We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Valerie Crafton. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Valerie below.
Valerie, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
My resilience comes from a lifetime of overcoming challenges and proving that the impossible can be achieved. I’ve experienced childhood homelessness, broken away from domestic violence, and pushed through to earn my degree—all while being a single mom. Each of these moments shaped me, giving me the strength to keep moving forward no matter the odds.
My journey is rooted in a deep understanding of my origins and an unrelenting drive to defy societal expectations. Growing up, I was told that girls didn’t belong in the spaces I was drawn to—shop class, boxing, and construction. I thought that once I got my degree, maybe things would change and I’d be taken more seriously. But as I moved into my career, I quickly realized that the barriers didn’t end with education. There was a lack of coaching, mentorship, and recognition. No matter how hard I worked or what I achieved, I watched others move ahead—people who fit the “typical” mold for those roles.
It was frustrating, especially when I knew I could do circles around some of these promotions and even my own boss, who, at times, had less experience than me. I learned that what often gets you ahead isn’t competence—it’s networking internally, not challenging the status quo, and certainly not questioning groupthink or leadership, even when you have data and facts to back you up. God forbid you ask someone with influence, “What’s your statement based on?” if you value your job or want to move forward.
We talk about wanting more women in these fields, but no one addresses the environment we’re expected to work in every day. Still, I’ve always internalized these moments as fuel to push harder, to achieve more. If that meant uprooting my life to learn another part of the build cycle, wearing a different hat, diving into another part of the business, or self-educating to ensure my ducks were always in a row, I did it.
My perspective is deeply shaped by being a woman in construction, an industry that has historically lacked diversity and inclusion. I’ve faced resistance and dismissal, yet I’ve embraced these obstacles as opportunities to show my strength. My motto has always been, “Don’t believe me? Watch me. Or just because you couldn’t figure it out, watch me figure it out.”
My resilience is also tied to my ability to see problems others overlook. I dig deeper, uncovering root causes and finding solutions where others see only dead ends. That ability to see what others don’t has become one of my greatest strengths.
My connection to my personal story is another key driver of my resilience. Reflecting on where I come from and why I do what I do has built an unshakable foundation of purpose. It hasn’t been easy to embrace vulnerability and allow people in to see that side of me, but doing so has allowed me to lead with authenticity and inspire others along the way.
Ultimately, my resilience is the product of a courage that not everyone has. I refuse to settle for the status quo, and I believe that challenges are not roadblocks but stepping stones to transformation. My journey proves that resilience isn’t just about surviving adversity—it’s about thriving because of it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m passionate about creating opportunities and driving change through my work with VALConsultants and my STEM outreach initiatives. At VALC, we’re focused on delivering innovative solutions in project controls, risk management, and business visibility, but our mission extends far beyond the professional realm.
One of the most exciting aspects of our outreach is a children’s book series I’ve authored, starting with That Construction Worker is My Mom. This year, we’re expanding the series with 10 new books, each showcasing a specific trade—from plumbing and welding to carpentry and masonry. These books are designed to introduce elementary-level children to these careers while breaking down unconscious biases about who belongs in these roles. Each book ends with a guide on how to enter the featured career, serving as a resource for children and indirectly educating parents about accessible pathways into these industries. By having real professionals who don’t fit the traditional stereotypes read these books to students, we’re working to reshape perceptions and inspire the next generation of tradespeople.
On the business side, my focus is on helping organizations uncover their pain points and implement meaningful change through risk analysis and forensic studies. We dive deep into the root causes of challenges affecting corporations and develop risk management programs grounded in continuous improvement. Our goal is to provide leadership teams with actionable insights and enhanced visibility into what’s impacting their business the most, empowering them to allocate resources effectively and drive sustainable growth.
Additionally, we specialize in end-to-end analysis of project controls to help clients streamline their operations. By identifying inefficiencies and refining processes, we enable teams to achieve more with less effort, which is especially critical in today’s fast-paced, resource-constrained environment.
What excites me most is the intersection of these initiatives—whether it’s inspiring kids to see themselves in careers they never considered or equipping business leaders with the tools they need to thrive. Both are about empowerment, education, and creating a better future for everyone.
This year is all about expansion and impact—from releasing these books to reaching more clients and continuing to champion diversity, innovation, and excellence in every area we touch.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey were courage, adaptability, and the ability to dig deeper.
1. Courage:
Courage has been the foundation of everything for me. It’s the courage to speak up when something doesn’t make sense, to ask the hard questions, and to challenge the status quo—even when it’s uncomfortable or risky. There were countless moments where I felt like an outsider, where it would’ve been easier to stay quiet, but courage kept me moving forward. For those early in their journey, my advice is to find your voice and use it. Start small if you have to—ask thoughtful questions, speak up in meetings, and practice standing firm in what you believe. Courage isn’t something you’re born with; it’s a muscle you build.
2. Adaptability:
In my career, I’ve worn many hats—sometimes because I wanted to, and sometimes because I had to. Whether it was uprooting to learn a new part of the build cycle or diving into self-education to fill gaps in knowledge, adaptability kept me moving forward. Things won’t always go as planned, and industries evolve, so you have to stay flexible and willing to learn. My advice? Be open to stepping outside your comfort zone. Learn as much as you can, even in areas that aren’t part of your current role. The more adaptable you are, the more valuable you’ll be, and the more resilient you’ll become.
3. The Ability to Dig Deeper:
One of the things that has set me apart is my ability to look beyond surface-level problems and find the root causes. Too often, people are quick to put band-aids on issues without addressing the underlying problems. For me, the real solutions have always come from taking a forensic approach, asking the tough questions, and not being afraid to say, “This isn’t working—let’s dig deeper.” My advice? Develop critical thinking skills and don’t accept things at face value. Ask “why” until you get to the core of the issue, and always be curious. It’s the digging deeper that leads to real, lasting change.
For anyone early in their journey, focus on building these three qualities. They’re not things you master overnight, but with intention and practice, they’ll shape your career and make you stand out. And most importantly, trust the process—every step, even the hard ones, is preparing you for something bigger.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal client is someone who values collaboration, innovation, and long-term growth. They are leaders or organizations who understand the importance of data-driven decision-making and are eager to embrace transformative solutions to solve their most pressing challenges.
They typically have a growth mindset and are committed to continuous improvement, whether it’s addressing risk management gaps, streamlining project controls, or enhancing overall business visibility. They are open to digging deep into their processes, asking the tough questions, and working with a partner like VALConsultants to uncover root causes and develop actionable solutions.
In addition, my ideal clients are those who share a passion for breaking barriers and fostering inclusivity. Whether they’re a corporation looking to diversify their supplier base or a leader interested in supporting community-driven initiatives like STEM outreach, I gravitate toward those who see the bigger picture and want to make a lasting impact.
Ultimately, my ideal client is someone who sees the value in partnership—not just as a one-off engagement, but as an opportunity to build something sustainable and meaningful together. Whether it’s empowering their teams to do more with less or creating programs that align with their organizational mission, they’re invested in both their own success and the greater good.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.valconsultants.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-crafton-mba-sixsigma-gb-leed-ga-0362b816/
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