As one of the National Capital Region’s Top Employers, Hydro Ottawa has long understood the importance of listening to its employees, and capitalized on the energy, insights and fresh approach of Ottawa’s youth.
Chelsea Clark, a fourth-year accounting student from Bishop’s University, recently got a taste of corporate leadership at Hydro Ottawa through CEOx1Day – a national program run by leading global executive search firm, Odgers Berndtson, in which third and fourth- year university students are matched with CEOs across Canada for a day of mentorship.
During the day, Clark accompanied Hydro Ottawa President and CEO Bryce Conrad as the company hosted dignitaries Hon. Rod Phillips and MPP Jeremy Roberts. Clark had lunch with three female executives where she learned about their career experiences at Hydro Ottawa. She also attended a Youth Council meeting where she got a first-hand look at how Hydro Ottawa engages its younger workers.
“I learned that when you trust the people you have in place to do their jobs and give them the space to perform, you empower your people to do their best,” says Clark.
One such example of the company turning its young employees’ ideas into a reality is the Hydro Ottawa mobile app – an idea born from students participating in the Summer Student Program. Sparked by their insight, the consumer app, launched in 2017, monitors energy usage, provides bill information and outage updates.
“Leadership exists at all levels,” says Conrad. “Our entire executive team has made a commitment to diversity and youth in our organization because we know that diversity spurs innovation.”
In 2019, Hydro Ottawa was recognized, for the eleventh consecutive year, as one of the National Capital Region’s Top Employers. They were also honoured with the Canada’s Top Employer for Young People award for the sixth year in a row and for the second year running, Canada’s Best Diversity Employer. For more information about Hydro Ottawa’s student programs, visit the Students & Graduates section on Hydro Ottawa’s website.
