By Diane Bragoni, responding to questions shared by CCA leadership
Name / Title / Years in the profession:
Diane Bragoni / Founder & Principal Consultant, CPM Schedule Solutions LLC / 20 years
What gets you up in the morning to go to work? What are you passionate about?
What gets me up in the morning and fuels me is showing up fully and being present, whether it’s in work, my family, or personal life. I love the challenge of running my own business, learning new things and solving complex problems, and supporting our military clients on projects that really matter. But I also love the feeling after a hard workout, going on a bike ride with my family or enjoying a protein-fueled meal at the end of the day. These things all complement each other. I don’t believe in balance so much as rhythm, and this rhythm keeps me motivated.
Who are you outside of work?
Honestly, I’m the same person inside and outside of work, because the work is personal. My business supports military construction, and I spent years as a military spouse, raising our kids on Army bases while my husband served. That experience shaped my commitment to this field. I wanted to build something that gives back to the same community that supported us. Running a business has stretched me in ways that school never did, like learning to speak up, show up, and figure things out in real time, and make mistakes through learning. But at the heart of it, whether I’m working or at home, I try to live the same way – show up, be present, and keep learning.
What advice would you have for your younger self when you first got into doing CCA?
Find the people who’ve been in the field a while, those who are generous with what they know, and stick close. Watch how they navigate problems, ask questions, and learn how things really come together on-site. There’s no substitute for hands-on experience. So lean in, observe everything, and soak it up. And don’t wait to give back. From day one, be dependable, responsive, and valuable to your team. Learning is a two-way street: the more you contribute, the more others will want to teach you, and the faster you’ll grow.
Can you think of a time you were disrespected on site? And what do you think could have prevented it?
Yes, and in those moments, I’ve learned that the disrespect usually isn’t about me. Most of the time, it’s someone dealing with their own stress or frustration, and it spills out. I can’t control their behavior, but I can control mine. When it happens, I pause. Letting the silence settle often gives the other person space to reflect and recognize what they said. I focus on responding with kindness and keeping my composure. In this line of work, especially with delays and claims, tensions can run extremely high. But choosing not to let emotions take the wheel, that’s where real strength shows up.
What advice do you have for someone looking to start CCA?
Put yourself in environments where learning is inevitable. Be the one who says yes to the early shifts, the late nights, the tough problems, and the hard conversations - the things no one else wants to do. People notice when you show up like that, and they’re more likely to teach you, trust you, and advocate for your growth. Take initiative. Do things without being asked. Listen more than you speak. Ask thoughtful questions, bring value wherever you can, and build strong relationships. That’s how you earn trust and open doors.
Are there any resources you recommend for other architects looking to learn more about performing CCA?
People are the best resource when starting out in CCA. Find mentors who are generous with their experience, ideally in person, but virtual works too. And when you do, give value back wherever you can. Beyond that, use what’s available: podcasts, online forums, YouTube, and ChatGPT for research. There’s more knowledge at our fingertips than ever before. Don’t wait for someone to hand you a book or ask you to learn something - go seek it out yourself. That mindset will take you far.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in CCA?
I’ve had the privilege of learning from so many great people in this field, with nearly all of them men. They’ve taken the time to teach me, support me, and show grace as I learned through trial and error. I’m genuinely grateful for that. I’ve also faced the occasional comment, but more often than not, it was about being a working mom, not just being a woman. Some people will always have something to say. But their opinions don’t define you, your actions do. So keep showing up, do the work, and keep getting better.