From Farm to Energy: Energizing Arkansas with Lauren Waldrip
Powering Arkansas: A Conversation with Lauren Waldrip
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Lauren Waldrip, executive director of the Arkansas advanced energy association.
We dive into how Lauren's background growing up on a row crop farm in Arkansas shaped her career trajectory and fueled her passion for advocacy. Lauren shares insights on the impact of advanced energy policies on Arkansas workforce development and how her organization is helping connect rural communities.
With new opportunities in the energy sector, we also touch on the future of the energy industry, especially as two of Arkansas's coal plants are set to come offline. Lauren emphasizes the need for a diversified energy portfolio, which includes renewables, energy efficiency, and innovative storage solutions.
The Pitfalls of Hiring 'On Paper'
In this clip, Lauren discusses hiring and leadership challenges. She reflects on a past hiring experience where they wish they had spent more face-to-face time with a candidate before bringing them on. Despite phone calls and interviews, the hire turned out to be a poor cultural fit.
Lauren then contrasts this with more recent hires who have been great fits for the organization. She describes being very selective in the hiring process, which has resulted in bringing on "rock stars" who make her job easier. This has allowed her to delegate more tasks and focus on other areas as the organization grows.
Hear about the challenges of trust and delegation for those in leadership positions, acknowledging that it's not always easy to let go of responsibilities.
A Legacy of Affordable Power for Those That Need It Most
In this clip from the full episode below, we dive deep into what it means to leave a lasting legacy with our guest, Lauren.
It’s not just about doing a great job for the state—it’s about advocating for affordable, reliable power, especially in underserved regions.
Lauren shares her passion for being a voice for those who need it most and tackles the technical side of energy transmission in a way that truly matters for everyday folks. Don’t miss this insightful conversation—check it out!
