Growing up, Michelle Fay spent her school breaks and summer vacations working for her parents, who ran their own businesses. Although her parents were excellent role models, Fay did not want to be an entrepreneur. Instead, she thought about becoming a lawyer. “The idea of taking on new cases and challenges seemed exciting and working in a ‘corporate office’ rather than a small business seemed glamorous,” explains Fay. “Then, when I got to college and took a contract law class, I quickly realized being an attorney probably was not quite as exciting as I initially thought.” Instead, Fay applied her general business knowledge, love of numbers, and interest in technology to degrees in accounting and information systems. She has never looked back.

Since becoming a member of BRIDGE Energy Group’s executive team six-and-a-half years ago, Fay has been instrumental in planning and managing multiple, large Grid Modernization programs. In her current position, Fay leads the Success Enablement team for BRIDGE. For those unfamiliar with the concept, it is one that stems from program management, but, as Fay explains, “it is much bigger than traditional program or project management and is focused around transforming how utilities operate their business and interact with their customers.”

In the time since she first joined BRIDGE, Fay has seen an increase in the number of complex and transformational projects utilities face. “These projects require previously siloed organizations within the utility to work together as they rely on new, and often unproven technology,” says Fay. “Combine these challenges with the evolving customer and regulatory needs, and the utilities are faced with a new level of risk in the delivery and success of their programs,” she adds. Fay believes most organizations can handle setting up and running the day-to-day operational aspects of a program, but to be truly successful in deploying and delivering the desired benefits for one of these complex programs, utilities need a strategic partner that truly understands its operations, people and technology. That strategic partnership is where BRIDGE’s Success Enablement team comes in.

To help their utility clients achieve success, Fay and her team have shifted the focus from the tactical aspects of delivery to the benefits clients reap from their investment of time and resources. “The core services we provide cover everything from assessing how utilities are managing their projects and programs, all the way through delivery and execution,” says Fay. “Throughout the process, we also help them with the change management aspect of the program. All of this means we work with the utilities to bring forth their tactical approach while integrating the strategy. Then, we package it all together.”

Fay’s enthusiasm for her work and interactions with her clients is unmistakable. “Nothing is more rewarding than seeing a client team accomplish something new,” says Fay. “I also love that each day brings a new challenge and that each new engagement we take on is a little different. These challenges allow us to learn and grow our knowledge every day and to provide creative and innovative solutions.”

When she was still in high school, she told one of her teachers how she planned to enjoy a fulfilling career, while also raising a family. In response, the teacher informed Fay her vision wasn’t feasible. Fay refused to let her teacher’s opinion thwart her. Yes, juggling a family and career has not been without its challenges, but she has the backing of a terrific support network. “I have been fortunate to work for companies and for individuals who have supported me 100 percent in achieving my goals,”says Fay. “This support system, along with my family, has been instrumental in allowing me to achieve the right work/life balance.”

While she acknowledges that being a female in a male-dominant industry may mean she brings a different perspective to her work, Fay prefers to talk about the value of diverse skill sets, experiences and perspectives she and her colleagues bring to the table, versus what gender they are. At the same time, Fay also appreciates that as a female executive, she plays an important role when it comes to helping out the next generation. “I have a 12-year old daughter,” says Fay. “I often think of the opportunities she and others in her generation will have because of the women of my generation (and the generations of women before us), who have helped pave the way. I think this next generation will continue to be challenged in balancing their careers and families. Showing them how to do this (not just telling them it can be done) is critically important and something we need to continue to work on to ensure we don’t have a diminishing number of women as we move up the ladder.”

In an industry facing continuous and significant change, Fay has demonstrated the vision and skills that make her a “powherful force.” As a result of her team’s efforts, their utility clients aren’t just meeting deadlines; they are delivering successful programs that align with the clients’ overarching business goals.