145. Lisa Fennell - Technical Sales in the Utility Industry
Lisa Fennell shares her non-linear career path—from studying police science at a technical college, to restaurant work and administrative roles, to becoming a business analyst and eventually a sales and marketing leader in utility tech. Along the way, she opens up about confidence, mentorship, being “the only woman at the table,” and what it’s like building a career without a traditional four-year degree.
What you’ll hear in this episode
What Lisa does today
Lisa explains Ping Things and the need for high-resolution, high-density grid data that can actually make it into the hands of data scientists—so utilities can train machine learning algorithms, understand what’s happening on the grid, and decide what to do next.
“Reflex vs reason”
A standout analogy the grid needs both immediate “reflex” at the edge and deeper “reason” centrally. Lisa compares it to touching a hot stove—your reflex pulls your hand back, but your brain learns “don’t do that again.” Ping Things supports the “learning” layer.
A career journey that didn’t follow the typical script
Lisa walks through her path technical college → a mentor encouraging her to rethink shift-work policing → customer service/restaurant leadership → an office role → recognized technical aptitude → business analyst → writing software requirements/specs → utility industry tech roles → sales leadership.
Working in a technical field without a four-year degree
Lisa talks candidly about how long it took to admit she didn’t have a college degree—and how mentorship, opportunity, and her own tenacity shaped her success.
Sales in technical spaces
Lisa describes the gift of translating “engineer language” into “normal language,” the importance of listening more than speaking, and how relationship-building is often the real differentiator.
Married to an engineer in the same industry
She and her husband Kevin have traveled together for industry events and customer dinners, and Lisa shares how she brings levity and connection—often with fun icebreakers that instantly melt the room.
Proud moment
A sweet moment Lisa’s dad tells Alexa about her career story (including the no-four-year-degree part), and Lisa shares how meaningful it is to feel that pride from a parent, no matter your age.
Not Expert” listener question
Kathy, Linda, and Lisa share not-expert perspectives on timing, preparation, and how workplace culture has evolved (and still has a long way to go).