Power Women: Kerrie Diaz, CEO, Snyder Environmental
What’s your secret to success?
Hard work, attention to detail, and determination have been vital. Mostly, I am fortunate to have people who believed in me more than I did in myself.
How did you get started in your field?
My career started in marketing, which provided exposure to a number of business fields. I loved the diversity and diving into the psychology of selling a service. From widgets to insurance, most products and services require an emotional connection to sell. I found it fascinating to figure out what resonated with an audience.
What do you love best about what you do?
I love the sincerity of what we do. Environmental remediation has to be performed correctly. The teams at Snyder make an honest living doing their work to their highest degree of competency. No one at Snyder can be complacent. Each job has to be performed correctly, and the completion of that job yields a positive impact for our communities. It is an absolute joy to be surrounded by people who give their all each day for that outcome.
What advice would you give to a young woman starting her career?
Believe in yourself, because life’s biggest limitations can come from within. Hard work can get you far, but hard work plus a good education will get you further. Finally, sign up for the hard stuff. Those are the accomplishments you will be most proud of when the work is done.
What are your proudest accomplishments?
I am most proud of my accomplishments when I am having small but memorable moments with my kids. One of them once gave me a coffee mug labeled “Maker of Memories,” and I love it. It is important to stop being a “Power Woman” occasionally, put on a silly outfit and make my kids laugh. At the end of it all, those memories and moments are the gold I seek.
What obstacles have you had to overcome?
I love the start of a project and the successful execution of the end product. I have to really push myself through the details in between. This often makes me a poor student, especially in math. Math has always been my nemesis, and I have always appreciated the teachers who, very patiently, have helped me understand the principles of business math.
How do you maintain a work/life balance?
I don’t stress about working outside of typical business hours, but I do make a point to be present whenever possible for my kids. I will often have a computer near, even on vacation. I think it is good for my kids to see that there is more to life than just our family and fun. I want them to know that I greatly value my commitments and responsibilities. I also know to unplug and enjoy life in the present when I reach my limit. I love the great outdoors, and I try to take advantage of our state’s outdoor opportunities as much as possible.
Do you have a favorite quote?
Do it right, or do it twice.
