we welcome Thuy Fontelera, P.E., S.E., LEED AP. Thuy is the founding principal of woman and minority-owned Element Structural Engineers. Their impressive work spans commercial and residential sectors, but what makes this company unlike any of their competitors is Thuy’s commitment to transforming what leadership and workplace culture looks like in the AEC industry.

We talk about: 
- What it feels like to not match the stereotype of a structural engineer and how Thuy has faced and overcome discouragement.
- Wellness and workplace culture. Thuy encourages her employees to be open and honest with the team, take mental health days, and utilize wellness perks in the office- we joke that Thuy leads by example when she takes an occasional mid-day nap in Element’s wellness room! 
- Empathy is another important topic we cover. Thuy shares what tools and methods she uses to create a workplace environment where people feel supported and encouraged.
- The realities of running a business like dealing with layoffs, nervousness during performance reviews, and having tough conversations. 
- The hiring process and how adaptability and humility are the most important qualities that Thuy looks for in candidates. 
- We end with a few book suggestions from Thuy’s library!


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Links:
Element Structural Engineers: https://www.elementse.com/
Connect with Thuy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thuyfontelera/
Element Structural Engineer’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elementstructuralengineers/
Element Structural Engineer’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/elementse_/
Thuy's Book Suggestions: Dare to Lead, Fierce Conversations, The War for Kindness, Infinite Game: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-links-from-the-architectette-podcast

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Books we talk about: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-links-from-the-architectette-podcast
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Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠AlexGrohl⁠⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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