Colleen Giroux-Schmidt, Vice President of Corporate Relations, Innergex

Although Colleen has been working in the energy sector since her final year of undergrad, she describes her entry into the industry as a total fluke. As a History and English major at Simon Fraser University, Colleen aspired to work in the corporate world, in a role where she knew she was making a difference. Little did she know that her summer role at the Association of Mineral Exploration BC (AME BC) would lead her to a career in renewable energy, where she would achieve both goals while finding passion along the way.  

First Steps as a New Grad 

Upon graduation, Colleen accepted a full-time position dedicated to planning the annual AME BC conference. In this position, Colleen had the opportunity to take the lead and plan three major conferences. Plus, since AME BC is a small industry organization, she regularly worked with over 50 industry and community leaders, while also contributing to the overhaul of organizational bylaws, as well as both the communications and policy portfolios. In fact, the connections that Colleen made while at AME BC helped her transition to her next position working in environmental assessment at Plutonic Power Corporation. Although she had never worked in this area, Colleen jumped at the opportunity to expand her knowledge and experience in the industry. At the time, she was not initially excited by the energy and climate change aspect of what she was doing, but more so about seeing firsthand the benefits that were happening for the Indigenous communities that she was working with. The project the company undertook acted as a catalyst that helped solve long-standing systemic problems in Indigenous communities. Colleen worked at Plutonic Power Corporation for 4 years, eventually leading the division. It was during those four years that she began to learn more and more about climate change and the idea of an energy transition, pushing her to become passionate about the opportunity and potential of renewable energy. Following her time at Plutonic, Colleen accepted a role at Innergex, where she began working in governmental and regulatory affairs. This brings us to today, over a decade later, where she now leads Innergex’s corporate relations team. 

Managing Relationships at Innergex 

Colleen is currently the Vice President of Corporate Relations at Innergex, a global independent renewable power producer. Innergex, a Québec founded company, has been operating for over 30 years. In 2015, Innergex expanded globally to operate in the US, France, and Chile. As the lead for corporate relations, Colleen manages relationships with businesses, governments (both in Canada and the US), Indigenous communities, and landowners. Managing these relationships is a delicate balance. It requires practicing advocacy, monitoring current events and addressing any risks, engaging in legislative practices if needed, and working with policy makers across the landscape to help shape policy outcomes. Innergex has played a key role in building and maintaining relationships with Indigenous communities in Canada. For instance, the company was part of the first community partnered wind power farm in Québec, and is also part of 4 co-owned operations with Indigenous communities. 

For Colleen, strong relationships with stakeholders are built on transparent and consistent flows of communication, while working closely and listening actively to all parties involved. She notes that this is one of the areas of business that is becoming increasingly difficult with the pandemic, as maintaining strong relationships often requires in person connection. 

Renewable Energy: More than just a job 

Outside of her role at Innergex, Colleen has been (and continues to be) active in the community. This includes her position on both Generation Energy and BC Climate Solutions councils, as well as chair and director of Clean Energy BC’s Board, and a participant in the US International Visitor Leadership Program. Colleen was the first woman to chair the board of Clean Energy BC, which also happened to be during a high-profile time (when the Site C hydro dam decision was made). On top of the challenges that came with the position, Colleen also explained how this was one of the first instances where she felt the weight of being a younger woman at a table full of older men. However, she emphasizes that confronting these challenges and overcoming barriers was great for both her personal and professional growth. Colleen notes how during challenging times like these, she falls back to the mantra “you can dismiss me at your own peril.” It is a helpful reminder that at the end of the day, you cannot control how others will respond to your input. Rather, Colleen plays the long game – she might not win the conversation, or the day, but over time, she remains confident that the right outcome will emerge. 

Overcoming Self-Doubt 

Colleen has accumulated a diverse set of experiences in the energy sector, and has subsequently been referred to as an expert in many situations. However, Colleen does not necessarily feel like an expert. For most women, this is a common feeling. In fact, when searching for jobs, men typically apply when they meet 60% of the qualifications, whereas women only apply when they meet 100%. Colleen talks about how women feel as though they need to be so competent and absolutely confident in their ability to perform the job in order to even apply for it, whereas men in the same position do not even give it a second thought. Women tend to demand a higher level of competence as proof in their abilities. To this, Colleen recommends pushing through the doubt and making the jump – you will never know if you do not try. 

On that note, it is important to recognize and admit when you do not know the answer. The energy sector is changing at such rapid paces that there is no way to keep up and know it all. However, if you do not know, there is always someone who does. Colleen describes how although she might have vast experience and knowledge, her team, along with everyone in the industry, is constantly learning together. In fact, Colleen refers to a quote by Einstein, “in the midst of difficulty lies opportunity,” because she believes that regardless of the situation, you can always learn from it. 

Bright Future 

When Colleen was pursuing her undergrad, she was not sure what her future career would look like, but she knew she wanted to work in a corporate setting and make the world a better place. Having achieved both of those goals, Colleen has now set her sights on working to affect change. She is passionate about working with Indigenous communities, and firmly believes that the energy transition in Canada has the opportunity to significantly improve the socioeconomic realities for Indigenous peoples across the country. She has seen it firsthand, but sometimes worries that on a larger scale, Canada may be missing the mark. Nevertheless, Colleen stresses that tackling climate change and the energy transition is a team effort, and on a personal level, she had greatly benefitted from working with knowledgeable and passionate people at various organizations. She recommends that anyone interested in a career in the energy sector focus on 1) building their network, through both volunteering and paid roles; 2) make an effort to always be learning, whether that’s through podcasts (The Energy Gang is a great one), books or coffee chats with new people; and 3) developing people skills, such as the ability to engage in meaningful conversation, active listening and negotiating. Lastly, as Colleen recently transitioned into motherhood, she reminds us that a life in balance often means years of extreme imbalance. There are times where work will be all-consuming, and times where family will be as well. Through these challenges, mistakes are bound to be made – nevertheless, confidently take them in stride, learn from them, and never stop working towards your goals.