In this special Women's History Month spotlight, we sit down with Rachel Love, a seasoned project manager in the nuclear industry, to explore the invaluable skills of leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability. Rachel shares her unique career journey from pre-law to nuclear engineering, the challenges of high-pressure environments, and how leadership rooted in empathy can drive successful projects.
From navigating midnight crisis calls to ensuring critical fuel equipment meets stringent safety standards, Rachel's experience offers a compelling look into what it takes to manage teams and projects in an industry as complex as nuclear energy. She discusses the importance of receiving and integrating feedback, the power of teamwork, and the evolving role of women in STEM fields.
Whether you're an aspiring engineer, a project manager looking for leadership insights, or someone curious about the nuclear sector, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways and career wisdom.
Episode Highlights:
(00:01:00) The parallels between great project managers and sports coaches
(00:02:30) Rachel's journey from pre-law to nuclear engineering
(00:06:45) Lessons from high-pressure work environments and handling 3 AM problem-solving calls
(00:10:00) The transition from project engineer to project manager and the unexpected emotional challenges of leadership
(00:15:30) How feedback strengthens leadership and why self-awareness is key
(00:22:00) Managing stress in the workplace and fostering a culture of collaboration
(00:26:00) Rachel’s experience as a woman in nuclear engineering and her perspective on the industry’s inclusivity
(00:28:30) Advice for women entering STEM and the importance of resilience and adaptability
(00:32:00) Rapid-fire questions: Rachel’s dream TED Talk, futuristic city design, and career-defining moments
Key Takeaways:
Strong leadership is built on empathy, accountability, and effective problem-solving.
Feedback—both giving and receiving—is essential for growth in technical and managerial roles.
Women in nuclear engineering are thriving, and initiatives to encourage more young women into STEM are making a difference.
The nuclear industry is one of the safest and most highly regulated sectors, thanks to lessons learned from historical incidents.
The ability to adapt to high-pressure situations and navigate uncertainty is a critical skill in project management.
Connect with Us: If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend, leave a review, and subscribe to Naked Nuclear for more insightful conversations about nuclear energy and careers in the industry.
Next Up: We continue our Women's History Month series with more inspiring voices before launching Season 2: Nuclear Education! Stay tuned!
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