The Greater Washington area has a long history of influential business leaders powering the growth of our region and the strength of their communities. On December 5, the Washington Business Hall of Fame will welcome five such leaders to receive our region’s signature lifetime business achievement award. The Hall of Fame brings these visionaries (the best in business) to the table with the next generation of leaders (the next in business), through an experience that connects and inspires us all.
The 2023 Hall of Fame Laureates are no strangers to media coverage. If you live in the Washington region, chances are you’ve seen their names in headlines for years. What you may not have witnessed is these trailblazers telling their stories in their own words. That’s what this series brings you – the insights, lessons and life advice that these Laureates have to offer based on a lifetime of success.
WASHINGTON’S BEST IN BUSINESS:
DERYL McKISSACK, PE
Deryl McKissack is the founder, chairwoman and chief executive officer of McKissack & McKissack (McKissack), a national architecture, engineering, program and construction-management firm currently managing over $15 billion in projects nationwide. In 1990, Deryl started McKissack with a shoestring budget of $1,000 and a business plan she wrote herself. Today, Engineering News-Record magazine ranks the firm in two of its most significant national lists: 100 Top Construction Management For-Fee Firms and 50 Top Program Management Firms. Her full Hall of Fame Laureate biography is available here.
Read on to learn about the fascinating life that Deryl’s grandfather led as a pioneering Black architect, the skills that she thinks are crucial in a changing world, and the organization she’s launching in 2023.
DERYL McKISSACK, PE
PRESIDENT AND CEO
What is the hardest job you have ever done?
Deryl McKissack: Without a doubt, the most challenging endeavor I've embarked upon is being a business owner. This journey turns work into something deeply personal, not just for me but for every member of my team. Striking a balance between personal expectations and creating a supportive atmosphere for employee growth and fulfillment is no easy task. Gaining the trust of clients and staff, and establishing a reputation for delivering excellence when it wasn't the norm proved to be exceptionally tough. Overcoming skepticism and biases required tremendous effort and determination.
Moreover, the added layer of being a Black woman in an industry predominantly occupied by white men has presented its own unique set of challenges. Navigating the path of self-assertion, while maintaining humility and advocating for my place in the industry, demands constant effort. It's a commitment to showing up not just for myself, but also for those who paved the way before me, and most importantly, for the next generation. It's about securing a seat at the table and carrying the torch forward and remaining humble, hungry, and wise even when adversity tests my resolve. While this journey has undeniably been challenging, I wouldn't alter a single moment of it.
Did you have a mentor? If so, who was it, and how did they impact your career trajectory?
Deryl McKissack: My greatest mentor was my dad, who instilled in me a strong work ethic and the belief that I could achieve anything. His guidance shaped my approach to business and life. He taught me the importance of determination, perseverance, and always striving for excellence.
Additionally, my twin sister has been an unwavering source of support and encouragement, bolstering my confidence even during tough times. Her unwavering belief in me has been a driving force behind my ability to overcome challenges and keep pushing forward in my career.
Lastly, my mother exemplified that women can be effective leaders and that embracing our unique qualities is not only acceptable but advantageous. In an industry predominantly dominated by men, her example taught me that leading authentically as women is a strength, not a limitation. It's important to harness the power of our feminine attributes in leadership. Our ability to empathize, communicate and collaborate can set us apart and drive meaningful change. By embracing our own approach and perspective, we can reshape the narrative and demonstrate that successful leadership isn't confined to a single mold.
“It’s important to harness the power of our feminine attributes in leadership. Our ability to empathize, communicate and collaborate can set us apart and drive meaningful change. By embracing our own approach and perspective, we can reshape the narrative and demonstrate that successful leadership isn’t confined to a single mold.”
What is one thing you want the Greater Washington business community to know about your company?
Deryl McKissack: Washington, D.C. is not just our nation's capital; it's the heartbeat of our nation's progress. What I want the Great Washington Area to know is how immensely proud I am of our company and the pivotal role we've played in shaping this incredible region. From ensuring clean drinking water to constructing the schools where our children learn, from preserving the monuments that draw visitors worldwide to fueling our local economy, to advancing our airports, we've had the privilege of touching every facet of people's lives.
Furthermore, we take immense pride in not only delivering these essential aspects of life to the highest quality but also ensuring that they are accessible to every individual in our vibrant community. Equity and inclusivity are at the heart of our mission, driving us to build a Washington Area that truly belongs to all, where opportunity and excellence know no bounds.
At the end of the day, our commitment is unwavering, and our dedication to building a brighter future for this remarkable area remains steadfast.
If you could choose one person to have dinner with, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Deryl McKissack: If I had the chance, I'd choose to share a dinner with my grandfather, Moses McKissack III. His journey holds deep fascination for me. From attending MIT's correspondence school to establishing a business in Tennessee in 1905, his challenges must have been immense. I'm particularly keen on uncovering his strategies during those initial 90 days, learning how he secured his first job, and becoming the first black architect licensed across multiple Southern states. Hearing about his interactions with the President of Haiti for the University of Haiti's design, as well as his emotions tied to contributing to the Tuskegee Air Force Base's construction, would be enlightening.
What captivates me most is unraveling the story behind my grandfather’s acquisition of the largest loan ever granted to a minority individual, which paved the way for a 200-apartment complex.
His triumphs over racial discrimination and societal barriers are incredibly inspiring. Engaging in conversation with him would provide a deep insight into his journey and the enduring legacy he forged.
“Students today should focus on a well-rounded education, embracing not just academic subjects but also skills like critical thinking, communication, and adaptability. These soft skills are crucial in a rapidly changing world.”
What should students be doing today to help prepare them for a successful tomorrow?
Deryl McKissack: Students today should focus on a well-rounded education, embracing not just academic subjects but also skills like critical thinking, communication and adaptability. These soft skills are crucial in a rapidly changing world. Engaging in internships and seeking out diverse experiences can provide real-world exposure and help students build a versatile skill set. Networking is equally important – connecting with professionals in their fields of interest can open doors to mentorship and potential opportunities. Being proactive, curious and willing to learn will lay a solid foundation for their future success.
If you had to pitch a new business concept today, what would it be and why?
Deryl McKissack: A new business concept I would pitch is AEC Unites, which is a non-profit organization I am launching this fall. Following the murder of George Floyd, I decided to look internally and ask myself what I could do for my industry, and I knew this initiative aligned with my passion. AEC Unites focuses on facilitating intentional opportunities for Black talent and Black-owned businesses in the architecture, engineering and construction industry. By creating a platform that connects aspiring professionals and entrepreneurs with established leaders, this initiative aims to break down barriers, provide mentorship, and foster a supportive community. AEC Unites seeks to address the underrepresentation of Black individuals in the industry, catalyzed by the events that underscored the urgent need for change. Through collaboration and inclusivity, we aspire to contribute to a more diverse, equitable and innovative AEC landscape.
You’re invited to support Deryl McKissack’s induction into the Washington Business Hall of Fame. All proceeds benefit Junior Achievement of Greater Washington’s work to prepare local students to be ready for the future.