What Type Of Person Thrives In The Energy Industry, According To Gaiascope's CEO
Lauren, CEO and Co-Founder at Gaiascope, notes the energy industry's duality: "middle-aged white man" is the average professional, yet "a lot of young blood" and innovation are also present. Thriving requires resilience, curiosity, and humility, as success necessitates navigating established practices and collaborating effectively, "coming in with...a sense of, I am here to work with you."
Resilience, Problem-Solving, Curiosity, Humility, Innovation
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Lauren Kuntz
CEO and Co-Founder
Gaiascope
MIT
Harvard, PhD 2018
Biology & Related Sciences, Engineering - Mechanical
Energy & Utilities
Data and Analytics
Scholarship Recipient, Student Athlete
Video Highlights
1. Resilience is key to thriving in the energy industry, as changing old systems is challenging and involves facing frequent setbacks.
2. Curiosity and a problem-solving mindset are crucial for success, particularly in the innovative aspects of the industry.
3. Humility is important when working within an established industry, requiring individuals to acknowledge their limitations and collaborate effectively with others to learn and contribute.
Transcript
How would you describe people who typically thrive in this industry?
The energy industry is an interesting one to answer this question because it has aspects that are incredibly old school. I always say the average person I'm talking to on a day-to-day basis, outside of my own company, is a middle-aged white man.
There are parts of the industry where I don't see myself reflected. This makes me think, perhaps, "I would not normally thrive in this industry."
However, because it's in such a global problem space, there's a lot of young blood, curiosity, and new faces coming into the space. These individuals look more like me and act more like me, bringing an interesting diversity. This is especially true on the novel innovation side of the energy industry.
What really makes people thrive in this sector is being resilient. You're trying to change an old-school system, so it won't be easy. You'll hear more "no" than "yes."
You also need to be incredibly curious and focused on problem-solving. Curiosity and humility are really important because you're entering an old-school industry with established ways of doing things. You have to be humble, acknowledging that you don't know everything about someone else's job.
You know what you're good at, but you don't know everything about their particular role and how you can help. So, you have to approach it with the understanding, "I am here to work with you. I'm here to be curious, learn, and problem-solve with you."
I think that's what really makes energy startups and those on the younger side of this industry thrive.
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