??Two years ago, I embarked on a journey to pivot my career to impact work. Of the seventeen UN Sustainable Development Goals, those related to climate resonated most.
My intuition guided me, at times into uncomfortable territory. Despite a persistent lack of clarity about where I'd end up - and painful false summits and dead ends along the path - I trusted the trail. I relied on support from countless peers, friends, family members, mentors, mentees, advisors, and an incredible coach (Madonna Commons), while also taking cues from those already doing the work.
As I navigated, curiosity led me to explore climate action from many angles. I learned how little I knew, over and over. Of all the fascinating ways to lend a hand to the crisis, a few in particular kept reappearing and making themselves known: the complexity and necessity of the electric grid, the urgency of climate disasters, and community impact. I didn't know why, and I didn't know where I fit. But I liked how tangible, how palpable, these problems felt.
??Two months ago, the trail brought me to Gridware. I'm thrilled that three talented co-founders - Timothy Barat, Hall Chen, and A Bin Omar - entrusted me to join their company as COO. I didn't know the kind of joy I'm experiencing by leading this team and this mission was possible from a job.
The humble and mighty team at Gridware is making an impact...protecting the electric grid, preventing wildfires, and safeguarding communities. In my first 7 weeks, I've been inspired by our partnership with PG&E to get 10,000 devices installed and online.
??Two days ago, the devastating disaster in Asheville, NC, a place near & dear, has reinforced the tangible and palpable. A flood of catastrophic proportions - as a result of Hurricane Helene - impacted the whole region. While my mom, brother, niece & nephew, and friends are okay, Asheville is not. Hundreds of roadways wiped out, a water system badly damaged, and a grid infrastructure that in parts "needs to be entirely rebuilt."
?Today, I'm reflecting on my journey and where I've landed. Climate change and the impacts on the grid can bring everything to a halt, stealing livelihoods and lives.
As my mother (and Steve Jobs) have said, you can only connect the dots looking backward.
To all those who supported me along the way, I can report with certainty - the dots have connected.
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