Meet Mitzie Edwards | Managing Partner & Primary Utility Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mitzie Edwards and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mitzie, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk-taking has been an integral part of my life and career, shaping both my personal growth and professional trajectory. I view risk as an essential component of progress and innovation. Without stepping out of one’s comfort zone, it’s challenging to achieve meaningful growth or seize new opportunities.

In my career, taking risks has often meant making bold decisions, such as transitioning from a stable role in the radiology field to a completely different industry—utilities. This shift required leaving behind a familiar environment and venturing into unknown territory. Despite the uncertainty, this decision allowed me to discover my passion for electricity and utility planning, which has been incredibly fulfilling.

Starting Utility Planning Consulting was another significant risk. Leaving a secure job to establish my own business involved financial uncertainty and the pressure of building something from scratch. However, my partners and I believed in our vision and capabilities. This leap of faith has proven to be one of the most rewarding decisions, allowing us to create a company that not only serves our clients effectively but also brings immense satisfaction to us as founders.

Taking risks has also meant continuously challenging the status quo, whether it was creating and streamlining processes at SCE that are still in place today or managing large-scale projects that required innovative problem-solving. Each risk taken has taught me invaluable lessons, from resilience in the face of setbacks to the importance of adaptability and perseverance.

In summary, taking risks has played a pivotal role in my life and career by opening doors to new opportunities, fostering growth, and ultimately helping me find my true calling. Embracing risk has allowed me to achieve things I once thought impossible and has been key to both my personal and professional success.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about.

As the Managing Partner at Utility Planning Consulting, our work involves bridging the gap between clients and Utility Companies. Our team, composed of experienced Designers, Planners, Estimators, and ADEs, ensures that utility applications and projects run smoothly and efficiently. What sets us apart is our deep understanding of utility processes, honed from years of direct experience at major utility companies like SCE, SDG&E and PG&E. We pride ourselves on our ability to streamline processes, enhance communication, and ultimately save our clients time and effort. I’m most proud of how our work not only supports our clients but also facilitates smoother operations for Utility Companies.

How did you get to where you are today professionally? Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?

My journey to the Utility Industry was unexpected. I initially worked in the medical field and honed my skills in analytics, organization, and leadership. Transitioning to the utility sector in 2013 with SCE, I embraced every opportunity to learn and innovate. Creating streamlined processes and excelling in my roles as a Designer and Planner set the foundation for my expertise. Working for PG&E as a contract ADE expanded my knowledge and responsibilities. The move to a private company managing Utility applications was pivotal, as it revealed the significant need for specialized utility consulting.

It wasn’t easy—navigating career changes and industry challenges required resilience and adaptability. Overcoming these hurdles involved continuous learning, effective communication, and a relentless pursuit of efficiency.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?

Stay Curious: Asking questions and seeking knowledge are crucial for growth and innovation.
Embrace Change: Career pivots can lead to discovering your true passion.
Organization is Key: Keeping processes and projects well-organized is essential in the utility industry.
Effective Communication: Transparency and clear communication build trust and improve outcomes.
Value Collaboration: Partnering with experienced professionals enhances capabilities and success.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

I want the world to know that Utility Planning Consulting is built on a foundation of passion, expertise, and a commitment to excellence. Our brand represents a team that genuinely loves what we do and is dedicated to making utility processes seamless for our clients. My journey from the medical field to utility consulting highlights the importance of embracing change and following your passion. At Utility Planning Consulting, we not only help our clients achieve their goals but also support Utility Companies in streamlining their operations. Our mission is to provide efficient, effective solutions that drive success for everyone involved.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As a business owner, weekends are my time to unwind. If my friend were visiting, I’d make sure we stay near the beautiful coast of Los Angeles, savor delicious food, and enjoy each other’s company with great cocktails. Getting reservations at Michelin-star restaurants can be challenging, so I’d book one special dinner and let the rest of the weekend unfold naturally. Here’s how our weekend would look:

Friday evening meet-up in Los Angeles:

Light tapas-style dining
End the evening at Townhouse & The Del Monte Speakeasy to catch up

Saturday:

Brunch at Huckleberry Café in Venice
Dinner at Providence off Melrose Ave (the core of our plans)
End the evening at a comedy show or a random hole-in-the-wall bar

Sunday:

Brunch at Republique in Central LA to wrap up our trip

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to several key influences in my life and career.

First and foremost, my mother, whose strength and perseverance as a single parent of four have been my greatest source of inspiration. Her ability to juggle multiple jobs while raising us taught me the value of hard work and dedication.

Secondly, my brothers have also played significant roles in shaping who I am today. David, who worked for Pepsi for over 20 years, Jaime, with his extensive experience in the Water Utility Industry, and Raul, who runs his own cabinetry business and screen printing shop while working for the Water District, have all shown me the importance of resilience and entrepreneurship.

Professionally, I owe a great deal of my success to the mentors and colleagues I met during my time at SCE, SDG&E and PG&E. The Planner and Designer teams I worked with, particularly the incredible Planner 1 and 2 team at SCE, were instrumental in my development. Their guidance and collaboration helped me refine my skills and fueled my passion for the utility industry.

Lastly, I must acknowledge my partners, Eddy Edwards (My Husband) and Desiree Torres at Utility Planning Consulting. Their expertise, dedication, and shared vision have been crucial in building our business. Together, we have created a company that not only supports our clients but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

These individuals and experiences have collectively shaped my journey, and I am deeply grateful for their contributions to my personal and professional growth.

Website: https://utilityplanningconsulting.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/utilityplanningconsulting/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/utility-planning-consulting/?viewAsMember=true

Image Credits
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