Allen Clare, Senior VP of Power Operations at TVA, shares his journey from coal bunkers to leading major energy projects. He reflects on life in the Navy and the crucial skills for effective leadership. Dive into the evolution of the energy industry over the past eight years and TVA's future ambitions. Clare emphasizes the power of relationships in career growth and the balance between work and personal life, advocating for perseverance and harmony in achieving success.
Allen Clare emphasizes the transformative power of gratitude in shaping one's daily perspective on both life and work.
He highlights the importance of his Navy experience as a catalyst for personal growth and technical expertise in leadership roles within the energy sector.
Deep dives
The Journey of Gratitude
Alan Clare expresses a profound sense of gratitude for the opportunities he has encountered throughout his life and career. His journey began with humble roots in Belize, where challenges drove him to seek independence at a young age. This appreciation for his experiences paved the way for his role at the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), where he feels aligned with the organization’s mission of service. Clare believes that starting each day with a mindset of gratitude can significantly enhance one's perspective on life and work.
The Value of Independence and Sports
Clare recounts his childhood experiences as an only child moving through various countries, which instilled in him a fierce sense of independence. Engaging in sports like soccer and cricket provided him a means to connect with peers and develop relationships despite often being the only child of color in his schools. This athletic background ultimately contributed to his leadership qualities and passion for teamwork, making sports a critical element in his personal development. Clare believes that participating in sports can create bonds that help overcome challenges associated with frequent moving.
Transition from Military to Civilian Life
Clare's entry into the U.S. Navy was significant in shaping his career trajectory and technical expertise. He found himself managing complex systems on Aegis class cruisers, which laid the foundation for his later work in power generation. His ability to embrace challenges and learn from experienced mentors during his military service has profoundly influenced his approach to leadership within the energy sector. The Navy served not only as a means of personal growth but also as a platform to acquire valuable skills that he would later apply in civilian roles.
Commitment to Community Engagement
Clare emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community and serving as a role model for others in his industry. His belief in providence drives him to help underserved segments of the community, as he acknowledges the critical junctures where others had supported him in his life. By engaging with local organizations, he aims to uplift those who may lack access to similar opportunities. Clare's intention to pay forward the guidance he received reflects a strong sense of responsibility towards future generations in his community.
Allen Clare’s career has come full circle, from working in coal bunkers as a teenager to becoming GM of Eastern Coal and Gas for TVA. Now he’s the Senior Vice President of Power Operations, responsible for all non-nuclear power generation.
In this episode, Allen shares his “North Star” that guided many decisions, what it was like living at sea while in Navy, and the three skills he believes are essential for great leadership. We also discuss how the energy industry has evolved over the past 8 years and TVA’s focus for the future.