Nicole George
Product Manager
Eaton
Nicole George was bound to work as an engineer—her mother is a chemical engineer, her father is an electrical engineer, and her brother is a mechanical engineer. But George, 31, is carving her own path with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and an MBA—education that serves her well as Eaton’s product manager for pumping variable frequency drives (VFDs). George says she was drawn to the business side and finds security in the electrical industry. “At the time I joined, I really didn’t know anything about the industry. As I grew in my career, I grew to appreciate the importance of the work we do,” George said. “Electricity, mechanical power and conveyance are fundamental parts of our world. From hospitals to factories, data centers and farms—we can improve people’s lives and the environment with power management technologies. No matter the economic climate, these are things people depend on every day; the work we do matters.”
George said she is passionate about two things professionally: people and process. “I enjoy working on teams with diverse perspective and motivating those around me toward a common goal,” she said. “I’m equally passionate about being efficient and constantly challenging ourselves to find better ways to find solutions and get work done.” She is happy to find a culture that embraces that at Eaton, which has employee resource groups—ERGs—that conduct cross-functional training and learning from different generations.
The technological advancements coming to the industry provide a lot of growth opportunity, George said.
“Finding agile ways to incorporate fresh technology on existing infrastructure comes with challenges and hurdles, but seeing a customer’s vision come to life after putting in the sweat equity is rewarding,” the Milwaukee resident said. “This digital transformation is seeping rapidly into the industrial sector and with that comes great possibility and responsibility. I’m excited to watch this industry evolve as we innovate to solve problems in ways that are now possible with new technology.”
Read about other 10 to Watch winners here.How do you spend your time outside of work?
“My favorite pastime is spending time with my husband, daughter and dog, and snuggling up by the fire. I also co-host a virtual book club with my former classmate from grad school and love having a platform that keeps us connected. My husband is excited to set up a backyard ice rink to teach our daughter how to skate, so I, too, will be learning how to ice skate so I can keep up with them!”