Julia Kunlo’s journey to success isn’t one she predicted as a kid dreaming of becoming the first female president — but in many ways, she’s still living that dream of leadership and impact. Originally working in advertising, Kunlo pivoted into construction after a mentor planted the seed: “When you work in spaces where you look like anyone else, you’re not as memorable,” she was told. That advice sparked a career change that led her to fall head-over-steel-toe-boots in love with the construction industry. Today, as president and founder of Evolution Safety Resources, she's making waves in a male-dominated field, prioritizing both people and safety. From managing an ice cream shop in her teens to now navigating a booming construction consultancy, Kunlo credits her success to authenticity, team synergy, and knowing which “glass balls” in life can’t be dropped.

Key Takeaways:

• Julia Kunlo left a career in advertising to start Evolution Safety Resources in 2017 after a mentor urged her to consider construction — a field she now loves for its close-knit community and focus on people.

• On leadership: Kunlo emphasizes the importance of authentic relationships, quoting Theodore Roosevelt — “Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.”

• Industry trend alert: Kunlo predicts that construction projects will increasingly write safety professionals into contracts, escalating demand for credentialed safety experts and straining an already tight labor market.

• Her career philosophy includes “prioritizing progress over perfection” and encouraging strong team alignment: “A well-synchronized team will always outperform any individual player.”

• Advocate for women in construction: Kunlo supports the “If you can see it, you can be it” approach — pushing for earlier exposure to the trades to attract more women into the industry.

• Personal strategies: Whether juggling “a million balls” or de-stressing, Kunlo swears by action plans, night work, and the literal outdoors — “there’s not a lot of things in this world that can’t be made a little better with sunshine, fresh air and a run.”

• Favorite reads for leaders: “Extreme Ownership” by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin and “Radical Candor” by Kim Scott come highly recommended.

• Best lunch spot? Stir in North Raleigh — mark it on your networking map.

Julia’s story is a masterclass in embracing the unexpected, leading with heart, and finding fulfillment on a road you didn’t plan to travel.
Link to Article