Be a servant leader and make good plans for those who will follow you
Brittany Chapman, Director of Transmission at Orbital Engineering Inc., leads teams responsible for transmission and substation engineering designs for multiple large electric utilities. Serving in an industry that manages a resource millions of people depend on every day is both rewarding and humbling, and it has shaped her commitment to servant leadership. She believes that leadership is not about authority or recognition, but about supporting others and creating lasting value for the people and communities her work serves.
At the heart of her leadership philosophy is a lesson from one of her earliest mentors: “Think of those who come after you.” This simple but powerful advice aligns closely with the principles of servant leadership, which emphasize serving others, supporting their growth, and making decisions that create long-term benefits beyond oneself. It is a philosophy that encourages leaders to consider the broader impact of their actions and to leave systems, processes, and people better than they found them.
This mindset can be applied to virtually every professional situation. A design engineer who considers the challenges a field crew may face during construction helps create a safer work environment, shortens construction schedules, and improves project outcomes. By thinking ahead and considering the needs of others, that engineer is not only completing a design but also serving the people who will build, operate, and maintain the infrastructure. Similarly, a manager who approaches mentorship with succession planning in mind creates opportunities for future leaders to develop their skills, gain confidence, and advance their careers. By investing in others, leaders strengthen both individuals and organizations.
The results of this servant-leader mindset have defined Ms. Chapman’s career. As a design engineer, she successfully executed multiple multi-million-dollar infrastructure upgrades that improved grid resiliency and reliability. Much of her work has taken place in Florida, where hurricanes, hailstorms, and tornadoes can threaten critical infrastructure. In these situations, reliable electric service and efficient power restoration are essential to public safety, economic stability, and the well-being of residents.
Today, as a director at a consulting firm, Ms. Chapman applies both her technical expertise and servant-leadership philosophy to support teams that improve the electric grid nationwide. By removing roadblocks, improving processes, providing training, and investing in innovative technologies that enhance design accuracy, she empowers her teams to succeed. Her focus remains on serving others—whether employees, clients, or utility customers—and ensuring that the infrastructure built today will continue to benefit those who come after us.
