The Career Architect:Vision, Values, and Breaking AEC Barriers
Recruiter and author Bryce Batts joins Natasha Ozybko to discuss building career autonomy, overcoming the AEC "confidence gap," and the strategies in her book "The Career Architect."
In this fifty-first episode of Conversations with MOXY, host Natasha Ozybko talks with best-selling author, career coach, and recruiter Bryce Batts. The discussion explores Batts’ non-linear career path, the psychological barriers women face in male-dominated industries, and her book, The Career Architect, which serves as a blueprint for building a fulfilling career aligned with personal values.
A Non-Linear Path to "Chief Matchmaker"
Bryce Batts shares a career journey defined by strategic pivots rather than a straight line. After realizing her initial interest in textiles was too heavy on chemistry, Batts switched to business and marketing at NC State. Following her first stint in recruiting, she opened an online store and two brick-and-mortar boutiques. While the experience was a "real hustle," she ultimately returned to recruiting for better financial stability. In 2021, Batts co-founded Career Collective to escape a toxic "dog-eat-dog" recruitment culture and build a firm focused on better matches and healthier environments.
Breaking the "Male, Pale, and Stale" AEC Culture
As a recruiter in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) space, Batts offers a candid look at the industry’s ongoing struggles with diversity. She recounts stories of qualified female candidates refusing to interview at firms where the website only showcases "old white men," emphasizing that diverse talent attracts diverse talent. Batts applauds firms that retain top female talent by offering 30-hour work weeks or fully remote roles, especially for those in the "sandwich generation" caring for both children and aging parents and she encourages women to stop waiting until they check every box on a job description, famously advising them to "do it with the confidence of a mediocre white man".
The Career Architect: Vision and Values
Batts’ book, The Career Architect, was born from her desire to share the stories of the incredible women she interviewed on her own podcast, Wine After Work.
Career Autonomy The book argues that success isn't just about job titles, but about developing fulfilling careers that reflect an individual's true vision and values.
Interactive Soul-Searching Each chapter includes self-reflection questions and practical exercises designed to help readers identify their values and overcome "imposter syndrome".
The Power of the Network Batts reminds job seekers that 80% of jobs are never posted online, making it essential to lean into professional networks and be vulnerable about looking for new challenges.
Conclusion: Why Not Us?
The episode concludes with a powerful reminder that women should never feel guilty for wanting more from their careers. Bryce Batts urges the MOXY community to embrace the "Why Not Me?" era, treating discomfort as a compass for growth and building a "squad" of women for support.