Leading Tennessee's Utilities Into the Future: A Conversation With Nick Newman

Nick Newman is the Executive Director of the Tennessee Association of Utility Districts (TAUD), which provides technical, legal, and operational support to over 500 utilities and businesses in Tennessee. Nick has 37 years of experience in leadership positions and hands-on experience in the utility industry. Before his current role at TAUD, he served as a utility and committee member and a Board Director and President. He is also the Vice President of Engineering and Operations at Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW). In this episode… Utilities are facing an industry-wide work shortage, with businesses struggling to acquire and retain employees long-term due to strict industry regulations and deteriorating infrastructure. How can leaders in this space foster a supportive and growth-driven environment to increase retention? As a servant leader focused on impacting younger generations, Nick Newman maintains that leaders must remain agile and adapt to evolving employee needs. High-impact leaders are supportive, approachable, and service-oriented, customizing their leadership style for each employee's growth goals and career aspirations. By challenging employees to seize new opportunities and roles, you can build a robust team that can overcome industry setbacks. In today's episode of Industry Edge, Danielle Neely welcomes Nick Newman, the Executive Director of the Tennessee Association of Utility Districts (TAUD), to discuss servant leadership in the utility industry. Nick shares his approach to leadership, advice for aspiring utility professionals, and how servant leadership can tackle industry challenges.