In this episode of Navigating Major Programmes, Riccardo sits down with Mariska Pinto, who has spent the last decade successfully navigating the male-dominated infrastructure industry. With a mechanical engineering background from McGill University, Marishka now leverages her technical and commercial background as she works cross-functionally amongst various teams at Crosslinx Constructors as a Systems Claims Manager for Eglinton Crosstown LRT.
In this episode of Navigating Major Programmes, Riccardo sits down with Mariska Pinto, who has spent the last decade successfully navigating the male-dominated infrastructure industry. With a mechanical engineering background from McGill University, Marishka now leverages her technical and commercial background as she works cross-functionally amongst various teams at Crosslinx Constructors as a Systems Claims Manager for Eglinton Crosstown LRT.
In this conversation, Riccardo gives Mariska the floor as he looks for insight to a topic he will never fully understand—being the only woman in the room. This conversation aims to build bridges that inspire allyship and encourage women to pursue a career in infrastructure.
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Riccardo Cosentino 00:05
You're listening to navigate major problems, the podcast that aims to elevate the conversations happening in the infrastructure industry and inspire you to have a more efficient approach within it. I'm your host Riccardo Cosentino I bring over 20 years of major product management experience. Most recently, I graduated from Oxford University's a business school, which shook my belief when it comes to navigating major problems. Now it's time to shake yours. Join me in each episode as a press the industry experts about the complexity of major program management, emerging digital trends and the critical leadership required to approach these multibillion dollar projects. Let's see what the conversation takes us. Today on building bridges podcast, I'm joined by Mariska Pinto. Mariska is a dynamic professional working on the commercial team for crosslinks constructors. She has a background in mechanical engineering from McGill University and started a career as a field engineer in the oil and gas industry due to reservoir evaluation, Mariska began and SNC Lavell in capital developing the proposal for large p3 projects in the transit and social infrastructure sectors, which involve coordinating with clients, contractors and advisor, security fully committed project financing solution and developed a commercial position. She worked in the film allottee to financial close Finch West LRT. Funded by Correctional Complex Darlington water treatment plant and eventually led the NGO expansion corridor pursuit before transferring to the Eglinton Crosstown LRT project. He now leverages a technical commercial background to work cross functionally among various teams across links to track issues and develop long term strategy for evaluation and claims. So we're here we Mariska. I've known Mariska for a few years, we've been working together in the past, and we stayed in touch and she agreed to do this podcast today. How are you doing, Mariska.
Marishka Pinto 02:09
Thanks. Thanks for having me.
Riccardo Cosentino 02:12
This is your first podcast, as
Marishka Pinto 02:17
you can tell from from my silence, so yeah, it's my first podcast, but excited to be here. And excited to chat with you.
Riccardo Cosentino 02:25
Doing great,
Marishka Pinto 02:26
Thanks you.
Riccardo Cosentino 02:26
So yes, women in infrastructure. So I have a few questions that I'd like to put to you and to learn more about you and your past experience and some of the challenges that you've had in working in infrastructure. So why don't we jump right in? Are you okay with that?
Marishka Pinto 02:50
Yep, that sounds good.
Riccardo Cosentino 02:51
Okay, so what is your current role in infrastructure?
Marishka Pinto 02:55
My current role is that I'm a Systems claims manager on the Eglinton Crosstown LRT. And I've been working on the project since the end of 2019. So about three years now. And I work on the commercial team, managing the claims that are coming up later in the construction phase, which are more related to systems now at this stage than than alignment. And I guess day to day I work on commercial stream strategy. substantiating claims, managing correspondence with our client, and to a lesser extent now. But I also used to oversee variations to the prime contract.
Riccardo Cosentino 03:37
Interesting. You and I met a few years ago. But from what I understand you had been working in infrastructure or construction in the past. So how did you get into infrastructure or into the industry to begin with?
Marishka Pinto 03:53
I actually I used to work as a field engineer and oil and gasless than Alberta. And that was right after I graduated. But there was a downturn in the oil industry just after I graduated. Plus, the lifestyle was pretty grueling. We're always on the road. And it just didn't allow for much of a home life. So I started looking for more project management related jobs back in Toronto. Just because project management is the part of my job that I liked the most. And it seemed to jive with my my skills and personality better. I done an internship also at SNC Lavell in university, and it was a well known engineering company and it related to my studies and technical background since I started engineering. So I applied for a project coordinator job working on p3 bids in transit, and ended up working for a great manager named Ricardo. That was about five years ago now. So yeah, a couple of jobs and projects later, here I am. But yeah, I think a little bit of chance and It just aligned with my interests. And in my experience.
Riccardo Cosentino 05:04
Yeah. So for what I know, I mean, you, it wasn't a surprise for you to end up in infrastructure. I mean, this this. This was something that you had planned and that was sort of the career that you chose. Am I mistaken?
Marishka Pinto 05:19
No, no, I think that's correct. I don't, especially once I started, I wouldn't say it's a surprise, that I'm an infrastructure. It's super closely related to engineering, which I studied. And it's just so tangible. And there's something pretty satisfying about that, like seeing your projects come up in the city we live in, whether it's an LRT hospital, driving around, when everyone around us, like our neighbors or family or friends. It helps them stay connected and improves quality of life for everyone in the city. And then the role i am in now I think is also a good intersection of things I'm good at and that I like doing and also a technical background. Like I said, I studied engineering, but I never got like a super big thrill out of actually being an engineer. So I love that it's engineering adjacent. And I think that really helps me, like understand issues and problem solve. But I like having a broader perspective on what's going on Project wide.
Riccardo Cosentino 06:21
So so far, I mean, you obviously quite happy with the career choices you made. So far what I did your highlights what are your career highlights from working in this industry?
Marishka Pinto 06:35
It's good question. On a personal level. Last year, I was nominated for the women and infrastructure Emerging Leader Award by my crossings team, which I found really kind of people to get to think of me in that way, especially when impostor syndrome is so real. It was just like a nice little pick me up and felt good to be recognized by peers and my manager and my team in general. So that's a good what career highlight?
Riccardo Cosentino 07:09
What about, what about on the on the project side? Any any interesting project that you worked on? That sort ofreinforce that you made the right decision to join in this industry?
Marishka Pinto 07:21
Mm hmm. Well, in the job I'm in now I think one of the most interesting things I've worked on is working on like on a large global settlement settlement.It really puts into perspective how complex transit projects are, how many stakeholders there are how, I guess entrench, the systems are already that we have to work with, especially in a well developed city like Toronto, where we're now trying to put in infrastructure that probably should have been here years ago. So it's been eye opening to see what kind of issues come up how they all fit in together, how they play into the schedule, how different site teams have to, to work with, with all the various stakeholders. So yeah, I think that's been a pretty good, pretty good experience is just working on a large claim and getting it to the settlement stage. And then actually working on on your team. A few years ago, we worked on the Trillium bid together. And it was, I don't know, at least in the few years, I worked there, it was rare to see a project through from RFQ all the way to financial close. And that was a really good experience. I feel like I really found my stride working on that project, especially starting as a project coordinator and invite benefit. I felt like I had a pretty good handle of all the players and, and all the steps that are required. And yeah, that was also a good career highlight.
Riccardo Cosentino 08:55
Yeah, I'm glad. Yeah, that was there was a long time ago, I forgot one day you're at work in the RFQ.
Marishka Pinto 09:02
Hmm.
Riccardo Cosentino 09:04
So let's talk about some of the challenges, though. You know, always obviously, infrastructure is a male dominated industry. Can you talk about some of the challenges or have you faced any challenge about being in an environment that male dominated? Hmm. I mean, yeah, I think a couple things. But firstly, this is probably more of an internal thing, but just generally, feeling intimidated being the only woman in the room many times. And that's something I know I need to work on. It's just not. Yeah, that's an internal pressure I put on myself. And I think also ties back to imposter syndrome, which I mentioned before, is just kind of knowing that I have a large knowledge base and my opinions are just as valid as anyone else in the room. Um, but on just like an another strain of thought, I find microaggressions pretty aggravating. Yeah, just sometimes added it's hard to describe what microaggressions are because they're so minut sometimes, where as an example, like someone stopping in the middle of a meeting, to say like, oh, sorry for swearing Marishka dudes fine. Why do you have to, you know, call, call me out specifically as being different or like unable to handle hard facts are hard truths, like, as the rest of you in the meeting are different, and I have to be apologize to you. So stuff like that is, is, I'd say still frequent. And it's so small that it's not doesn't feel worth mentioning. But they all kind of add up. But I've started to see more training specific to like inclusive language, talking about implicit bias. And just generally, I think, discussions on EDI is like equity, diversity inclusion are, are going which is an amazing thing and needs to continue. And I think we just need to, yeah, keep pushing forward on that front and having more in depth training. And I'll try to be better allies, whether it's, you know, gender based or race based, or accessibility based or any other any other differences we see day to day at work. Yeah, do you microaggression example you use it's very common one that always makes me cringe and laugh. And I think our we have a colleague that has a perfect comeback. Have you ever used that comeback?
Marishka Pinto 11:50
Yeah, I tried to just like saying, fucking fine, Paul, or Bernard or whoever. Whoever says it. I'm trying not to name people I work with. But yeah, yeah, it shuts it down pretty quickly.
Riccardo Cosentino 12:09
I think it's a way of calling it out. I really like that combat. Support it, support it.
Marishka Pinto 12:15
Yeah. And I think it makes more of a difference also, when this kind of message is in forest or just demonstrated. By, by, leaders or managers. Yeah, at least as personally feel supported when someone else can also call it out doesn't always have to be me saying something like that.
Riccardo Cosentino 12:38
Yeah, that's important of ally ship. Okay. So moving on, what has helped you to succeed as a female in this environment?
Marishka Pinto 12:50
Hmm. I think having like a tight knit team, and a supportive manager is key. For me personally, like the most fulfillment I have gotten out of jobs in the past has been when I felt really close and supported by my team members, and likewise could give back to them in the same way. And in terms of a manager is someone who gives you room to grow and kind of pushes you a little bit out of your comfort zone. And just gets to know you on a on a personal level. So they so they know what your assets and level or areas for improvement are. Yeah, I think having having a good team is is key for succeeding at work. How about you?
Riccardo Cosentino 13:40
And what about mentorship? What about me? Well, yeah, the team, the team is what is more what motivates me, I enjoy what we do because of the team, because of the people. You know, and and, and I think having been able to empower people is what really, really gives me great joy. To see people actually achieving their best. It is what I would strive I'm not always achieving that. I have my own flaws, but I certainly certainly enjoy the team environment and teamwork and having a common common goal and trying to together accomplish that common goal.
Marishka Pinto 14:29
Yeah, I agree. And I think that when you're just when you have a good relationship with your team members, it is all about a common goal and it's easy to support each other. But yeah, sorry, we spend, you know, eight to eight. We spend 10 to 8 hours a day in the same place, though. A camaraderie and you know, making making that 10 hours plan. It's part of the secret. Yeah, definitely more more time that I spend sleeping or with my family. So, yeah. To answer your mentorship question, though, yeah, I think mentorship is really important. Aside from having a team, it's really valuable to to have someone that you trust and who's not always completely involved in what you're doing day to day to give you a different perspective. And I think especially if that person is more experienced than you, they will have been through similar or same career challenges. And people always say, like, hindsight is 2020. And you might as well benefit from from that person's life experience. But yeah, I found it extremely helpful to have kind of shoulder to cry on or go to for opinions advice. It just helps to talk out next steps are what you can do next in your career with someone who, who knows you on a long term basis and has seen you know, your evolution through time.
Riccardo Cosentino 16:04
Have you been able to find a female mentor? In within the industry?
Marishka Pinto 16:08
Yes, I'd say yes. Maybe not in a formal sense. But informally, I definitely have a few trusted go to women who, who I can go to, to ask for advice on on career moves, or how to approach a tough conversation at work or complain about people who keep on apologizing for swearing in meetings, or whatever it is.Yeah, I mean, if I just need like a little pep talk, and yeah, it's nice. Like I said, it's nice to have someone who you chat with regularly. And I have tried to set up monthly chats with people, whether they happen every month or not, it's good to just have an ongoing conversation with them. So we're regularly in touch, and I know where they're at in their career, and in vice versa. Just so we know the key players and key moments in each other's work lives and even personal lives. But then give them the context and give me the context. To know like, what kind of questions I can ask them or, you know, just it helps to know about their lives as well. So that I know what they've been through and can can go to them when if I ever approach a similar situation.
Riccardo Cosentino 17:21
I'm glad to hear that you've been able to find female mentors in an industry where 20% of the population is women.
Marishka Pinto 17:31
Yeah, I don't know if it's, maybe I'm a girl's girl. But I just find I can be a lot more open with women, sometimes there's just common shared experience. And yeah, it feels good to share that with someone.
Riccardo Cosentino 17:49
Okay, so what are your hopes for the industry as a whole?
Marishka Pinto 17:54
Hmm. Well, working in the commercial space as I do. I mean, I'm a Systems claims manager. So I'm dealing with a lot of claims, and it would be nice to see kind of governing authorities and private companies finding a way to, to allocate risk properly and, and stick to that and have both sides take accountability, for issues their you know, their best place to handle. That's the whole point of risk allocation. Yeah, I mean, working in the team that I work in, there's so much time and so many resources spent on on substantiating claims and trying to make people see your site. And yeah, I guess is in the blame. It just means a lot of like subject matter experts times are used on something that is not their subject matter. Like there were consultants involved or is involved in, ultimately, I think it just takes longer and cost more to build a project, which is a detriment, you know, to, to us as taxpayers. But yeah, I mean,I've heard a lot about, I don't know if they're being called Alliance models, but just kind of more, more or less. There we go collaborative, less adversarial models, and I'm excited to see how that plays out. And hopeful I guess that, that it'll work and that we can all play nice.
Riccardo Cosentino 19:31
Yeah, the the claims is interesting and diversity and nature of the industry is, you know, I think the way they describe it, you know, a claim and litigation doesn't really build more infrastructure. So it's really, it's really effort that goes towards not the ultimate goal, which is to create more infrastructure for the greater good of the country and the city. So it is a bit of a wasted effort. because that energy could be directed in a more fruitful way to better the more productive activities.
Marishka Pinto 20:09
Totally. Yeah, it's, I mean, maybe there's something to be said for it's a learning curve or, or learning how contracts should be structured. It Yeah, I'm grateful that I get to see all of it as part of my job, but, but there's a lot of lessons learned for how to develop new programs.
Riccardo Cosentino 20:35
Okay, so I think we, the last questions, and I think is a bit of a marquee question. Would you encourage other women to pursue a career in infrastructure?
Marishka Pinto 20:45
I think, yeah, definitely. From my perspective, I think there's so many areas of the infrastructure industry that that I didn't know about before, before I dipped my toes in the water. And so yeah, I think there's so many different types of jobs in the industry, whether it's like consulting, or engineering or working on the construction side, working a project co side. Working on the client side, there's yeah, there's, it seems like there are endless roles, and that are all different and challenging and complex. And I think there's a lot of a lot of opportunity for, for women to find jobs in a good space and their own niche in the industry. And one of the things that I found helpful, and just discovering the wide breadth of jobs that exist is kind of attending networking events. So if anyone's wondering how to learn about jobs, I suggest going to networking events. I know, like the woman and infrastructure network, hold a lot of fun. And that's a good starting place to learn.
Riccardo Cosentino 22:01
Thank you for that that was encouraging to know that women are inviting women to join this male dominated industry within more that for sure. I want to take this chance to thank you for for agreeing to do this podcast with me. I think it's important. And it's important that we would build more bridges and within this industry and allow women to have a louder voice, and more presence. And I hope I hope this was a good experience for you. I know definitely. I want to thank you for thinking of me and also just starting this cool initiative. I can't wait to listen to who else you talk to. And yeah, it's been a great experience. So thank you. Thank you. Bye now. That's it for this episode, we'll navigate the major problems. I hope you found today's conversation as informative and thought provoking as I did. If you enjoyed this conversation, please consider subscribing and leaving a review. I would also like to personally invite you to continue the conversation by joining me on my personal LinkedIn at Riccardo Cosentino. Listening to the next episode, where we will continue to explore the latest trends and challenges in major program management. Our next in depth conversation promises to continue to dive into topics such as leadership risk management, and the impact of emerging technology in infrastructure. It's a conversation you're not going to want to miss. Thanks for listening to navigate the major problems and I look forward to keeping the conversation going