By Tyler Pommier
In the world of renewable energy—like in many fast-moving industries—things change quickly. New technologies emerge, goals shift, and the pressure to perform is constant. As someone who works in this space every day, I know how easy it is to get caught up in the pace of it all.
But I’ve also learned that staying grounded—mentally, emotionally, and personally—is not just helpful. It’s necessary. Balancing a demanding career with time for family, health, and purpose isn’t something that just happens. It’s something you work at, and for me, that balance is what keeps me energized and effective, both at work and at home.
Here’s how I approach it.
Knowing What Matters Most
It starts with clarity. In any leadership role, you’re going to be pulled in multiple directions. There are always deadlines, meetings, and decisions waiting for you. But if you don’t know what matters most to you, it’s easy to get swept up in things that don’t actually bring value or meaning to your life.
For me, that clarity comes from my family. I grew up in a tight-knit home in Baton Rouge with one brother, one sister, and two parents who showed me the importance of supporting the people around you. That sense of connection is something I carry into everything I do. No matter how busy work gets, I always make time for family—because at the end of the day, they’re my foundation.
Building Boundaries That Work
One of the biggest challenges in leadership today is the pressure to be “always on.” Emails come in late at night, and Zoom calls creep into weekends. If you’re not careful, your work can start to take over your life.
That’s why I believe in building healthy boundaries—not as a way to shut out responsibilities, but as a way to stay focused and present. I’ve learned to carve out time in my schedule that’s just for me and my family. Whether it’s a weekend trip, a family dinner, or even just time offline, these moments allow me to reset and recharge.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about being intentional with your time and energy.
Finding Purpose in the Work
There’s no question that the clean energy field is challenging. We’re dealing with complex problems—climate change, energy equity, economic development—and trying to move entire systems in a better direction. But that’s also what makes it meaningful.
What keeps me grounded in my career is knowing that the work I do has purpose. I’m not just helping businesses meet sustainability targets—I’m contributing to something bigger. I’m helping build a future where we’re less dependent on fossil fuels, where communities have cleaner air, and where innovation benefits everyone, not just a few.
That sense of purpose is what motivates me to push through the long days and tough decisions. When you believe in what you do, you don’t just work harder—you work better.
Staying Curious and Open
One of the ways I stay grounded is by staying curious. In a fast-changing world, there’s always something new to learn—whether it’s a new piece of technology, a cultural perspective, or a better way to lead a team. I make time to read, listen to podcasts, attend events, and travel when I can. These experiences keep me connected to the world beyond my day-to-day responsibilities.
Travel, in particular, has had a huge impact on how I see my work. Visiting different countries and communities has shown me how others approach sustainability, and it always brings fresh ideas and perspectives back into my work here in Louisiana.
Being curious helps me stay adaptable, and adaptability is key to staying grounded in times of change.
Checking In With Yourself
It’s easy to put your head down and go full speed, especially in leadership roles. But I’ve learned the importance of regularly checking in with myself. How am I feeling—really? Am I showing up the way I want to? Am I making time for the people and things that matter?
Sometimes it’s as simple as taking a walk to clear my head, unplugging for a day, or journaling a few thoughts at the end of the week. These small habits help me stay centered, especially when life feels chaotic.
Mental clarity isn’t just good for your well-being—it makes you a better leader.
Leading with Humanity
Leadership today isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room or having all the answers. It’s about being grounded enough to listen, to lead with empathy, and to build trust. That kind of leadership requires self-awareness, and self-awareness comes from balance.
When I talk to my team, I try to bring my full self to the conversation—not just the executive, but the person. I talk about the challenges, the goals, and yes, the need to unplug sometimes. That honesty builds stronger teams. It creates a culture where people feel supported, not just expected to perform.
Final Thoughts
We live in a world that’s moving fast. The pressure to succeed is real, and the expectations can feel overwhelming. But staying grounded—through family, purpose, boundaries, curiosity, and reflection—is what allows us to navigate it all without losing ourselves in the process.
As an executive in a growing industry, I’ve learned that balance isn’t about slowing down—it’s about aligning your life with what truly matters. And when you find that balance, everything else gets a little bit easier—and a lot more meaningful.
So whether you’re leading a company, building a career, or simply trying to keep up with the pace of modern life, remember this: staying grounded isn’t just good for you—it’s good for everyone around you.