Christine LaCroix on the power of connections and the future of energy

Christine LaCroix is a partner in the Audit and Assurance practice at Deloitte & Touche LLP and serves as the US Energy, Resources & Industrials Audit and Assurance Leader. She brings significant energy and passion to serving clients across regulated electric and gas utilities, wholesale power producers, oil and gas, renewables, and the alternative energy markets.

Entering and expanding in the energy industry

Christine joined Deloitte after graduating from Hofstra University with a degree in accounting. During her first five years at the firm, she explored working with clients across a number of different industries before deciding to focus on serving clients in the energy industry. She was drawn to the energy industry for two reasons – the leadership team whom she regarded as industry specialists, and the fact that her clients were investing in energy around the world.

One of Christine’s career highlights in her more than 25 years at Deloitte, has been growing the US and global audit footprint in the energy industry by building relationships. She has had the opportunity to travel domestically and internationally through her work on client, industry, and internal talent-building initiatives. She adds that one of the unique benefits of working for such a large and diverse organization was “developing a broad network across the globe”. Although she adds, that despite the organization’s size, Deloitte energy practice is a close-knit community - regionally, nationally, and globally.
 

Moments that mattered on the path to principal

Christine has served in a number of roles during her tenure at Deloitte. She mentioned another pivotal career moment was serving as the chief of staff to the managing partner of the greater tri-state region. “That opportunity to really see across the functions and the different groups within Deloitte has been super helpful to my career.”

But Christine’s long career has not come without challenges. She says that figuring out how to navigate and overcome the roadblocks has helped shape her into the leader she is today. In these difficult moments, Christine relied on her mentors and sponsors for advice and to gain the perspective that everyone faces disappointments in their career at different times.

The recognition that when you hit a stumbling block, that you’re not the only one who’s ever hit that roadblock is a key takeaway.

Christine shares that in her experience, leaders are always willing to help as long as you are willing to let them. She adds that she especially appreciated the mentors who were approachable and great listeners.

Leveraging your community

Given the importance of community in Christine’s career progression, it’s no surprise that her number one tip for women looking to enter the energy industry is to “leverage your connections and let people help connect you to other people.”

She shared that she also believes in leaning on your community to accomplish everything you are working on both at work and in your personal life. “I think by relying on others in your work network, in your home network, family and friends, I think you can fit it all in and have a wonderful career and a wonderful life.”

Another tip she gave is to not be afraid to say yes and try something new if you are curious. Christine explained that she has had many moments throughout her career where she was the only woman in the room, but in one specific situation she partnered with another more senior, female colleague to learn to golf. By taking the initiative to learn something new, Christine developed a friendship and skills that have helped her throughout her career.

Overall, Christine has always sought to maintain a level of professionalism. However her professional mindset doesn’t tamper Christine’s authentic self. She shows up with energy, is animated while talking, and does not shy away from being enthusiastic, while at the same time, she seeks to read the room and actively listen to the participants.

An energizing future

When looking specifically at the future of the energy industry, Christine thinks that “energy is the place to be.” She adds, “I think it's energizing. The future of energy is bright.”

The energy industry is facing a transition that's unparalleled and it requires innovation, it requires new technology, it requires great people and great thinking.

In closing, Christine shared her thoughts and beliefs that this energy transition will require the new and the old to fit together to achieve net-zero carbon goals.