Heather Sebastian, PSP

I attribute my success to hard work, curiosity, and a genuine passion for helping others succeed. Throughout my career, I've found that one of the best ways to grow is by teaching. I've always believed that the more you teach, the more you learn, and that philosophy has shaped the way I approach both my work and my career.

Whether I'm mentoring a new scheduler, leading a training session, or helping a project team understand the "why" behind a scheduling decision, I find that every conversation helps me refine my own knowledge. Teaching forces you to look at problems from different perspectives, ask better questions, and continuously improve. In many ways, the people I've taught have taught me just as much in return.

I also believe success is about more than delivering a schedule or meeting a milestone. It's about building trust, developing people, and leaving a team stronger than when you joined it. Some of my proudest accomplishments aren't tied to a specific project—they're seeing people I've mentored grow into confident schedulers and leaders who now mentor others.

After nearly 30 years in scheduling, I still enjoy learning something new every day. That mindset has kept me engaged, helped me adapt to new industries and challenges, and allowed me to build strong relationships wherever I've worked. For me, success has always been about continuously improving, sharing what I've learned, and helping others reach their full potential.

Mentorship has been one of the greatest influences on my career, and I believe every successful professional stands on the shoulders of those who invested in them. I've been fortunate to learn from leaders who not only shared their knowledge but also demonstrated what authentic leadership looks like.

The best career advice I've received came from mentors like Pat Martin and Garrett Bird. Their influence has shaped not only how I lead projects, but also how I mentor others. They reinforced my belief that leadership isn't about having all the answers—it's about creating an environment where people can learn, grow, and succeed together. I strive to pay that forward by sharing my knowledge, encouraging others to challenge themselves, and helping the next generation of project controls professionals build confidence in their own abilities.

My advice to young women entering the construction industry is to stand tall, trust your instincts, and never underestimate the value of your voice. This industry rewards competence, preparation, and perseverance, so continue learning, ask questions, and don't be afraid to take on challenges that push you outside your comfort zone.

There may be times when you're the only woman in the room or on the jobsite, but don't let that shake your confidence. Your knowledge, work ethic, and integrity will speak louder than anything else. Build relationships, seek out mentors, support other women coming behind you, and remember that you belong at the table just as much as anyone else.

I've always loved the message in Ruthie Foster's rendition of "Phenomenal Woman." It reminds us that true strength doesn't come from trying to fit someone else's expectations—it comes from knowing who you are, carrying yourself with confidence, and recognizing your own worth. Bring that same confidence to every meeting, every project, and every opportunity. The construction industry needs capable leaders who are willing to challenge the status quo, and there's no reason that leader can't be you.

One of the biggest opportunities in project controls and the construction industry today is the emergence of artificial intelligence and how it can enhance scheduling, planning, and daily project execution. AI has the potential to transform the way we work by automating routine tasks, identifying trends in large datasets, improving schedule quality, and providing project teams with faster, more informed insights. Rather than spending valuable time gathering and organizing information, schedulers can focus more on analysis, collaboration, and proactive decision-making.

AI also presents opportunities to improve forecasting, risk identification, resource planning, and progress reporting. As these tools continue to evolve, they will help project teams detect potential schedule impacts earlier, evaluate multiple recovery scenarios more quickly, and support better decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.

At the same time, AI presents an important challenge. While technology can process vast amounts of information, it cannot replace the experience, judgment, and relationships that are essential to successful project delivery. Construction projects are ultimately built by people, and understanding the realities of field execution, stakeholder priorities, contract requirements, and team dynamics requires human insight that AI cannot replicate.

I believe the future belongs to professionals who embrace AI as a tool rather than view it as a replacement. Those who learn to combine emerging technologies with strong technical knowledge, critical thinking, and effective communication will be the ones who lead the next generation of project controls. AI won't replace great schedulers—it will empower them to be more strategic, more efficient, and more valuable to the organizations they serve.

The values that are most important to me, both professionally and personally, are truth, honesty, and integrity. I believe that trust is the foundation of every successful relationship—whether it's with family, friends, colleagues, or clients—and trust can only exist when people know they can rely on your word.

Throughout my career, I've learned that honesty isn't always the easiest path, but it is always the right one. In project environments, especially in construction and project controls, decisions are only as good as the information they're based on. I'd rather have an honest conversation about a challenge or a schedule risk than create a false sense of confidence that ultimately impacts the project. Being transparent allows teams to address issues early, make informed decisions, and work together toward the best possible outcome.

Integrity also means doing the right thing when no one is watching. It's about being accountable for your work, following through on commitments, admitting mistakes when they happen, and treating everyone with fairness and respect. I believe people remember not only what you accomplished but also how you made them feel and whether they could trust you.

These values extend beyond my career. In my personal life, I strive to be authentic, dependable, and someone others can count on. I believe that honesty, kindness, and respect create stronger relationships and a more meaningful life. At the end of the day, I want to be known not just for the projects I've delivered or the teams I've led, but for my character, my integrity, and the trust I've earned from the people around me.