Employee Jamie Brätt, FOCUS

AICP, LEED-AP

Jamie is our newest Business Line Leader, recently taking the reins of the Community Development Business Line. We asked her some questions to learn a little more about her and the future of the Business Line. 1.

Why the new change? What brought you to the world of consulting after so many years in public service?

In fact, my career started in the private sector with a commercial real estate development company in Washington, DC. I loved that company but decided to switch gears after the recession of 2008 really put the brakes on construction. Public service brings unique opportunities and challenges.

I’m absolutely thrilled I had the chance to serve the community in the capacity of Director of Economic Development and Planning in Trumbull and in Hartford. That work gave me a lot of exposure to a variety of projects and people rather early in my career. I decided to return to the private sector in the hopes of rekindling that original enthusiasm I always felt about cultivating great communities. It was the right move for me. 2.

How will your past experiences shape your leadership style as Business Line Leader?

I study business leadership and sales a great deal, but one of the most profound influences on my style came from an unexpected source: a parenting course.

Based on Adlerian psychology, the course began by explaining that all human beings, regardless of age, have a fundamental need for two things: belonging and significance. These needs are so deeply wired within us that we will go to extreme lengths to fulfill them, either through desirable behavior or undesirable behavior (for example, a temper tantrum is actually a very effective strategy for feeling like the center of attention). I realized that during the most difficult times in my career, I failed to feel belonging and/ or significance in my work. Therefore, one of the signature elements of my business leadership style (and my networking style) applies special and genuine energy towards understanding individuals and devising ways in which our work together might increase their sense of fulfillment.

3.

The Community Development Business Line encompasses survey, site/civil engineering, and landscape architecture/planning. What are some new projects you wish for your Business Line?

I visited six of the nine New England offices in one week. I asked people what projects meant the most to them. A very strong theme emerged in their answers. People felt fulfilled by:

• Projects that made a noticeable difference in the community.

• Projects that required them to work as a multidisciplinary team at Fuss & O’Neill.

• Projects that challenged their technical or client management skills.

I take these as guiding principles for where we focus our business development energy. You will often hear me summarize these as “transformative” projects.

I also enjoy infill or adaptive reuse projects (such as mill conversions or brownfield redevelopments) because I subscribe to smart growth principles, and because I believe that by helping pre-existing communities thrive, we can help to preserve natural assets and rural communities.

4.

What, if any, changes will you be making to the Business Line in your new leadership role?

I’m very fortunate to have taken the reins of a group that’s already highly successful, so I’m not planning to rock the boat. However, I will be hiring a CDV Business Line Manager in Massachusetts in support of a longerterm focus on greater Boston and I will be increasing “Top of the Funnel” business development activity (which studies market trends, applies research to existing and potential large clients, and encourages the extended team to participate in industry events).

5.

What do you want your clients to know about you?

That you can call me any time: 860-783-4730.