When I first set out to begin my feature article about the 2024 WWD Industry Icon Susan Moisio, I was anticipating conversations relating to her greatest career accomplishments. I expected big projects and even bigger thought leadership. I was right about both.
But little did I know that one of her greatest career accomplishments would be intangible. I discovered how she fosters the growth and potential of the people with whom she works. She builds up those around her, and gives credit where credit is due. No voice is too small in the room.
This mindset echoes the theme of stewardship that came up in our conversation. Growing up on a cattle farm, her father taught her to be a steward of the land on which she lived. He explained how her actions are connected to her natural environment, and it gave her an appreciation for environmental stewardship that has followed her throughout her life.
It should come as no surprise that this idea of environmental stewardship is a cornerstone value of wastewater professionals. We are all stewards of the environment we inhabit, and leading that charge are the owners and operators of our wastewater facilities throughout the country. Upon reflection, I now see how her definition of stewardship extends beyond the environment.
Leaders are stewards of their followers. Leaders shape the environment in which those who follow them can grow and thrive. One of Moiso’s notable accomplishments is her part in establishing Jacobs Women of Water, an internal group at Jacobs that provides as an outlet for motivation and encouragement of women leaders in the company. She helped to create an environment in which they could thrive. She was a steward of a different kind.
She has redefined my understanding of the term. And when you layer that on top of her other professional accomplishments, there is no question she is iconic.
