Jayhawks hold leadership positions across diverse industries and professions, and many connect with KU students and fellow alumni through the Jayhawk Career Network. In “Copy the Leader,” KU Alumni, in partnership with SumnerOne, spotlights Jayhawk leaders who are models for others in their fields.
Karen Bray, e’02, is senior vice president and general manager for the south-central region at Burns & McDonnell, a multinational engineering, architecture and construction firm.
What do you do in your work?
Bray: I lead more than 900 professionals across our Houston and Austin, Texas, offices, working on major infrastructure and energy projects, from early studies and design all the way through construction. Day to day, I focus on helping our teams grow, solving big challenges for our clients, and making sure our projects have real impact. It’s a role that combines engineering, leadership and long-term strategy, and I love that no two days are ever the same.
What are the qualities of a good leader?
Authenticity is important to me in leadership. People want to know who you are and engage with you in a genuine manner. A good leader is someone who listens, inspires trust, and makes decisions with both confidence and humility. Leadership is about creating clarity and helping people see the bigger picture while supporting them in achieving shared goals. I believe effective leaders are steady, approachable and able to adapt to the evolving needs of their teams and industries.
How do you practice leadership at your job?
I like to learn about the strengths of our employee-owners and put them in roles to stretch their abilities and capitalize on what makes them uniquely talented. Leadership, to me, means investing in people and leading by example—creating a safe workplace, being nimble to move to the challenges our clients are facing today, and bringing next-level solutions to the table.
What makes a team or group successful?
A successful team is built on trust, communication and shared purpose. We’re fortunate to be an employee-owned company, where each team member sees the outcomes of their efforts directly impact both their clients and their personal success. When people feel safe to contribute ideas, take ownership and support one another, they perform at a higher level. I’ve seen firsthand that the best outcomes happen when everyone understands their role, respects their teammates and is committed to a common goal.
How can leaders in your industry help their organizations adapt to change?
Leaders can help their organizations adapt by staying grounded in their values while being open to new ways of thinking. In engineering and construction, that could mean embracing new technologies, responding quickly to shifts in the market or rethinking project delivery strategies. Change is constant, and the most effective leaders are those who stay informed, empower their teams to be flexible, and maintain a clear sense of direction.
