By: Kelly Guzman, MN, RN, FAAN

Women’s History Month is a time to reflect on the women who paved the way before us-and to recognize the women who are actively shaping what leadership looks like today. For me, that reflection is deeply personal. My leadership journey to this point has been largely unplanned- the result of saying yes, taking chances, and stepping into opportunities before I felt fully ready. That mindset is deeply aligned with the culture we’ve intentionally built at Yellow Brick.

I went to nursing school because my mom told me it was a stable job that would pay the bills. What was meant to be a two‑year program turned into four, during a nursing shortage in 1987. After graduating, I worked as a pediatric nurse and became a charge nurse within six months simply because I was the only RN on the night shift.

That early experience set the tone for my career. Leadership didn’t come from a title- it came from responsibility, trust, and showing up when it mattered. Those same principles guide how I lead and support our teams at Yellow Brick today.

Two years into my career, I became a nursing supervisor, despite being the youngest and least experienced person in the role. It was one of the hardest and most formative roles of my career. I learned quickly that effective leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about asking the right questions, listening closely, and relying on the expertise of the people around you.

That lesson is foundational to Yellow Brick’s culture. We hire smart, capable people and trust them to do meaningful work. Leadership here is about creating clarity, removing obstacles, and empowering teams to deliver the best outcomes to the projects we serve.

Since then, I’ve committed to staying uncomfortable. I’ve intentionally taken on roles where I had much to learn, trusted my teams deeply, and continually challenged myself to grow as a leader. That same expectation exists at Yellow Brick: growth happens when we stretch, learn, and take thoughtful risks-together.

Leadership, Inclusion, and Belonging

As a female leader in nursing and healthcare, I was often surrounded by other women, so I was rarely the only woman at the table. That dynamic shifted dramatically when I transitioned into the healthcare construction industry. Suddenly, I often found myself as the only woman in the room. My confidence and sense of comfort took a hit, fearing that saying the wrong thing could cost me my seat.

Those experiences shaped my commitment to building a workplace where people feel seen, respected, and supported- especially when they’re stepping into unfamiliar spaces. Creating an environment that understands how diverse perspectives strengthen decision‑making, improve outcomes, and elevate experiences- for both teams and clients- was incredibly important to me. Our diversity has directly contributed to innovative tools and our ability to continually evaluate and refine how we deliver value.

The Leadership Framework Behind Our Culture

While attending UCLA, a professor introduced me to Kouzes and Posner’s Leadership Framework, and it profoundly influenced how I show up as a leader. It’s a model I still rely on today and one we actively use at Yellow Brick. The five practices align closely with how we expect leaders at every level to operate:

• Model the Way
  Credibility matters. We are clear about what we value and let our actions speak for us. Consistency between words and actions builds trust- internally and with our clients.
• Inspire a Shared Vision
  Focus is powerful. We prioritize what matters most, communicate it clearly, and align our energy toward meaningful outcomes.
• Challenge the Process
  Improvement requires courage. We encourage innovation, thoughtful risk‑taking, and continuous improvement- knowing that learning often comes from trying something new.
• Enable Others to Act
  Trust is central to our culture. We set clear expectations and empower people to own their work. Leadership’s role is to remove barriers so teams can succeed, especially in complex, evolving environments.
• Encourage the Heart
  We celebrate effort, progress, and wins—big and small. Recognition builds momentum and reinforces the behaviors that make our teams strong. From snaps to shoutouts, we believe in uplifting one another.

Advice for Women and Emerging Leaders

Women’s History Month reminds us that leadership rarely follows a straight line—and that’s not a weakness, it’s a strength.

Be clear about what you want to do—and why. Roles that look impressive or feel like the “next step” aren’t always the right fit. For a long time, I thought I wanted to be a Chief Nurse or a hospital COO. But those roles weren’t aligned with who I am. I’ve always loved learning, solving problems, and moving from one challenge to the next. Project management, and eventually Yellow Brick, turned out to be the perfect match.

If I could do it all over again, I wouldn’t wait until I felt “ready.” I would jump in sooner, learn as I went, and create along the way. Careers and life are marathons, not sprints. Celebrate progress, trust yourself, and surround yourself with people who challenge you to grow.

In honor of Women’s History Month, I invite you to share your stories. I love hearing from women and leaders at every stage who are taking chances, stretching themselves, and daring to be a little scared.