Lauren Thomas
Vice-President
Clean Energy Solutions – Customer Solutions
PSE&G

What leadership traits have served you well? And on the flip side, what have you learned that tends to hold women leaders back?

Two leadership traits have served me especially well. First, I lead with curiosity. Throughout my career, I have stepped into diverse roles and evolving business environments, and I make it a priority to understand the people, the work, and the context before setting direction. Asking thoughtful questions with the intent to learn demonstrates respect for the expertise around me and builds trust quickly. When teams feel heard, they are far more open to embracing a shared vision.

Second, I believe in setting a clear vision and articulating it in a way that people can connect to. When you empower your team to execute that vision while holding them accountable, you create real ownership. People understand not only what they are doing, but why it matters. That alignment drives results.

What I have learned can hold women leaders back is the belief that we need to become someone else to reach the next level. The most powerful thing you can do is be your authentic self and own your seat at the table. Leadership does not have one style. When you lead in a way that aligns with who you are, you build both confidence and credibility.

What key resources have you sought out to help you lead your company or organization?

Continuous learning is important to me. I read regularly and listen to podcasts that challenge how I think about leadership and growth. Recently, I have been listening to Mel Robbins. Her podcast covers a wide range of topics, and I found her episode on AI, particularly impactful. It reinforced the importance of staying curious and continuing to learn, especially as new technologies reshape how we work and lead.

I also appreciate her advice on mindset. One of her habits is giving yourself a high five in the mirror each morning. It sounds simple, but it shifts how you start your day. I began doing it myself and even added a reminder on our bathroom mirror so my kids could build the habit too. Leadership starts with how you show up, and that begins internally.

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

Always understand why you are doing something. Activity alone is not impact. Executives want to see results, and you need to be able to clearly articulate how your work advances business priorities. When you connect actions to outcomes, you move from being task-focused to being strategic. That clarity strengthens both your influence and your organization.

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

There is a persistent myth that women can do it all, and social media often reinforces that narrative. The truth is that doing it all at the same time and at a high level is not realistic.
We have to decide what we want to do well, both at work and at home, and be intentional about prioritizing those areas. That may mean outsourcing certain responsibilities or letting some things go altogether. It also means making sure there is time set aside for planning, for fun, and for rest. Most importantly, give yourself grace and do not be afraid to ask for help.

Mentorship is so important to women in the workforce. Do you mentor others, or did you have a mentor who inspired you?

Mentorship has played a meaningful role in my career. I have been fortunate to have mentors, both women and men, who invested in my growth and challenged me to think bigger. I now mentor others, and it is one of the most rewarding aspects of my role.

The most impactful relationships have developed organically through trust and shared experiences. That said, mentorship is only part of the equation. Women also need sponsors, leaders who will advocate for them and speak on their behalf in rooms they are not yet in. Both mentorship and sponsorship are critical to advancement.

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

“Look for the glimmers.” Glimmers are the small moments in your day that make you pause and feel joy. Choosing to look for them requires presence. Often, they show up in recognizing someone else for something they have done well. When you intentionally focus on glimmers, you shift your perspective.
Even on challenging days, there is always something worth noticing.