“I am not a wealthy person; my brain is my greatest asset,” says Adriana Mema, President of Adriatica Safety Consulting Inc. Her humility is evident in her approach to her work. Her knowledge and expertise drive the company’s success and innovation, and she is always approachable and down-to-earth.
This trailblazing woman from Albania defied the odds, rocking a top engineering program at the University of Tirana when women were scarce. With her family in tow, she landed in Canada, ready to conquer new frontiers. Education was her lifeblood, and she craved knowledge like a thirsty traveler. Adriana soaked everything from the University of Toronto to the University of Washington and sharpened her skills at MIT, turning her brain into a knowledge vault. Forget fancy cars; her education was her goldmine! Adriana collected degrees like trophies: Civil Engineering, Building Science, Construction Estimating, Management – the list goes on! She even mastered AI and Managerial Economics, proving you can be a brainiac in any field.
As she walks us through the many roads she crossed to get to where she is now, we may get to know this brilliant and entrepreneurial doyen better. Hold on tight because this interview has the potential to serve as your success manual.
Safety Advocate: From Hands-On to Policy Wonk
Early in the 2000s, her curiosity about construction blossomed. She dove headfirst, learning the business side and the technical nitty-gritty. This ignited a lifelong love of learning and growth, ultimately leading her to teach. However, her on-site experience, inspecting projects of all sizes as she rose from coordinator to manager, revealed a harsh truth: construction safety had major shortcomings. Day after day, Adriana witnessed safety hazards go unnoticed. Determined to make a difference, she’s on a mission to translate her firsthand observations into global safety protocols. Her vision? A construction industry where everyone, from daily workers to visitors, feels safe.
Professor & President: Time Management Hacks to Balance Two Worlds
Despite a demanding schedule as both a professor and a consulting firm president, Adriana exudes a contagious optimism. When asked about her secret to success, she offers a heartfelt quote: “There is nothing but sheer willpower that stands between us and our dreams.” This inexhaustible determination fuels Adriana’s daily routine. She starts each day with gratitude, acknowledging her blessings and the opportunity to work towards a brighter future for her family. Motherhood has been a key factor in developing the organizational skills that allow her to excel in her academic and business pursuits. Ultimately, it’s her family’s well-being that motivates her every decision.
But a dream, a vivid and compelling vision, serves as the foundation for it all. Adriana finds purpose and joy in her work, which has opened doors to unexpected opportunities. This passion and determination to achieve her dreams while prioritizing her family empowers her to wear two hats: professor by day and consulting firm president whenever necessary.
While navigating these dual roles requires undeniable effort, Adriana emphasizes the power of effective time management strategies. Prioritization, meticulous planning, time blocking, and efficient delegation are all essential tools in her arsenal. She recognizes the importance of setting boundaries between work and personal life, a crucial step in maintaining long-term productivity and preventing burnout.
Overcoming Challenges in the Construction and Safety Consulting Industries
Being a woman executive in the male-dominated construction and safety consulting field is not an easy feat! Adriana shares the challenges and rewards of her work. Responding to accident sites is emotionally difficult, but it propels her passion for creating thorough safety protocols that prioritize training, inspections, and continuous improvement to prevent accidents.
Implementing these safety measures takes persuasion. This sagacious female professional convinces stakeholders by showcasing benefits such as fewer accidents and lower insurance costs. Sharing success stories is key to wider acceptance.
To cope with the emotional toll, she prioritizes mental health and a strong support system. Focusing on the positive impact, like saving lives, bolsters her resilience. Empathy and clear communication are crucial for understanding workers’ concerns and ensuring they follow safety rules. She emphasizes the importance of staying updated on the latest safety standards through continuous learning. Advocating for diversity and mentoring young women are essential for breaking down barriers and creating a fairer workplace.
By following these strategies, she overcomes challenges and significantly contributes to a safer and more inclusive construction industry.
Finding Equipoise: Work Ethics and Personal Passions
With a glint of satisfaction in her eyes, Adriana shares that one thing in her life drives her to wake up at 5 am and head to the gym: her family. They are the source of her motivation and strength, keeping her focused on health and well-being. Family means everything to her; they operate as a team, and her children have been integral to her journey, supporting her in her work for years. Their presence, she mentions, gives her the energy to start each day with enthusiasm and gratitude for the life she has worked hard to build.
However, she acknowledges that life isn’t always smooth sailing. She admits there are challenging days and moments of difficulty that test her resilience. Yet, it’s during these times that she discovers her true strength. She finds solace in staying active outdoors—during summers. She can be seen by the lake, reconnecting with the waters that remind her of her hometown of Durres. She enjoys the slopes in winter, although she sticks to the gentler hills rather than the double black diamonds. Skiing, she notes, brings her joy and a sense of youthful freedom, even with a hint of fear.
“Life’s challenges are inevitable,” Adriana ascribes, “But I believe in transforming those dark moments into opportunities to appreciate life’s beauty, peace, and the wonders of nature.”
Building a Brighter, Safer Tomorrow in Construction
Adriana is a visionary in construction safety, passionately dedicated to setting a new precedent for excellence. Her safety consulting and education expertise empowers her to spearhead this critical transformation. Through the implementation of robust policies and procedures, Adriana relentlessly pursues a significant reduction in workplace accidents and injuries. Her influence transcends the present; she cultivates a safety-centric culture that thrives on continuous improvement. By inspiring future generations to champion safety and innovation, Adriana paves the way for a construction industry that is not only safer but also more sustainable.
Perception about Success
Success, to Adriana, “is about creating a significant impact while nurturing enduring relationships and achieving a harmonious work-life balance that inspires my children.” More than bricks and mortar, she builds bridges. Fostering a sense of community within the construction industry isn’t just her job; it’s her calling. Seeing companies become cherished collaborators, not just clients, ignites her passion. This dedication extends beyond projects, as Adriana mentors young adults, shaping their careers in construction and safety. These experiences are the threads that amassed a wealth of experience in her professional life – a life dedicated to making a lasting impact, both on companies and individuals. This dedication was recently recognized by her inclusion on the prestigious list of “The 10 Most Influential Businesswomen Leading the Change in 2024.”
Impact of Teaching on Professional Growth
Her role as a professor at Humber College is playing a crucial role in shaping her journey and success as the owner of a construction safety consultancy. Adriana expresses that teaching is instrumental in keeping her abreast of evolving safety regulations and technologies, ensuring she remains at the forefront of industry developments. Moreover, engaging with a diverse range of students enriches her understanding of people and the world, fosters empathy, and enhances her communication skills. These qualities, she believes, are pivotal in cultivating a strong safety culture within the construction industry.
Interacting with students from various backgrounds inspires fresh perspectives and innovative safety solutions, which she integrates into her consultancy. This approach, she adds, reinforces their commitment to excellence and client satisfaction as they continually strive to deliver cutting-edge safety practices and solutions.
Advice for Aspiring Businesswomen and Leaders in Construction and Safety Consulting
Veteran industry leader Adriana offers invaluable advice to aspiring businesswomen and future construction and safety consulting leaders.
First, she underscores the power of “embracing your unique perspective and strengths.” In a male-dominated field, Adriana recognizes the value diverse viewpoints bring to the table.
Next, she encourages them to be bold: “Be fearless in pursuing your goals and confident in asserting your expertise.” Adriana believes trusting in your abilities and taking opportunities to showcase your skills and leadership is crucial for success.
Another key element is building a strong support system. Adriana stresses the importance of ‘building a strong network of mentors and peers.’ She highlights the value of mentors who can offer guidance and share their experiences navigating similar challenges.
Finally, Adriana concludes by underlining the importance of continuous learning: “Continuously educate yourself.” Staying up-to-date on industry trends and regulations allows you to make informed decisions and offer valuable insights to clients and colleagues. By following these steps, aspiring leaders can pave the way for a successful construction and safety consulting career.
Vision for Adriatica
Adriatica is laying the foundation for something truly special! Adriana, the brains behind Adriatica, isn’t just building skyscrapers. She’s building a legacy. Inspired by her equally inspiring kids, she’s setting her sights on becoming the top dog in construction AND education. She sees Adriatica bringing those dreams to life, with her son leading the charge in groundbreaking construction and her daughter shaping the architectural landscape. Together, they’re poised to shake up the construction industry, all under the Adriatica umbrella. This is one family business you won’t want to miss!
“Our goal is for Adriatica to evolve into a cornerstone organization renowned for its comprehensive safety solutions, ongoing educational excellence, and leadership in promoting safer and more structured industry practices,” she says.
This vision is like a blueprint for the future! It fuels their passion for constantly dreaming up new ideas and growing in a way that benefits the environment. These factors keep them at the forefront, influencing the direction of construction and education in the future.
Commitment to Ethics and ESG Principles
Adriatica Safety Consulting Inc. firmly embeds ethical considerations and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles into its operations, strongly focusing on improving safety within the construction industry. The President highlights that the company maintains high ethical standards to ensure integrity and trust in all aspects of its work. By embracing ESG principles, it advocates for environmental sustainability through green construction practices that reduce ecological impact.
Socially, Adriana states, “We prioritize the safety and well-being of our workforce through inclusive practices and diversity initiatives.” These principles guide them not only in complying with stringent regulatory safety standards but also in setting new industry benchmarks. Their primary objective is to create a safer and more sustainable construction environment that benefits all stakeholders and enhances the broader well-being of our communities.
The Safety Revolution: Technology Transforms Adriatica Safety Consulting Inc.
The landscape of safety consulting is undergoing a seismic shift driven by technological advancements. For industry leaders like Adriatica Safety Consulting Inc., these innovations are not just enhancements but revolutions.
According to Adriana, an experienced industry leader, technology has fundamentally transformed how safety is monitored and managed. Wearable devices and a network of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors provide real-time data on worker health and environmental conditions, allowing for proactive interventions before incidents occur. Gone are the days of reactive safety measures; this is an era of prediction and prevention.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are no longer the stuff of science fiction. These powerful tools are now analyzing vast datasets to identify patterns and predict potential hazards before they escalate. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) further elevate safety training by immersing workers in simulated hazardous scenarios, fostering a deeper understanding of safety protocols, and improving their readiness to respond to real-world situations.
By embracing these cutting-edge advancements, Adriatica Safety Consulting Inc. is solidifying its position as a leader in safety innovation. They are continuously raising the bar for safety standards and, in turn, safeguarding the lives of construction workers across the industry.
