As promised I have asked a few women in the nuclear industry to provide answers to a series of questions in celebration of Women’s History Month. This week I am featuring Denise Carpenter’s “herstory.” 

What is your role?

President and CEO of the Canadian Nuclear Association.

How do you handle work-life balance?

Most importantly I enjoy what I do and I work hard because I do enjoy it. Secondly, I love to travel. I work hard so that I can travel and experience the world.  I am fortunate to have many close friends and family living around the world so I work to keep us all connected no matter where we live. From Azerbaijan to Australia. The world is a fascinating place.

What is your advice for overcoming barriers to women's advancement in the workplace?

Work hard. I don't believe that the same barriers exist for women today.  As a young woman working on large public and energy issues in Alberta in the 80s I quickly learned it was all about making a contribution. If you brought value to the table it did not matter whether you were male or female. This might not be true for everyone, but it was true for me.

Have you had mentors who have helped you in your career? Do you want to mention them by name?

I have had a few who I would call great mentors. For me it has been more about learning from every opportunity and experience that has helped me grow professionally and personally. Some of my mentors remain good friends and advisers to this very day. They know who they are.

Do you mentor others?

Yes. I believe in making a contribution to society and this is one way I try to do that. By making myself available to staff, colleagues, or even former colleagues to share my experience, provide advice, direction or just an ear to listen to. I've enjoyed mentoring many young people and there is no greater pleasure than seeing them succeed in the path they've chosen. I've always been a great believer in being true to yourself. I remember mentoring one young potential business executive and after a time she decided to go into the arts. I was thrilled for her because she was going where her heart took her. She could still use what she had learned working in business and today she's a great success in her life professionally and personally.

What do you think are the attributing factors to your success?

Hard work, strategic thinking, and my ability to demonstrate the value of the work my team does not only to others but to the team too. I hope to inspire them to be professional and to excel at what they do because that enthusiasm grows and spreads.

What advice do you have for young women entering the nuclear industry today?

I would say, not just to women, that the world is changing. With change comes opportunity. Do what you do well and enjoy what you do. Always remember that work is not your life but your career can be a great enabler for your life.

Do you set professional goals and work to plan?

Oh yes, this is important. Measuring and evaluating goals are equally important. It's just as important to realize when you have gone off your plan. Sometimes going off plan is a good thing if you learn from it.

What other ways do you fulfill your life i.e., hobbies, volunteer work, etc.? How do these things help you in your career?

Over the years I have contributed/and learned by chairing and participating in a variety of business association boards, local and national boards in culture and education. Currently, my passion is raising funds for our Olympic Athletes. Gold Medal Plates is a non-profit organization that celebrates food, wine, and Canadian culture while raising money for Canadian Olympic athletes across the country. Believe me, nobody cheered louder for our athletes more than me during the winter Olympics. I am also proud to be a member of the International Women's Forum, which is composed of women from around the world who contribute not only through their expertise be it academia, politics, science or business but also through their contributions in society. I give a lot to these organizations but truth be told, I get much more in return.