Paige Foster

Choosing the Leap: Resilience, Risk, and Redefining Success in Engineering

Where were you in your life when you decided to take the leap into your current business or career?

I think I’m unique in that I didn’t have many complaints about the company I was working for when I decided to start my own business. It wasn’t about trying to find something “better”—it was about doing something different and challenging myself.

The years leading up to that decision were full of fun, new career experiences and a lot of learning from incredible colleagues and teammates. Then 2020 hit. COVID completely changed my work-life overnight, with stay-at-home orders and the shift to remote and hybrid work. At the same time, the largest contract my team had was ending, which reshaped my day-to-day work and raised big questions about what my future career would look like.

I knew I wanted more responsibility, more opportunity for growth, and more of a challenge. That abrupt shift—combined with my desire for something new—led me to step back entirely. In late 2020, I moved to part-time status and hit the road. I traveled extensively, worked on wind turbines for a few months, and continued working with my company as much as possible.

After about a year, I reached a fork in the road. Do I go back full-time? Change careers? Stay in Colorado or move to a different office in another state? After a lot of reflection, I knew bridge inspection was still where my heart was—but so was that pull toward something new and challenging. So I decided to start my own bridge inspection company.

I had been very candid with my boss throughout the entire process, and when I shared my plans, he met me with nothing but encouragement and support. I wasn’t someone who always dreamed of owning a business. I had no five-year plan, no roadmap, and no idea what it would truly entail—but I took the leap.

 

How do you find strength during moments of doubt, burnout, or adversity?

Doubt, burnout, and adversity are unavoidable—especially when you’re building something of your own. When you put your entire heart, soul, and identity into a business, those moments hit hard.

When I feel overwhelmed, I ask myself two questions: What’s the alternative? and What will the future look like if I keep going?

The alternative is finding a job, returning to a traditional 9–5, and likely being content and happy. And sometimes, that sounds tempting. But every time I truly sit with the choice, I realize I want to keep working for myself and building this business.

Then I look ahead. I don’t know exactly what the future holds, but I do know it only exists if I keep going. Pushing through the hardest days for the promise of something better is what keeps me moving forward. And there’s nothing more satisfying than looking back and seeing real, tangible progress.

What’s one accomplishment in your career that fills you with pride?

When I reflect on the last four years, I’m most proud of my resilience and perseverance—and of everything I’ve learned along the way.

Starting a business comes with intense and unforeseen challenges. I didn’t know much about entrepreneurship, and I certainly didn’t know what obstacles I’d face. But I pushed through, learned things I never imagined I’d need to know, and built something that’s working.

Without taking this leap, I never would have had the opportunity to grow in these ways. It’s incredibly gratifying—and honestly surreal—to realize how far I’ve come. I’m excited to continue learning, growing, and meeting each challenge head-on, emerging stronger every time.

What values guide the way you lead, create, or do business?

I live by a work hard, play hard mindset. I’m extremely career-driven, but I also believe in enjoying life as fully as possible—and I want that for my employees too.

I put myself in their shoes because I’ve been there. I don’t want work to feel like their entire life (unless that’s what they want). I make a point to understand what they want out of both their careers and their lives, and I try to support that however I can—whether that’s through flexible schedules or adjusting workloads when things become overwhelming.

At work, you’ll often hear me say, “Stay safe and have fun.” Safety always comes first—nothing is worth the risk of doing something unsafe. Nothing. But this job is also exciting and adventurous. We get to see parts of the world most people never will, and I want my team to feel that joy and hold onto it.

Who is a woman—past or present—who has profoundly influenced you?

I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by strong women my entire life. I watched my mom raise four kids as a single mother while working full-time and going back to school to earn her degree. I didn’t fully grasp how extraordinary that was until later in life, but her resilience, independence, and refusal to back down shaped me deeply. I also witnessed how our family rallied around her—showing me the power of community and how sometimes it truly takes a village.

My aunts are each so unique and individual, yet together they’re a force of kindness, support, and strength. They taught me different expressions of power, love, and how to forge my own path unapologetically.

And my grandmother—our matriarch. She once told me, “I wish I was brave like you.” I only wish she could see just how brave she was. She taught me how to be soft yet strong, genuine, and grounded in love and service.

Outside of family, I’m supported by an incredible network of women—especially those in engineering and bridge inspection who understand the unique challenges of being women in this field. And my friends—brilliant, confident, capable women who are truly my village.

All of these women showed me that there isn’t just one way to be strong or successful—and that our uniqueness is something to cherish.

What’s your favorite thing about your workspace—and what makes it feel like yours?

I love having a dedicated workspace. For the first two and a half years of business, I worked without a physical office—moving between coffee shops, friends’ workplaces, and wherever I could set up.

Now, having an office where my employees and I can truly settle in has been a game-changer. I love the separation between work and home and not having to pack up every day. The space has beautiful brick walls that add so much charm.

Behind my desk, I have a corkboard filled with photos, cards, letters, and notes from friends and family—little treasures that ground me and remind me why I do what I do.

And best of all, the office is dog-friendly. I get to bring my dogs to work, which is a constant reminder to pause, take breaks, and enjoy the day.

Paige N. Foster, PE, is the founder of Protea Engineering, a Denver-based bridge inspection firm serving local and national projects. Known for her safety-first leadership and adventurous spirit, Paige brings both technical excellence and heart to her work.

Reprints of Boss Babes Magazine featuring Paige Foster on the cover are available from our on-demand print hous.