The Carrie Shaeffer Episode: Constructing Joy, One Beam at a Time 

Carrie Shaeffer is more than a national director of aviation construction – she’s a connector, a mentor, and a relentless problem-solver. From leading complex projects across the country to shaping the next generation of leaders in aviation, Carrie’s career is a testament to one simple truth: success isn’t just about what you accomplish; it’s about the people you lift up along the way. 

In The B-Side with Sri’s final guest episode of season one, Connico President Sri Kumar talks with Carrie about her unconventional path, the lessons she’s learned through decades in construction, and how grit, intentionality, and generosity have influenced her leadership philosophy. 

Finding the right path 
Carrie’s journey began long before she stepped into the role of National Aviation Lead for Swinerton, a national construction company that consistently ranks in the top general contractors nationally. Growing up in Huntsville, Ala., she thrived in an experimental independent math program that challenged her to learn at her own pace. Early exposure to problem-solving, puzzles, and technical thinking planted seeds for a career in construction, even though she didn’t fully realize it at the time. 

“I went directly into architecture at Auburn,” Carrie recalled. “I was acing structures and concrete, solving everyone else’s problems, and realizing I loved building things that actually worked.” 

This early focus on strengths, rather than weaknesses, has been a hallmark of Carrie’s approach ever since. 

Choosing aviation 
Unlike many in the field, Carrie didn’t stumble into aviation. After decades in construction and working with federal agencies, Swinerton saw an opportunity to scale its aviation work with her expertise. It was also a way Carrie helped a tight-knit industry grow stronger and more inclusive. 

“Diverse points of view bring better answers, better solutions, and stronger, more sustained companies,” Carrie said.  

Incremental leadership, exponential impact 
Carrie’s impact is measured not just by the projects she leads but by the careers she helps build. She’s guided teams through $200-million interviews and $100-million proposals, but her leadership has always centered on empowering those around her to succeed. 

“Why just keep building one project when I could help build many careers? That’s how I feel at this point in my own career,” she said. Leadership, she believes, is incremental. Small, deliberate actions – like mentoring, coaching, and empowering – compound into transformational results.  

Carrie has realized that investing her time and experience into developing others can create a far greater impact than channeling her energy into projects. By equipping more professionals to lead, innovate, and solve problems, she’s multiplying the reach of her own contributions and helping shape the future of the industry. 

Don’t shy away from fear 
Carrie’s resilience is rooted in early life experiences and a dedication to showing up, even when it’s hard. Growing up in a single-parent household, she learned to step up early, work hard, and embrace challenges rather than avoid them. 

“I don’t get rid of fear. I have fear all the time. You just have to acknowledge it,” she said. Facing fear intentionally – whether in public speaking, large-scale project leadership, or mentoring – has allowed her to push past limitations and achieve results that inspire others.  

Lean into strengths 
Carrie encourages focusing on strengths instead of obsessing over flaws. In both technical problem-solving and leadership roles, she’s discovered that building on what you’re naturally good at leads to far greater returns. To Carrie, progress happens when you channel energy into what’s working. 

“Quit obsessing on flaws. We’re 95% strengths and maybe 2-5% flaws,” she said. “If you focus on your strengths, even while learning new things, the return is enormous.” 

Giving back authentically 
The core of Carrie’s philosophy is giving back. Whether mentoring colleagues, coaching high-potential employees, or supporting industry initiatives, she approaches leadership with generosity. 

“You don’t lose by giving,” she said. “I know how good it feels when I help others. It always comes back.”  

Final thought: Choose action, embrace the challenge 
Carrie’s career shows that meaningful work is hard, but the rewards are worth it. 

“I’m serious about what I do. I approach it believing it’s going to happen,” she said.  

From dismantling a business unit to mentoring future leaders, her story demonstrates that impact comes from intentional choices: facing fear, leaning into strengths, and giving generously. 

If you want to make a difference, either at work or in life, look outward. Mentor someone, tackle a hard challenge, or give your time to those around you. Every time you support someone else, you create results that reach far beyond the imaginable.