Sometimes, the best way to lead isn’t following someone else’s path – but by creating your own.
Brooke Baker Spink didn’t grow up dreaming of becoming a CEO in construction. But after returning to the family business, she stepped into a male-dominated industry with no playbook—just grit, the ability to be relatable & a willingness to learn from the ground up.
She parked her ego at the door, listened more than she spoke, and built trust by doing what she said she’d do.
Now, as CEO of Baker Construction, she’s navigating leadership, motherhood, and the challenge of building both a company and a culture where empathy isn’t a weakness—it’s a superpower.
If you’ve ever felt the pressure to prove yourself to others, Brooke’s story will remind you how to tune out the naysayers and build your own legacy.
Show Flow:
00:00 Advice for Women Entering Male-Dominated Industries
00:39 Brooke Baker’s Journey to CEO of Baker Construction
01:22 Personal Reflections and Family Support
02:17 Educational Background and Early Career
04:31 Transition to Baker Construction
06:18 Building Relationships and Overcoming Challenges
10:31 Leadership and Mentorship at Baker Construction
24:29 Balancing Professional and Personal Life
26:36 Servant Leadership and Community Involvement
28:14 Balancing Work and Family Life
28:58 Reenergizing Through Cooking and Gardening
29:53 Involving Family in Professional Life
35:36 Challenges in the Construction Industry
42:34 Delivering Difficult Messages as a Leader
46:52 Advice for Aspiring Women in Male-Dominated Industries
50:00 Final Thoughts