EmpowHER TOGETHER Part 5: Nicole MacLennan on Purpose, Inclusion, and Leadership in Power
Welcome back to our “EmpowHER TOGETHER” blog series! In this fifth installment, we’re excited to feature Nicole MacLennan, Doble’s VP of Global Finance. Though Nicole’s background is in finance—with experience across software, food services, and more—her journey into the power industry at Doble has brought fresh insights and meaningful purpose to her career.
With over two decades of finance experience, Nicole brings unique perspectives on leadership, resilience, and the power of mentorship in male-dominated industries. Learn more about her insights on career challenges, advocacy for women in the workplace, and her vision for fostering inclusivity within the power sector in the following interview.
Q: What inspired you to pursue your current role at Doble?
A: I didn’t set out to work in the power industry. Throughout my finance career, my roles have spanned many fields, none of which pointed directly to this sector. If someone had told me twenty years ago that I’d be here, I wouldn’t have believed it. Yet, Doble’s mission—keeping the power grid running—is an essential, often overlooked service, and being part of that mission is incredibly rewarding. Every day, I find myself more inspired by the work we do and the impact we have.
Q: What’s been the most challenging part about working in a male-dominated field like finance, or the power industry specifically? Have you encountered instances of gender bias or discrimination in your career, and if so, how did you handle those situations?
A: One of the biggest challenges has been advocating for myself in environments where gender bias is often present. In male-dominated fields like finance or the power industry, it’s important to know your worth and make sure you’re considered for the right opportunities. There have been moments where I’ve had to speak up and push for the roles I wanted. It’s about knowing what you want and putting yourself in a position to succeed.
I’ve been fortunate to have had some amazing female mentors and that’s something that I strive to be in my day-to-day interactions with my team. But, saying it hasn’t been difficult would be a misstatement. Throughout my career, there have been instances where I’ve encountered individuals who assumed they knew what was best for me or believed they had more knowledge simply because of gender biases. I’ve learned to advocate for myself and ensure I was given the same opportunities. Yet, overcoming these challenges is a continuous effort.
Q: What has been the most fulfilling aspect of your career journey?
A: The most fulfilling part of my career has been the opportunity to build strong teams and mentor others. Whether it’s working on mergers and acquisitions, traveling somewhere new, or navigating a complex business change, every experience is an opportunity to develop the people around me.
My motivation comes from the team I build and helping others grow in their careers. I often ask my teams, ‘Where do you see this going? How can I support you in getting there?‘ to encourage them to think strategically and take ownership of their projects. It’s incredibly rewarding to share in both the successes and challenges with my team–it fosters real growth and learning.
Q: As a woman in leadership, what’s been the most important lesson you’ve learned throughout your career?
A: Never underestimate yourself. Don’t go into a new challenge assuming you can’t do it. Early in my career, I followed a traditional accounting career path, but I quickly realized that by remaining curious and open to opportunities, you can take your career in directions you never expected. You don’t have to fit into the box that’s been laid out for you—be open to taking risks and trying new things.
Q: In your opinion, what unique perspectives or qualities do women bring to leadership roles? How do you see these qualities influencing teams and driving success?
A: Women often bring a different perspective, particularly around work-life balance. Many women are also caregivers, and this gives us a unique balance and empathy to leadership roles and managing teams. Understanding how each person on your team operates and responds and what motivates them is key.
These qualities create a more inclusive and supportive work environment. By managing people according to their strengths and needs, we get better performance and a more engaged team. It’s not about applying one management style to everyone but adapting to bring out the best in each person.
Q: Are there any strategies you’ve implemented to promote gender diversity and inclusion within Doble, your teams, or the broader power industry? If so, what are they?
A: I’ve been lucky to work with so many talented women at Doble—and we’ve taken several steps to promote gender diversity. For example, last year, we started taking groups of women to attend conferences like the Massachusetts Conference for Women, and we’ve doubled the number this year. Doble’s leadership is committed to supporting women in leadership roles, and we encourage our female team members to attend seminars, events, and training programs. It’s important to create opportunities that empower women to grow both within and outside the organization.
Q: What role can organizations play in advocating for and supporting women’s participation and leadership in the power industry? How can leaders like yourself contribute to fostering a more inclusive environment for future generations of women?
A: Creating a strong, inclusive culture goes beyond more than everyday actions; it’s about fostering an environment that attracts and allows diverse talent to thrive. While gender equity is critical, diversity must be embraced across all dimensions. This starts with leadership committing to supporting women’s professional development and encouraging participation in industry events.
Leaders can drive greater representation by advocating for women in key roles and working to eliminate gender bias in hiring processes. Supporting female networking, mentorship, and engagement in industry events also strengthens this culture, creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed.
Q: What are some concrete steps organizations can take to ensure a more balanced representation of women in leadership and decision-making roles within male-dominated industries?
A: Companies can drive meaningful change by recruiting with a focus on gender equity, creating clear leadership pathways, and investing in mentorship programs that support women’s growth. This includes taking specific steps, like bringing women into the leadership pipeline and offering targeted training programs to support career development. By amplifying women’s voices, companies can help break barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries and empower women to rise into influential roles.
Q: Looking ahead, what are the most significant or exciting developments for women looking to start a career in the power industry?
A: The focus on technology and STEM education opens doors for the next generation of women in the power industry. It’s exciting to see young people exploring fields like robotics and engineering early on. At Doble, we’re supporting this through community initiatives like donating computers and educating and mentoring young talent through our intern program. The opportunities available today are broader than ever, and it’s inspiring to see more women taking advantage of these career paths.
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
- Blog: EmpowHER TOGETHER Part 4: Charis Campbell on Communication and Camaraderie
