Celebrating 45 Years with 45 Lessons | Alisha Grove
At FED, we talk a lot about growth as a business, as leaders, and as people. When Alisha started at FED, she didn’t know what “AIA” or “Schedule of Values” meant. Now, those terms are part of her daily language. Her career is a testament to learning by doing, being open to feedback, and showing up to try your best.
1. It’s Not What You Say, It’s What They Hear
Communication isn’t just about speaking clearly. It’s about expressing your ideas so the other person understands. Alisha has learned that being a great communicator means taking responsibility for how your message is received, not just how it’s delivered. “This is something I work on every day,” she says. “Because if people don’t hear what you meant to say, it doesn’t matter what you said.”
2. Growth Isn’t Always a Straight Line
Business growth doesn’t always resemble rising revenue charts or perfect project outcomes. Sometimes, it may look like challenging moments that lead to stronger processes. Minor adjustments made add up over time. “The biggest changes often happen in the small things,” Alisha shares. “Recognizing those is key to staying motivated when things feel stagnant.”
3. A Lot Can be Learned Through Action
When Alisha reflects on the start of her career, one message stands out: you don’t need all the answers to succeed, just the mindset to keep learning. Everything she knows about construction, she learned on the job. “Keep asking questions. Keep growing.”
4. Balance and Family is Important
Being both a mom and a professional isn’t easy, but Alisha has learned to give herself grace. “It’s not about getting it perfect. It’s about showing up the best you can, for your role and your family.” At FED, that mindset is embraced. The culture supports flexibility and understanding that family is part of who we are.
5. The Hardest Conversations Lead to the Biggest Growth
Some of the most pivotal moments in Alisha’s career came through hard feedback. “Being on the receiving end of tough conversations was never easy, but those moments pushed me the most.” She now sees vulnerability — both in giving and receiving feedback — as essential to leadership.
Each of these lessons reflects a theme you’ll hear often at FED: growth, done right, is personal. It’s not about having all the answers; it’s about staying curious, being kind to yourself, and bringing the best you can.
