Kristen Sanderson is the Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) and VP Implementation Success for GE Vernova’s Electrification Software business. As CDO, Kristen owns the operational goals and priorities related to inclusion, equity and diversity and provides leadership to achieve those. As VP Implementation Success, Kristen is responsible for successful delivery of solutions that orchestrate the power grid and drive the Energy Transition. In her 31 years of experience at GE, and now GE Vernova, Kristen has held many technical and business focused roles across Engineering, Quality and Services. She brings a wealth of global experience and knowledge in the energy transition. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Mathematics from Auburn University.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with Digital First Magazine, Kristen shared her professional trajectory, the secret mantra behind her success, the best piece of advice she has ever received, her favorite quote, future plans, words of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Hi Kristen. Please tell us about your background and areas of expertise.
My educational background is computer science, and I started my career as a software developer. Over the last 30 plus years of my career, I have built expertise in people management, the energy domain, and business acumen that has enabled me to grow my career into my role as an Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer. While my background is in software, I have been engaged in the Energy industry for my whole career and have built expertise in solving the challenges of Energy Transition.
What motivates you in your role as a DEI leader?
As a long time, people leader, I have always taken an interest in DEI. The one event that really solidified my interest was an opportunity I had to attend a conference for women in software. Listening to the women participants share their stories and ask for advice made me realize that I can be a role model and a person who can mentor and coach others. Since then, I have had the opportunity to put this into practice, lead large teams and ultimately was asked to take on the DEI role. I see this role as the ultimate opportunity to build the best team and help people reach their full potential. I believe that every leader should think of themselves as a DEI leader and act accordingly.
How do you think companies should balance customer needs with DEI initiatives?
I don’t see the two as separate. Having a workforce that can bring multiple perspectives and feel free to be their authentic selves at work achieve the best outcomes for our customers. At our recent DEI Summit, we had a session on the impact of happiness on productivity. The cultural and personal growth events lead by our Employee Resource Groups drive our culture and spirit of One Team, a key value of our business. The DEI programs we run are about finding the people in the organization who may need extra help to reach their potential and providing that help. All these things make us stronger and enable us to meet our customers’ needs in a more effective manner.
The meaning of leadership can change from one era to the other, how would you define the meaning of leadership today?
I think about leadership as building the right team, connecting people to the purpose of the business, and then leading transparent action in a data-driven manner. The best leaders surround themselves with a team that has diverse points of view…and listens to them. It is the job of the leader to set focused targets, build understanding of how those targets connect to success of the business and of the customers and then enable the team to act towards those targets. Actively seek out other voices and opinions…and listen.
You were recently recognized as one of The Top 50 Women Leaders of Florida for 2024. Our readers would love to know the secret sauce behind your success.
I am honored and humbled by this recognition. I think of my secret sauce as my ability to put together technical, domain and business knowledge. Having a deep understanding of my customers’ needs and how we succeed as a business, then pairing that knowledge with how we technically solve the challenges in front of us. I have been able to do this by having a serendipitous career path that has spanned across business functions like Engineering, Delivery, Quality, and different roles across technical and business with everything from individual contributor to people manager. It is this breadth of roles that has enabled me to gain the success I have achieved.
In your academic or work career, were there any mentors who have helped you grow along the way? What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?
I had several mentors and sponsors who have pushed me to grow throughout my career. I have also grown significantly through being a mentor to others. You never know what you know until you mentor someone else! The best advice I have received came from a friend: “You cannot let the job be bigger than you.” When you take on new roles or things change, you can be overwhelmed by it. This advice is about not letting it get the better of you. Step back and take stock, define what’s critically important and take small steps that help you feel you are making progress. Most people take about 6 months to acclimate to a new role, so give yourself permission to get there over time.
If you could have a one-hour meeting with someone famous who is alive, who would it be and why?
Lately I have been watching the Olympics and I am so inspired watching athletes compete from all over the world. What has really struck me this year is watching the examples of diversity making us stronger in our teams such as women’s and men’s gymnastics. I have enjoyed watching the sportsmanship as athletes support other athletes, rejoicing in the wins of others along with their own. Seeing athletes use their platform to speak out on mental health and empowerment. Simone Biles spoke about therapy for her mental health the day of her Olympic performance. We saw diversity of every kind at the Paris Olympics. One of my favorites has been watching Ilona Maher, the USA Rugby Sevens player speak out to empower women to see strength in all body types and all forms. Even in her medal win speech, she was focused on empowering women. There are so many amazing people I would love to meet, but right now, she would top my list.
What is one of your favorite parts of the workweek? How does it encourage or inspire you? Do you have a favorite way to recharge during the workday?
The best parts of my week are when I can work with people to solve challenges: coaching and mentoring. I love to see others reach their potential and see results. I have many things that help me recharge during the day – I like to take small breaks…and I close my apple watch rings every day! My favorite way to recharge is doing Zumba. Zumba allows me to de-stress and be surrounded by a diverse group of people who are all supportive and encouraging.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
We are going through a big transformation with Energy Transition and so we must all learn to change at a much faster rate. Five years is an eon in those terms. I focused on building an operating model that enables us to grow our solutions and business alongside our customers as they reach their Net Zero targets.
What advice would you give to women who want to enter the tech industry?
Yes please! I think it’s necessary to encourage women of all ages to join the tech industry. We run a GE Girls camp every year to encourage girls in middle school to stay on the STEAM track. My advice would be that in the tech industry you can be part of solving challenges that have a real impact on all of us. For myself, being part of Energy Transition has been a career long passion that has engaged me for over 30 years.