What does it take to rise through the ranks—and stay for decades? | #19

Beth Kennedy and Tammy Gardner didn't just build long careers at SMECO—they helped shape it. Starting in entry-level roles, they climbed to become senior leaders overseeing finance and customer care. In this episode, they share the behind-the-scenes stories of their journey, how the utility industry has transformed, and what it really takes to lead through change. In this episode, you'll learn: What it's like managing a 15-week training program and a contact center during major outages How SMECO has embraced automation, self-serve tools, and remote work Why leadership, inclusion, and mentorship are key to the company's future Whether you're curious about growing your career or fascinated by how electric co-ops evolve, this conversation is full of insights, laughter, and lessons from two seasoned pros. Connect with SMECO: 📸 Instagram 🐦 X (Twitter) 🎙️ Hosted by: Sonja Cox & Tom Dennison