What a great interview to round out our first season! Before I get into my reflections, I want to take moment and thank Mel Butcher for putting together such a wonderful experience for our listeners. When I had the idea to reflect on each podcast as a way to share the message with others, I had no idea how much it would touch my life. Actively listening to these women for how our lives might align was a true blessing. I invite you to take time to reflect as well; there is something about listening to a story…
In Episode 12, we hear from Tish Berge who earned a B.S. in Engineering from Harvey Mudd College and an MBA with a focus in Finance from the University of California. She has over 25 years of experience in the environmental industry, from private chemical manufacturing, to consulting, to public service. Currently, Tish serves as General Manager for Sweetwater Authority, a water provider in California.
As you know by now, I am fascinated by engineering and have a deep respect for public service professionals. Tish shares her love for the water industry and great pride she receives from making a product that we, the consumers, will always need. I loved her conversation about Water being essential to Life and she enjoys making sure we have clean water…
I really appreciate her quote, “You can be feminine and strong… I think it does take a unique person to have the confidence to be able to handle it.”
Part of my mission is for women to feel comfortable being women, and I believe Feminine and Strong is the perfect definition of that. I was just listening to Halle Berry on InStyle IGTV talking about when she felt most beautiful, sexy, and like a woman was when she was pregnant. It pains me to think of all the engineering stories where they felt they couldn’t have a career and be a mom. Whatever Feminine and Strong means to you, I want you to have the confidence to be just that! I can also relate to Tish’s quote:
“I remember trying on a lot of different personas. And maybe it’s because I didn’t feel like I had role models. I would try them on, and then they didn’t work. For example, back when I was in technical sales, I used to try to be a guy. I used to tell jokes like a guy, I used to hang out with the guys, do shots with the guys… I wish I could have found a way to get to know myself earlier better and get more comfortable in my skin, instead of bumping around so much as far as — what works for me?
I too have tried on several personas. I used to think it was just the sales person in me trying to put the customer first. Now I know, I just didn’t know what I liked, needed, or deserved. I remember dressing up like some nautical golf pro (whatever that is) when I first accompanied my husband to the golf club. I don’t know how he didn’t bust out laughing at first sight of me… I still laugh when I think about it. I do think it takes some trial and error to know how to grow in our careers, but I think having a strong role model is key. To find a role model as a woman in these male-dominated industries is hard…
But I plan on helping to change that! Join us September 26th in Chicago for our first annual Empowering Women in Industry Conference & Awards Gala and help #BeTheChange!