Employee Spotlight Rachel
BELLEVUE, Wash. (7/18/2018) This week’s spotlight shines on Rachel a Government Affairs Associate. She’s worked here for a decade and says she learns something new every week. Rachel is proud of this company and loves to see how we all work together for a common cause.
What do you do at PSE and how long have you been here? 10 years ago I started at PSE in Project Management before moving to Gas & Electric Planning, Customer & System Projects and now I am in the Government Affairs department on the Local Government Affairs and Public Policy teams.
Why do you enjoy working here? I enjoy the incredibly intelligent and caring people I work with as well as the passion that drives our business to do what’s right for our customers and employees. After all, we “have the energy to do great things!”
What one thing do you need to know really well to do your job? It’s okay to ask questions and challenge the status quo when necessary.
What are you most proud of working at PSE? I am so proud of the dedication this company has to accomplish something. People truly work together for a common cause and can move mountains. We are also a very charitable company, and I love that we put so much thought and care into our communities.
What’s one of your most memorable moments while working here? Snowmagedon! Working in the storm base during storms is an incredible opportunity to see how employees from all levels and departments come together, work around the clock to restore power for our customers. I have never seen such dedicated and driven people.
What’s most challenging about your job? I would say it’s working in an evolving political and energy world with a side of unpredictability. We need to be nimble and able to quickly pivot since we serve as a conduit of knowledge for those who need our insight and understanding of the business and possible implications of policy decisions. We educate those who need to make holistic decisions in the energy sector that affect PSE, our customers and employees.
What safety tip applies to your daily work? I spend a lot of time on my computer so having a proper ergonomic set-up is critical to me, while taking proper stretch breaks.
Of PSE's values, which resonates most with you and why? We all have a voice. I believe the best things come from collaboration with people who have different experiences, opinions and vision. If we all feel empowered to speak up, we can make a positive impact on any project or initiative we are tasked with.
What’s your favorite place to eat? Anywhere that has great sushi or fresh local oysters.
What's your favorite vacation spot? Why? Being near to an open body of water is good by me. Locally, I love Orcas Island.
If you could do any job in the world for one day, what would it be and why? International luxury food and travel blogger/photographer. I mean, who wouldn’t want to get paid to travel, photograph and review food in exotic and wonderful places all around the world?!
What's the best advice you've ever received? What got you here won’t get you there. It’s a good reminder to keep growing, moving forward and adapt to the changing world. It’s easy to fall into a routine and stay comfortable, but never be afraid to try new things, to challenge yourself and be adaptable in the changing world.
If you could be any animal, what would you be? I think I would choose a lion. They are fierce, know what they want and get it, have amazing effortless hair and get to sleep as much as they want. I could get onboard with that.
What do you like to do outside of work? Any interesting hobbies or community service activities? I love spending quality time with my husband, 3 year old daughter and 10 month old son. We spend a lot of time outdoors exploring the northwest wonderland. I love live music and experiencing the many varieties of craft beer this area has to offer.
If you could have any super power, what would it be? Teleportation, it would solve all my traffic woes, plus it would be amazing to travel the world on a whim.
What’s the best or favorite part about your job? The best part of my job is seeing the impact my team has in our local communities. I love being involved in the process and there is not a week that goes by that I don’t learn something new.
If you could be on any reality TV show, which would you choose and why? I’d love to be a contestant on Chopped. I get really competitive and love unique flavors in food. I just lack the skill of being a good chef, it’s a minor detail.
Who would play you in the movie about your life? Amy Poehler would play me because she’s sassy, driven, quirky and could deliver my cheesy jokes with great success!
Do you have a pet? If yes, what type? No pets for me, but I think having a 3 year old and a 10 month old should count. They are excellent mess makers, they splash most bath water onto the floor, will eat table droppings off the floor and I can let them run loose at off leash parks to burn off energy.