– Engineering Leadership: Grit, Growth & Impact with Anna Doucet

Episode 2 – Engineering Leadership

Engineering Leadership: Grit, Growth & Impact with Anna Doucet

Grit and curiosity have carried me through my career, but learning how to listen—to really listen—has been one of the most important parts of becoming a better leader.

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Episode Summary

In this Engineers Week episode, Engineer Intern Braden Dauphine sits down with Professional Engineer Anna Doucet to explore her journey from early inspiration to leading complex infrastructure projects. Anna reflects on how exposure to her father’s work as a bridge inspector sparked her interest in civil engineering at a young age.

As her career progressed, Anna developed a leadership style rooted in listening, collaboration and continuous learning. She shares how qualities like grit and curiosity helped her navigate challenges and grow from an intern into a project leader managing multi-million-dollar roadway and drainage projects.

The conversation also highlights her pursuit of an MBA, driven by a desire to strengthen her business and management skills alongside her technical expertise. Anna discusses the importance of mentorship, both as a mentee and now as a mentor guiding younger engineers.

Throughout the episode, she offers insight into the day-to-day realities of engineering leadership, emphasizing adaptability, teamwork and the value of investing in both people and projects.

“I made the decision pretty young—I was a freshman in high school when I knew I wanted to be a civil engineer.”

“Two qualities come to mind that helped me succeed: grit and curiosity.”

Meet the Leader Behind the Vision

Anna Doucet is a Licensed Professional Engineer at Fenstermaker, specializing in roadway design, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling and project management. Since joining the firm in 2015 and earning her licensure in 2019, she has led complex infrastructure projects for both public and private clients.

Her work involves close collaboration with agencies such as LADOTD and FEMA, where she contributes to transportation and water resource solutions that support growing communities. In addition to her technical responsibilities, Anna plays an active role in mentoring emerging engineers and fostering team development.

“To be a great leader you have to be an active listener.”

“Every project teaches you something new if you’re willing to learn.”

From Curiosity to Leadership: Anna Doucet on Engineering Growth and Impact

On this Engineers Week episode of Fueled, Engineer Intern Braden Dauphine sits down with Professional Engineer Anna Doucet to discuss her journey into civil engineering and the leadership skills that shaped her career. From early inspiration to managing multi-million-dollar infrastructure projects, Anna shares how grit, curiosity and continuous learning have guided her path.

“Leadership isn’t just about decisions—it’s about supporting your team.”

“You have to stay curious to keep growing in this field.”

Episode Highlights

• Early inspiration: Discovering civil engineering through her father’s work and deciding on her career path in high school.

• Keys to success: The role of grit, curiosity and continuous learning in professional growth.

• Leadership development: Building strong listening skills and evolving into a team-focused leader.

• Advanced education: Pursuing an MBA to enhance business, management and leadership capabilities.

• Notable projects: Contributions to roadway and drainage improvements, including the Apollo Road extension.

• Mentorship and impact: Supporting and guiding emerging engineers while managing complex projects.

“Mentorship played a big role in my career, and now I try to give that back.”

“Engineering is as much about people as it is about design.”

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Established in 1950, C. H. Fenstermaker & Associates, L.L.C. is a highly diversified, multi-disciplinary consulting firm. With a commitment to help our clients succeed, we specialize in surveying and mapping, engineering and environmental consulting.

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