Mirrors: Lauren Wallace, Industrial Engineer
The AdaMarie Mirrors reflect back to us the many roads (often winding, never smooth) to success! Real stories of real women to see yourself reflected in. At first, you’ll see Lauren in this mirror, but eventually, we hope you’ll see yourself.
Welcome, Lauren Wallace!
Important words of wisdom from Lauren: “If we cannot pivot or change our callings, then I think we have vastly limited ourselves in our opportunities.”
Getting to Know You:
Field of Work: Industrial Engineering and Project Management
Expertise In: Project Management, Operations Management, Startup Engineering
Current Company: X-Energy
Job Title: Industrial Engineer
Currently geeking out over: AI in process development and project management
STEM Hero: Hedy Lamarr
Connect on LinkedIn.
Tell us about your professional journey – how did you get where you are now?
When I went into college, I wanted to do something that was free-thinking, problem-solving, and innovative, and so I ended up picking chemical engineering as my major. I definitely have not been on a "typical" path or an expected path, even through college and my time in the workforce. I have had pivots, setbacks, and springboards forward. My path has been nonlinear in a sense, but linear in another; I have followed my heart and my head to the best of my abilities, as well as the advice from my mentors and friends I have made along the way, trying to maintain the balance of an engineering workload with the many activities I love and want to continue to enjoy in my personal life.
I have worked in several industries, from alcohol to ice cream to silicones and makeup, and I have held a lot of different titles. The job, itself, though, has usually been a form of a "people influencer meets process improvement expert", and I wouldn't have it any other way. I have gotten to this point through many chats with senior leadership, factory technicians, my friends, and my family.
Establishing genuine connections with others over mutual understanding has been the most important part of my career advancement.
You have to win with people to complete any project or difficult situation. In my current branch in my career, I worked on finding the next role that brings me back to what I love most, which is working with others to inspire, innovate, and improve society. I’m excited to see where the clean energy sector takes me!
We’re also curious to know your personal story and upbringing. What has made you “you”?
Growing up, I wanted to be an ice skater (I loved Michelle Kwan and yet could not for the life of me figure skate), then a soccer player (Mia Hamm was my second idol and I ended up playing the same position as her), and then, with some nudging from my parents and family friends, I settled on the "realistic" goal of being a woman in science. (STEM did not quite exist yet in my elementary school and middle school years). I loved chemistry, biology, and problem-solving, and though math at first was not my strongest suit, I was determined to understand it in a way that made it useful to myself and those around me.
Through middle school and high school, I found myself both captain of my soccer teams and the top student in my grade. But, I also was the one person a classmate could count on to learn from or quickly copy homework from, and the captain that pushed for the best intentions of the team at all costs. I loved being on a team and working with others--nothing makes me happier than seeing the joy of a team when they accomplish something. I led with and continue to lead with tenacity and heart.
Everything else can be learned skills, but if you cannot authentically be behind what you are working toward, then why bother working toward the goal at all?
We know that real life isn’t a smooth and linear journey. What was your initiating moment that led you to your calling - can you tell us about that moment, what helped you move forward, what you learned/discovered?
I think we have many moments like this in life, and I am barely several years into my career! If we cannot pivot or change our callings, then I think we have vastly limited ourselves in our opportunities. Holistically and altruistically speaking, though, I think my first calling was when I had my first opportunity of people leadership in my career. I finally was able to put my thoughts and ideas to the test with leading over a hundred very disgruntled (rightfully so) factory team members. So many of the team members have inspired me, tested me, and helped me grow as a leader and as a person, and I can never thank them enough. My life would not be the same without their insight and teamwork.
You’re a working woman in a performance-driven industry. Where do you find balance?
From purely a work standpoint, I find balance in changing roles, truthfully. I think there is a lot to learn in all parts of "the business" and industry. From an overall standpoint, I try my best to separate work and play. I love to run, rock climb, try new foods, and explore new places, and my partner, family, and friends deserve my best and whole self as much as my workplace. That means I workout almost everyday to clear my head and balance my day to include activities that both relax me and bring me joy, especially with others.
If you were a scientific process or phenomenon, what would you be?
I would probably be an exothermic reaction. I try to have my output into the world be greater than what I even think I can do or am capable of, and I also like to be a warm presence and energizing presence to others!
Anything else you’d like to share?
It’s never a perfect time to make moves in your career. Take chances and embrace risks with a ravenous curiosity.