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EmpowHer TOGETHER Part 7: Rhonda O’Grady on Sales Leadership, Overcoming Challenges, and Empowering the Next Generation

By Doble Engineering Company in General | February 20, 2025

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Rhonda O’Grady, Senior Business Development Manager at Doble Engineering, has paved a successful path in the power industry, blending technical expertise with sales leadership. In this installment of the EmpowHer TOGETHER series, O’Grady opens up about her career journey, the challenges she’s faced, the power of mentorship, and the core values that have guided her career.

Through her story, O’Grady highlights how she’s grown both personally and professionally while helping to create opportunities for others to thrive. Let’s dive in!

Q: What sparked your interest in combining engineering and business? How did that shape your decision to pursue a career in sales within the power industry?

A: I’ve always had a passion for engineering, but I realized early in my career that something was missing—a connection with people. While I enjoyed the technical aspects, I craved more interaction and the opportunity to make an impact at a more personal level. Stepping into sales felt like the natural next step. It offered the perfect balance: I could still apply my engineering background while building client relationships. What started as a curiosity turned into a deep passion for the power industry and the people I work with.

Q: What drew you to Doble Engineering, and how does your role allow you to make an impact in the power industry?

A: I came to Doble through the acquisition of Morgan Schaffer. Having gone through several acquisitions in the past, the opportunity to work at Doble felt like a pivotal moment in my career. What attracted me most was Doble’s reputation, commitment to innovation, and its focus on delivering meaningful client results. Those values align with my own, and I’m proud to be part of a talented team that shares the same dedication. For me, success in sales goes beyond closing deals. It’s about being passionate about what you do, constantly learning, and staying true to your core values. That’s what allows us to make an impact on our clients and the industry every day.

Q: As a sales leader in a traditionally male-dominated field, what challenges have you faced and how did you navigate them?

A: When I entered the industry as an electrical engineer in the early 90s, leadership roles for women engineers were rare. Speaking too assertively often meant being labeled aggressive. I had to navigate those assumptions while building confidence. Today, I see women engineers continuing to challenge those traditional boundaries.

In the mid-90s, I became a Field Applications Engineer in the semiconductor Industry, a heavily male-dominated space. Innovations were rapidly transforming markets, and I worked with system architects to define requirements for emerging technologies, from satellite TV set-top boxes to data storage chipsets. Often the only woman in the room, I prepared for meetings like engineering finals, ensuring I delivered the best solutions for my customers. Those early days were tough, but my father, a retired military officer, instilled in me the discipline and resilience to succeed.

One of my biggest challenges was balancing confidence with humility. There’s pressure to be assertive but a risk of being perceived as too aggressive, especially for women. Over time, I’ve learned to stay authentic and let my passion lead me. Those early lessons shaped the tools I rely on today.

Q: Who or what have been some of the pivotal influences in your career? Are there any mentors who helped shape your approach to leadership?

A: The success that I experienced in the semiconductor industry was pivotal—it was my proving ground. Early on I was fortunate to have an incredible mentor, Burt Hadlock, who believed in my abilities, challenged me, and shaped my sales career over 15 years and three companies.

It’s exciting to be a part of Doble and to see more women stepping into sales and leadership roles. I’m grateful for the mentorship I’ve received from leaders like May Scally, who’ve boosted my confidence, helped me refine my strengths, and encouraged me to explore new opportunities. It’s easy to get caught up in daily routines and feel stuck in your career, but having someone who believes in you can open your eyes to what’s possible. Her guidance provided valuable lessons, a sounding board for ideas, and the confidence to pursue new roles I hadn’t considered. I strive to pay it forward by mentoring others.

Q: What is one of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned regarding leadership, and how has it influenced your approach to working with clients and teams?

A: The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is to stay true to your core values. I’ve found that leading with authenticity—especially through challenges—sets the way for success. For me, success isn’t just landing a big deal or being promoted; it’s about being mission-driven, embracing the human factor, and remaining authentic in every interaction. That mindset has guided my career.

Q: Do you think women bring unique perspectives to sales and/or leadership, and why are they important?

A: While all women have different leadership styles, as do men; women tend to have a bit deeper awareness of the human side of business. As women take on increasing roles in leadership, they bring a diverse perspective and often a fresh approach. I find that this opens the conversations, invites more collaboration and allows for a more balanced and productive work environment. The industry is better for it, and I’m proud to be part of that change.

Q: What is your approach to fostering collaboration and diversity within your teams, and what benefits have you seen from these efforts?

A: Collaboration often emerges naturally through joint projects, but building trust and strong relationships requires intentional effort. I focus on recognizing the unique strengths and areas for growth everyone brings to the team. By fostering an environment that encourages open communication, team members feel comfortable reaching out to one another for support or to celebrate successes. Over time, this reinforces a sense of unity that makes solving challenges more effective and palatable. When this happens, everyone benefits—not just from the knowledge being shared but from the trust and relationships built along the way.

Diversity also plays a role. Different perspectives bring fresh ideas and innovation, and creating an inclusive environment ensures that everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute and grow through the process.

Q: What role does sales leadership play in creating pathways for growth in an organization?

A: Sales leaders have the responsibility to be connected to their people as much as the business. We encourage our teams to push boundaries, build on their strengths, nurture new skills, and take the next step forward in their careers. A key part of this is ensuring the right support systems are in place to make those pathways accessible to everyone.

At Doble, programs like EmpowHer TOGETHER are essential for raising awareness and creating an environment where all professionals feel supported and confident to grow. At Doble, we’ve seen how focusing on the human factor and providing strong coaching can make a meaningful difference. When leadership truly believes in and invests in its people—providing mentorship, coaching, and resources—it opens doors for everyone to contribute and thrive.

Q: What advice would you give young professionals, particularly women, entering sales or client-facing roles in the power industry?

A: Stay true to yourself and your core values—they will guide your decisions and actions every day. Confidence and professionalism are essential, but so is staying curious and remaining committed to learning.

The power industry is undergoing transformation, creating exciting new opportunities for both men and women. While opportunities used to be primarily engineering, the increasing reliance on data and other advanced technologies has opened doors for a broader range of talents. There’s room for everyone to contribute.

Ultimately having passion for what you do makes all the difference. I encourage others to pursue careers that inspire them and allow them to make a real impact.

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