As our summer interns prepare for the upcoming fall semester or their next career opportunities, a few of our senior leaders shared words of wisdom on adversity, triumphs and the importance of embracing the dynamic and fluid nature of the professional journey:
💡 Kodwo Ghartey-Tagoe, executive vice president, chief legal officer and corporate secretary, shared that road bumps are inevitable. In fact, Ghartey-Tagoe joked that he’d earned a PhD in “pretty hard days.” That’s when maintaining the right outlook mattered most. “Your attitude can determine your altitude,” Ghartey-Tagoe said. “We all face adversity, but it’s how you deal with it that determines whether you lay flat on your back or rise to new levels.”
💡 Bonnie Titone, senior vice president and chief administrative officer, recalled a time early in her career when she declined a new leadership opportunity, believing she didn’t have the right skillset to take it on. “After I declined, [my boss] called me and said, ‘I really think this is something you should entertain,’” Titone said. “He thought I had all the attributes needed to be a successful leader, and he would be there to support me. Those words changed everything for me. Just knowing someone would have my back and be supportive really changed the track of my career.”
💡 Sharene Pierce, vice president, talent acquisition and chief diversity and inclusion officer, shared her belief that to reach your full potential, you must embrace the challenge of navigating the unknown. “When you’re stretched or learning something new or receiving difficult feedback, those are uncomfortable situations,” Pierce said. “But growth is not always easy. So get comfortable with being uncomfortable.”
We are immensely proud of our interns and hope they close out the 2024 summer internship session feeling ready to take on their next challenges with confidence. #NationalInternDay
[From left] Kodwo Ghartey-Tagoe, Bonnie Titone, Sharene Pierce and panel moderator Hannah Castor, senior manager talent acquisition
U.S. Security Leader
4wDuke Energy eGRID / Security - setting industry ‘standards’ for “safer and a far more secure U.S. electric grid.” Moreover, modern ‘enhanced lighting’ systems/equipment at every U.S. sub-station, absolutely vital (‘Highly Recommended’) in today’s extremely challenging environments. The “effective deterrence” created ‘now’(2024-2025) with enhanced “bright” lighting systems mandatorily installed inside every US substation (‘especially upon any unauthorized entries’) “more than pays for itself” long term, through efficient and effective criminal deterrence, more robust detection, and ‘actively assists’ our dedicated U.S. law enforcement professionals that respond to any substation “breaches.” As the old adage goes, “A stitch in time - saves nine later on!” —Any significant loss of electricity - of any U.S. facilities, could very negatively impact every aspect of U.S. modern life… Important to note: A wise U.S. power company investment of effective (e.g., modern installed lighting at all substations) lighting now - markedly ensures better safety, security, and reliability - throughout the entire electric industry nationwide!🇺🇸