When you think of a leader, one of the first things that comes to mind is calm confidence.
Nataki Hypolite has embodied that sentiment coming into her role as Portfolio Manager at Acuitas Caribbean Limited. In her new role, she will be charged with the overall responsibility for the management of all Acuitas’ construction projects, leading all project management teams in the company’s operational activities are aligned with our client’s objectives and best industry practices.
With nearly 17 years of tenure at Acuitas, serving as both engineer/construction manager as well as project manager, Nataki has played a critical role in the creation of a number of projects across Trinidad and Tobago. These projects include Albion and Queens Park Plazas, also known as BPTT Headquarters, the BHP Billiton at Invaders Bay Tower, and the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) campus in Tamana, one of the largest building projects in the country. She was also instrumental in completing the University of the West Indies’ (UWI) South Campus.
Nataki’s diligence has not only fueled her drive but has also set the pace for her new role.
“I’ve spent a lot of years doing this, I’ve grown to enjoy it. I think I’ve become quite competent and it feels like a natural transition into this [new] position.
“I’m very committed to what I do. Once I start something I feel compelled to finish and that has kept me going. It’s that commitment to the job, to the client and even to the country because it’s taxpayers’ money that is being spent so it's important for me to see these projects through.”
Seeing her work come to life also plays a driving force in her career.
“Even after many years, being able to see the fruits of your labour is something else. Even if you spend several years of your life working on one project it’s undeniably very satisfying to see the end product; when you can drive past a project and be able say ‘I did that, I worked on that when there was nothing there’”.
Admitting that the industry isn’t an easy one, she still urges others, especially women, to let their fervour guide their efforts.
“It can be rugged, and that kind of grit isn’t something that everyone can deal with in the long term. But, if you have a passion for something, you will find reward in what you do