Natausha Bly

I attribute my success to taking the time to truly understand both the systems and the science behind the work. I carefully read reports, ask questions whenever I need clarification, and continuously learn about the technologies, policies, and regulations that shape our field. I believe credibility and trust come from fully understanding the information you are communicating, which is why I’ve never been afraid to ask questions or dive deeper into complex topics. I also encourage my team to embrace curiosity and continuous learning, because creating an environment where people feel comfortable asking questions is essential for growth and effective communication.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is “not to be a hammer, because nobody wants to be a nail.” A long-time client and mentor of mine, an old-school public affairs writer who often speaks in metaphors, has helped me recognize when my passion can become too forceful. When I get overly focused on what I believe is right, I can become very direct and willing to challenge anyone, regardless of rank or role. While that conviction has value, he’s taught me that persuasion is more effective than force, and that there are better ways to bring people along. Over time, I’ve learned to recognize when I’m becoming too intense and to step back, reassess, and approach conversations with more perspective and flexibility.

My advice to young women entering this industry is to focus on learning, stay connected to work you are genuinely passionate about, and avoid chasing roles solely for higher pay, as that often leads to burnout. It’s important to recognize your limits and speak up when your workload becomes too much, especially in high-demand environments like government and military contracting where expectations can be intense. I’ve learned that being able to say “I don’t know” and “this is too much, I need something taken off my plate” are essential skills, and protecting your health and well-being must always come first.

One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—in my field is bridging the gap between environmental science and the communities and stakeholders impacted by it. Technical experts often communicate in highly specialized jargon, which can create barriers to understanding and trust. My role is to translate that complex information into clear, accessible language while still preserving accuracy, and to help scientists and engineers recognize the value of communicating in a way that people can actually understand. A major part of the work is also persuasion—helping technical teams shift from dense terminology to practical, plain-language explanations that support better decision-making and ultimately more effective environmental cleanup.

The values most important to me in my work and personal life are truth, hard work, and trust. I am highly sensitive to dishonesty and place a strong emphasis on accuracy, often feeling a responsibility to correct misunderstandings or assumptions so that information remains clear and reliable. I also believe in working diligently—sometimes to a fault—because I take pride in fully understanding the work I do. At the same time, I value trust and strong working relationships; I strive to be someone others can confide in and rely on, whether that means supporting colleagues through frustrations or maintaining confidentiality. Overall, I approach both my work and relationships with a commitment to honesty, effort, and genuine connection.