Karen Phillips
SVP & Chief Human Resources Officer
SJI

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

As we honor Women’s History Month, my advice to emerging leaders is to embrace diversity as a cornerstone of innovation. It’s important to recognize the incredible value of diverse perspectives, foster an inclusive culture where employees can bring their whole self to work, and prioritize continuous learning to continue to grow as a leader. By championing inclusivity and innovation, you’re not only setting yourself and your team up for success, but you’re also shaping a more equitable and forward-thinking environment for the future ahead.

Over the past two years, what as a woman have you learned regarding work/life balance?

Over the past two years, as a woman and Chief Human Resources Officer, I’ve learned firsthand the importance of work-life balance. I’ve learned to set boundaries, prioritize self-care, and to foster a supportive workplace culture that values flexibility. If we can maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life, it promotes overall well-being and reduces stress and burnout leading to increased job satisfaction, productivity and retention rates. As a leader and as a company, we advocate for work-life balance, accommodate diverse needs, and encourage our leaders to lead by example. I make it a priority to encourage employees to prioritize their well-being while excelling in their careers.

What are some key strategies to help others achieve a more prominent role in their organization or career?

I believe some key strategies to achieve a more prominent role in your career include establishing mentorships, seeking continuous learning opportunities, ensuring visibility, actively networking, and taking ownership of your career path. If you take ownership of your career, make informed decisions, and pursue a career that you find meaningful, I believe, the rest will fall into place.

What valuable career lesson or lessons would you like to share with others?

As the CHRO of SJI, I’ve learned along with the organization the importance of embracing safety, service, inclusion, community and sustainability. As an energy provider and infrastructure company, we recognize the significance of staying ahead of industry trends, technology advancements, and environmental concerns. We take pride in providing continuous learning opportunities for employees to adapt to changing demands of the business, and we foster a culture of care—ensuring employees bring their whole selves to work each day. I am proud to lead our 1,100+ employees as we continue to make a positive impact to the over 725,000 families and businesses we serve throughout New Jersey.

What is one quote or phrase you refer to when you need inspiration?

“Leaders aren’t born, they are made. And they are made just like anything else—through hard work.”
—Vince Lombardi

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