Lisa McBride
President, WiN Canada and Country Leader, Small Modular Reactors, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy
Mediaplanet connected with Lisa McBride, President of Women in Nuclear (WiN) Canada, to discuss the progress in women’s leadership in the nuclear industry, WiN’s impactful initiatives, and how mentorship and sponsorship are shaping the next generation of women leaders in the field.
What progress have you seen in increasing women’s leadership within the nuclear industry and what challenges remain?
We are seeing an increase in women in leadership and executive roles, which is key. We also continue to see an increase in the representation of women in the sector at large, and growing recognition by employers of the importance of diversity and diversity in leadership. While these advancements are promising, challenges remain, and it is incumbent on WiN and the industry to accelerate progress on the representation of women in all roles across the sector. As a mechanism to support this effort, we recently launched a Gender Balance Roadmap for the Nuclear Industry. This roadmap supports a coordinated, consistent approach for the industry to be successful in achieving gender balance and greater diversity.
While women are still underrepresented in the industry, representing approximately 23 percent of the workforce, the industry is committed to striving for gender parity, with most employer organizations as signatories of the Equalby30 Campaign, and committed to working with organizations like WiN Canada to support gender parity.
What initiatives or programs has WiN been working on to support women in the nuclear sector? How have these initiatives impacted the community?
We offer a number of leadership and professional development initiatives for our members including a mentorship program, and our EmPOWERed Women: Taking the Stage program, that enables women to view leadership through the lens of communication.
I’m very excited to share that we just launched our WiN LEAP (Lead, Excel, Advance, Pay Forward) Program. This new, one-year program is geared to accelerate the advancement of women in senior nuclear industry leadership positions. We have 18 outstanding women in our inaugural cohort.
We also work on community outreach and nuclear energy education with our Speaker’s Clearinghouse Program. We have some amazing speakers in our membership who are eager to share information about nuclear and radiation technologies and the benefits to society. We have some brilliant members who give a lot of time and energy to support the success of our programs and services.
The impact is reflected in the growing numbers at our annual conference. It is recognized as one of the most impactful and inspiring events in the industry and provides a program packed with networking, professional development opportunities, world-class speakers, industry updates and technical tours. Attendees grow their networks and take learnings and ideas back to their organizations, strengthening the visibility of the valuable contributions women make to the nuclear industry.
The nuclear industry continues to evolve rapidly. How is WiN Canada adapting to these changes, and what strategies are in place to ensure women remain at the forefront of innovation and leadership?
At WiN Canada, our foremost strategic imperative is to have a positive impact on the industry and the communities in which we live and work. WiN Canada is a highly influential organization with both industry and government. We undertake open and transparent dialogue with all stakeholders about what is needed in order to be successful. WiN Canada has a seat at all of the nuclear industry leadership tables, and we are often called on for advice, guidance and support when it comes to critical issues. Women make a valuable contribution to the sector and have a unique and influential voice when it comes to advancing the growth of the industry.
How important are mentorship and sponsorship in advancing women’s careers in the nuclear industry?
Both are incredibly important. I have been lucky to have a few mentors throughout my career, and still do today. I believe it is critical to personal and professional development. Sponsors also play a crucial role in the advancement of women. Sponsorship is about providing access to opportunities, visibility, recognition and networking. Both mentors and sponsors are essential in removing barriers, providing support and growth opportunities.
What message would you like to share to women and girls who are considering a career in nuclear? How can they prepare to take on leadership roles in this field?
The career opportunities in the nuclear industry are limitless! From science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to business and operational roles, there is something for everyone. The work we do in this sector is exciting and innovative. We have more women in leadership roles now than ever before, and employers are committed to developing a gender-balanced talent pipeline. Women make a valuable contribution to nuclear, working in all aspects of the industry, and we are opening doors for the next generation to realize all the benefits of nuclear energy.
When it comes to leadership roles, my advice is not gender-specific. It is important for emerging leaders to leverage their strengths, find out what they are good at, and hone those skills. I also believe that mentors play a critical role in professional development and are valuable in all aspects of leadership development, regardless of your tenure or seniority. We never stop learning, and having a mentor who is a ‘sounding board’ for you will always be important. Lastly, and my personal favourite, is to take risks and bet on yourself. If you don’t believe in yourself and your abilities, no one else will. There is so much to learn when you get out of your comfort zone.
