EmpowHER TOGETHER Part 3: Breaking Barriers with Eileen Finnan
Welcome back to the third installment of the “EmpowHER TOGETHER” blog series, where we highlight the professional experiences of women in the power industry. Previously, we featured May Scally, COO of Canadian Operations, and Michele Rybak, Client Services Manager, sharing their contributions and challenges in the industry.
Today, we’re excited to bring you a Q&A from Eileen Finnan, Senior Director of Professional Services at Doble. Eileen sat down with us to discuss her career path, the importance of recruiting women in the power industry, and the impact of women in leadership roles. Her experiences below provide a candid look at women’s obstacles and successes in this field.
Q: What led or motivated you to pursue a career in the power industry?
A: I didn’t initially set out to pursue a career in the power industry. Rather, I grew into it. From a young age, I was interested in science. But it was rare to see women in science fields other than biology, and many girls’ schools didn’t even offer physics or applied mathematics at the time.
When it came time to find a job, my degree in physics and chemistry landed me in a position in the laboratory at Doble. It was a great fit as the electric and power industries encompass aspects of both my majors. I started out testing oil from power transformers which allowed me to gain experience on the chemistry side of the industry. I had progressed to managing the lab before taking a career break to concentrate on my young family. When I returned, I moved to the engineering team, where I leveraged data analysis from the chemistry side alongside a team of engineers performing condition assessment of electrical assets. This transition allowed me to move out of the lab while still applying the skills I had already developed.
It’s been a rewarding career, and I’ve had the opportunity to work with and learn from smart people here at Doble in a very collaborative environment. Power engineering is very much male dominated, and in my years in the industry, I have not seen the needle move much on that front, although we have some great female engineers who are active in the Doble Committees and other industry conferences. My experience working in the power industry has been incredibly fulfilling.
Q: What’s been the most challenging part about working in a male-dominated field, or the power industry specifically?
A: In the early stages of my career, I found the lack of representation to be isolating. This is where initiatives like EmpowHER TOGETHER become crucial. They provide a support system so that women don’t feel like they’re navigating their professional lives alone, that they can find mentorship, guidance, and encouragement as they progress in their careers.
I came across a good example of gender biases and barriers recently on Netflix. Despite my clear preference for female-centered shows, everything Netflix suggests for me is male centered, meaning I must go looking for the female shows I’m interested in. I think it’s a great metaphor for the workplace. Baked in biases can be invisible but they are real, and you need to put in the work to find the less obvious choices.
Q: Have you encountered instances of gender bias or discrimination in your career, and if so, how can we address them in the power industry?
A: I haven’t come across any overt discrimination in my career, but I think women do have a different experience in the male dominated workplace than men. There was an interesting paper published by researchers at NYU and Brown University called “Yellin’ at Yellen” that documented how Janet Yellen as the head of the U.S. Federal Reserve was interrupted more often and with more aggressive language than her male counterparts. I don’t think many women were too surprised at those findings. I do think for those at the top of their fields, nobody cares what gender they are. But we need to have tolerance for those at all levels.
In the power industry, the real challenge isn’t on an individual level but rather the fact that not enough women are entering the field. It is hard to pinpoint why that is. It may be just tradition where jobs of a physical nature like maintenance and testing are not on women’s radar, but as industries remain dominated by one group, this dominance becomes self-perpetuating, making the field less appealing to the excluded group. I believe it’s crucial to make every effort to reach out and understand those typically excluded groups in order to identify and remove the barriers. Programs like EmpowHER TOGETHER can help with that, providing a platform for women in the industry to come together, share experiences and help eliminate some of those obstacles.
Q: What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career?
A: The most rewarding aspect of my career has been the extensive learning and professional growth I’ve experienced. Starting in the laboratory and transitioning to management, I’m involved in both the technical and business aspects, so my role is varied and never dull. No two weeks are ever the same.
One of the most fulfilling parts of my role now is developing the next layer of talent within the company. Working with the next generation of women and men as they grow professionally is so important for the company, the industry and the individuals themselves and it’s very exciting to be part of that.
Q: Can you elaborate on how women leaders positively impact their teams and how this diversity in leadership can drive innovation in the industry?
A: It’s important not to generalize women under a single umbrella of traits, as women in leadership are diverse and bring various qualities to the table.
However, the presence of women in leadership ensures that a wider range of viewpoints is considered, leading to more innovative solutions in the power industry. We’ve seen similar results in other male-dominated fields, such as sports, where even small changes based on women’s input, like moving away from skimpy gear and switching to dark shorts, can have a big impact on participation and performance.
Q: Looking ahead, what do you see as the most significant or exciting developments for women in the power industry?
A: The most exciting aspect for women in the power industry is the sheer amount of opportunity available due to growth and change. From the shift toward more climate-friendly power sources, such as wind, solar, and other clean energy alternatives, to the advancements in AI for enhancing reliability and data analysis, the industry offers numerous and important opportunities for innovation and making a difference.
It’s a great time to enter the industry, given the many pathways available and the collaborative nature of the field. Industry groups offer fantastic opportunities for professional development as well. There are opportunities for women to join and thrive in the power industry, and I hope to see more women taking advantage of these.
Q: What is the most important lesson you’ve learned about your role while working in a male-dominated field?
A: You don’t have to conform to traditional expectations of a certain role, especially if those expectations were set by men. You can define your role in a way that works for you.
I attended the Massachusetts Conference for Women last year as part of a group of women from Doble, and it was a fantastic event with great speakers from various fields. Having never attended before, initially I was taken aback by the Expo Hall, which offered not only career focused information but also shopping, nail, and hair services. I thought these were out of place at a professional event. But by the end of the day, I had changed my mind altogether. Women don’t need to have the same conferences as men for them to be considered professional. Women often juggle many more responsibilities outside of work, from family to personal care, and it’s important to acknowledge and embrace that (and support other women while doing it—as all services at that event were women-owned businesses). Women can approach their roles in their own way, and by doing so, maintain their authenticity and bring diverse, valuable perspectives to their roles.
Additional Information:
- Blog: EmpowHER TOGETHER Part 2: Michelle Rybak on Confidence and Community
- Blog: EmpowHER TOGTHER Part 1: May Scally on Mentorship and Microaggressions
- Blog: Who We Are At Doble: Our Core Values
- Blog: Why You Should Start Your Career at Doble
