EmpowHER TOGETHER Part 4: Charis Campbell on Communication and Camaraderie
Welcome back to our “EmpowHER TOGETHER” blog series, where we discuss the challenges, experiences, and successes of women in the power industry. For the fourth installment of the series, we sat down with Charis Campbell, Laboratory Manager and LIMS Administrator at Doble.
Charis brings over 10 years of experience in laboratory operations and development, with a rich chemistry and environmental science background. We chatted with Charis about her career, her leadership style, and how she’s influencing young women in the power industry. Let’s dive in!
Q: What led or motivated you to pursue a career in the power industry?
A: I ended up in the power industry by accident. After spending seven years in the environmental sector, I found an open opportunity at Doble and decided to join the team. This shift was a big eye-opener for me regarding the complexity and importance of the power industry.
We often take for granted that our lights turn on with the flip of a switch, but there’s so much more behind it. Through my time in my role, I’ve gained insights into asset management and now understand why maintaining transformer health is crucial. Ensuring the quality of testing is paramount to keeping the lights on, a fact that became especially clear during the COVID-19 pandemic when power industry workers were recognized as essential.
Q: What’s been the most challenging part about working in a male-dominated field, or the power industry specifically?
A: Working in a male-dominated field comes with its unique challenges, many of which are rooted in gendered biases and perceptions of women in leadership roles. While blatant discrimination is less common, there are still subtle instances where colleagues may prefer to speak with a male, even if I am the manager. This has happened a few times, and when it does, I address these situations directly, reinforcing that I am capable and in charge.
Establishing myself as a leader hasn’t been without its difficulties. Women often face a double standard where being assertive is seen as harsh and showing emotion is perceived as weakness. It’s a balancing act, and I’ve had to navigate these perceptions carefully. As a manager, I’ve been tested by male employees who might question my decisions or authority. I stand my ground firmly, making it clear that if I set a policy or make a decision, it stands. Sometimes, I’ve had to adapt my communication style to ensure clarity and firmness.
I also prioritize mentoring other women on my team. In our oil lab, we have a small but strong group of women who support each other. I encourage them to reach out to me whenever they face challenges, and we work through solutions together. I tell them to be open about their struggles so we can address them together. Whether it’s something small like re-wording emails or handling difficult, important conversations, this support network is essential for empowering women in our field.
Q: What has been the most rewarding aspect?
A: The most rewarding aspect of my career has been the opportunity to advance and grow within my organization. Being promoted to LIMS Administrator was a significant milestone for me. For the past 14 years, I’ve been involved in driving growth, but this promotion was particularly gratifying because it was a recognition of my ability to truly understand our team’s needs and create a “system of our dreams”. I enjoyed the process and the recognition that came with it.
I’ve also been deeply involved in mentoring, and this year, I had the chance to mentor the new mentors. Helping both the mentors and their mentees grow has been incredibly fulfilling. It’s about more than just professional achievements; it’s about fostering an environment where everyone can grow and succeed together.
Q: Reflecting on your career journey, what’s been the most important lesson or lessons you’ve learned?
A: One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of camaraderie and support among women. Attending conferences where there are only a handful of women, including myself, has shown me the importance of helping each other. Initially, I was nervous about speaking on stage, but over time, I gained confidence knowing that I was one of the few women making an impact. This realization has been empowering, reinforcing that I can be a role model and support system for others.
One key lesson is to focus on advancing your career while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It’s essential to choose a career that you love to ensure your happiness. While making money is important, it shouldn’t come at the cost of working in a negative environment. The difference between making more money with a bad boss and having a fulfilling job with a supportive team can be significant. Prioritizing my own happiness and a positive work environment has been crucial in my career journey.
Q: Why is leadership, or your leadership style, important to you?
A: In the first five years of my career, I unfortunately had a manager who was not very supportive or mentoring. This experience taught me the importance of effective leadership. However, when I joined Doble, I worked with a mentor who was exceptional at what she did. She inspired me to incorporate similar qualities into my own leadership style.
As a leader, I believe in the importance of open communication. When team members approach me with their goals or concerns, I take the time to discuss their options and provide guidance. This open dialogue is crucial because, without it, things can quickly go south. Attending leadership classes and connecting with new people has further developed my skills and helped me grow.
My journey as a leader has been shaped by a series of challenges and opportunities, each teaching me valuable lessons. To me, leadership is about supporting and developing others, and a key aspect of that is creating an environment where people feel comfortable bringing their concerns and questions. The experiences I’ve had, both good and bad, have molded me into the leader I am today, and I strive to be the kind of mentor and guide for my team that my mentor was for me at Doble.
Q: How can leaders like yourself contribute to fostering a more inclusive environment for future generations of women in the power industry?
A: Each year during the review cycle, I make it a priority to discuss career goals with my team. When someone expresses an interest in becoming a leader—whether it’s leading projects or managing people—I approach the conversation differently. If they want to lead people, I focus on teaching them how to build trust and gain a following. Engaging in these conversations plants the seeds for anyone, men and women alike to develop essential leadership skills, grow their confidence, and prepare for future leadership roles. This way, future leaders have a toolkit that sets them up to lead inclusive, productive teams.
At Doble, promoting gender inclusivity is about actively supporting women in their growth and providing mentorship opportunities. By fostering an environment with open dialogue and collaboration, we can create a more inclusive culture for future generations in the power industry.
Q: What do you think the industry could do better to support women’s participation and leadership in this field?
A: It’s key to encourage an early interest in science and technology among young people. I make it a point to have my daughter watch science experiment shows and participate in hands-on activities with her to keep that interest alive. My passion for chemistry began in high school and I found that my love for science came naturally. It’s important to recognize that not everyone will be interested in every type of science, and that’s perfectly okay.
Additionally, keeping knowledge accessible is crucial. Having female interns in our organization has been amazing and shows me that we need to promote STEM education earlier. The message we should convey is that anyone can pursue their passion—whether it’s engineering or another field—as long as they can support themselves. By fostering curiosity and providing resources, we can create a more inclusive environment for women in the power industry.
Q: What advice would you give to young women starting in the power industry or aspiring to leadership roles in traditionally male-dominated fields?
A: My advice is to find a mentor, especially in a male-dominated industry. A mentor can provide invaluable guidance based on their experiences. I still reach out to my former mentor whenever I have questions. If you’re considering a career in the power industry, it’s important to dive deep and explore your interests, so that whether you aim to become a lab technician or something else, you’re taking the time to understand where you want to go and what roles align with your goals.
For aspiring engineers, I recommend researching companies like Doble. Start thinking about your career path while you’re still in high school or college. Look into various sectors within the power industry, such as utilities or asset health management, and begin networking and having conversations with professionals in those fields. This approach can open doors and provide clarity on your career trajectory. Seeking knowledge and building connections is key to advancing in your career.
Q: Looking ahead, what do you see as the most significant or exciting developments for women in the power industry?
A: As the power industry grows, the demand for engineers and lab technicians will increase, presenting an opportunity for women to build their careers. We will need more talented individuals to fill these roles, making it an exciting time for women to enter the field.
From participating in asset health management discussions and seeing recent graduates step into these roles, I’ve witnessed first-hand how important these positions are to the power industry. The engineering aspects of this field are vital and it’s evident that the power industry is here to stay. This creates a promising environment for women who want to make their mark in an essential industry. The future looks bright, offering opportunities for women to thrive and take on leadership positions in the industry.
Additional Information:
- Blog: EmpowHer TOGETHER Part 1: May Scally on Mentorship and Microaggressions
- Blog: EmpowHER TOGETHER Part 2: Michelle Rybak on Confidence and Community
- Blog: EmpowHER TOGETHER Part 3: Breaking Barriers with Eileen Finnan
