What strengths or vision do you bring to the table at Hawai‘i Gas?

As the state’s energy demands evolve, so must we. The energy marketplace is changing quickly, and we must move faster than we ever have before to meet the state’s and our customers’ energy needs. In my capacity as president and CEO, I am moving Hawai‘i Gas forward to become a leader in clean and renewable energy initiatives.

We are excited to launch our first renewable natural gas (RNG) project later this year, where we will be capturing and processing the gas waste stream from the Honouliuli Wastewater Treatment Plant and blending it within our existing synthetic natural gas pipeline. Once the project is fully implemented, we expect to reduce the equivalent of 12,000 barrels per year of imported oil to the state. In order to get to scale with RNG, we are also investing in early-stage projects to test various energy crops for biogas. Beyond our core business, we launched a solar farm on O‘ahu in 2016 to support the state’s renewable energy vision, and we continue to explore new opportunities.

I am grateful to lead the company during this dynamic time of change, and I am proud of the more than 300 dedicated engineers and energy professionals who are helping us build the future together.

What does it take to be an effective leader?

There are many traits that make an effective leader, but I have found that being able to articulate a clear vision in an authentic way, and being able to explain to stakeholders why it is important, is key. People whom you serve need to know why you care and why they should care.

Describe yourself in three words.

Optimistic, resilient, driven.

Do you think women lead differently than men?

All leaders have different ways of leading, and leadership style also depends upon the culture of the company and where it is in its lifecycle. I don’t believe that it’s fair to stereotype male vs. female leaders, especially during a time when leadership is being redefined. However, I do believe that there are characteristics of good leaders that are common in both men and women, and that’s where we should focus our attention

Over the years, I have found that the foundation of good leadership is authenticity, and getting to this point often takes time and effort as well as deep reflection to truly know oneself. I wholeheartedly believe in Sheryl Sandberg’s prediction: “In the future, there will be no female leaders. There will just be leaders.” I believe our world will be a better place for it.