I joined Southland in April 2016 after working for a general contractor. I was ready for a change, and what drew me here was the people. This industry is full of challenging projects and opportunities, but what sets Southland apart is how much it values people as individuals, not just employees.
The People First culture of mutual support has kept me here for nine years. I truly enjoy, respect, and admire the people I work with, and there's a real sense of showing up for each other both personally and professionally.
A day in the life as a project manager
When I started, my role was Project Engineer 1. Since then, I've grown into a position where I support several project teams. Every day brings something new, and I'm excited by the variety and challenges that come with managing projects in construction.
A typical day for me now involves managing project financials, leading meetings with internal teams and external partners, and staying closely connected with field crews. Communication is key to making sure every aspect of a project runs smoothly. I also enjoy supporting our college and early careers recruiting efforts because helping shape the future team is rewarding.
One of the most satisfying parts of project management is seeing a 2D concept come to life as a finished building. It takes many people working together to deliver a project safely, efficiently, and on time. The diversity of trades and professionals involved keeps me motivated and constantly learning.
Achieving work-life balance
Managing time-sensitive priorities while maintaining work-life balance is a challenge, especially as I navigate new responsibilities at home. I've learned that being proactive rather than reactive is essential. Staying organized, identifying potential issues early, and communicating clearly with my teams helps prevent last-minute crises. These habits allow me to focus during work hours and protect my personal time, which is crucial for maintaining work-life balance.
I've also found that trying to split my attention between work and home rarely works well. When I'm at the jobsite or in the office, I give my full focus to work so I can finish on time. Then, when I'm home, I'm fully present with my son. Being intentional when I switch roles helps me be my best both professionally and personally and supports my overall work-life balance.
One of the biggest lessons I've learned about work-life balance is that much of the imbalance was self-inflicted. I used to say yes to everything without considering my capacity or offering alternative timelines. Setting boundaries and being honest about what I can realistically take on has made a huge difference. It's also helped to recognize when a task truly needs 110 percent effort and when I can still deliver quality results by giving less. Most people are understanding when you communicate clearly, and that clarity helps me show up more fully both at work and at home.
Returning to work after maternity leave
Returning to work after maternity leave was a meaningful experience. Before I came back, I invited my son for lunch with some colleagues, and it meant a lot to see so many people excited to share that moment with me. My team struck a great balance between checking in on how motherhood was going and helping me get back up to speed with work. Hearing others share their experiences with returning to work after using our paid parental leave policy and daycare transitions made the adjustment easier. The respect and understanding they showed for the challenges of this season, like daycare drop-offs and taking calls from the mother's room, really supported me.
I was fortunate to use Southland's paid parental leave policy, taking 16 weeks by combining the leave with vacation time. That time was invaluable for bonding with my son and adjusting to being a first-time mom. It helped smooth our transition to daycare and gave me the space I needed during that important season.
Staying successful in my career and motherhood
I'm proud that I feel effective and at peace in both my roles as project manager and mom, and that I am supported. Of course, there are days I don't feel as organized or prepared as I'd like, but I've learned to give myself grace and room to grow. Managing my inner critic has been key to staying confident that I'm succeeding both at Southland and at home.
My advice for working moms navigating career and motherhood is simple: don't be afraid to set boundaries and create schedules that allow you to show up your best at work and at home. People don't always know what work-life balance looks like for you, but most are willing to understand and respect it if you communicate openly.
Senior Project Manager
As Senior Project Manager, Ashley Bistline leads complex construction projects from planning through completion. She oversees project teams, manages schedules and budgets, and fosters collaboration among industry partners and owners. With a passion for building high-quality projects and supporting early careers development, Ashley plays a key role in shaping our future workforce.
