How a young engineer found a career with real purpose
Janhavi was initially attracted by Powerlink’s five-year engineering graduate program, but soon discovered so much more. She not only found the space to transform how she saw herself, but also the platform to evolve into a leader with incredible heart and care. Now, as Team Leader, Telecommunication System Design, Janhavi mentors others to help them reach their potential.
Finding her place
A large mural covers one wall next to our head office cafeteria in Virginia. Composed of 1,020 multi-coloured origami butterflies arranged in a Pride flag, it signifies belonging to many Powerlink team members. For Janhavi, it's also a reminder of how much she has achieved since joining us.
When Janhavi started as a Development Engineer in our Graduate Program in 2016, she figured she’d play to her strengths and focus on growing her technical skillset. However, her rotation into a project management role opened her eyes to the impact of leadership and collaboration beyond the technical space. Four years into her journey at Powerlink, Janhavi recognised an opportunity to make a wider impact. Together with a colleague, she co-founded the Pride and Power Group, an employee-led network dedicated to increasing the visibility and inclusion of LGBTQI+ employees.
“The butterfly mural was one of our most memorable creations as a group. Hundreds of people came together to bring it to life. It was a great activity to share with everyone, with many even taking the origami paper home to fold with their families, sparking meaningful conversations and building awareness beyond the workplace. A colleague once told me that when he saw the mural on his orientation day, he thought, ‘This might be the first workplace where I can truly be myself’. Hearing that was profoundly moving because that’s exactly what we set out to create—a workplace where everyone feels they belong.”
For Janhavi, her experiences leading the Pride group confirmed that Powerlink’s culture is one she wants to be a part of.
“I’m really proud of the culture we’ve built. We know it’s an ongoing journey, but it’s a safe place for people to bring their whole selves to work. You don’t have to edit yourself to succeed here and you’ll have a community around you.”
It was also a deeply transformative experience for Janhavi.
“Being part of building the Pride group pushed me to grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated. It helped me develop greater confidence, clarity, and a stronger sense of self—both personally and professionally.”
Becoming a mentor
Back in 2015, Janhavi, who was living in New Zealand at the time, had no idea where her Powerlink journey would take her. However, after attending a course taught by a Powerlink staff member in Auckland, Janhavi became interested in the organisation’s commitment to learning and development. Little did she know, this chance encounter would spark a journey full of growth and unexpected opportunities.
“What really drew me to Powerlink was the unique five-year graduate program, which is unparalleled in the industry. You have the opportunity to rotate through the business and understand how it all functions, which is a massive privilege.
There’s multiple pathways: Technical, functional and leadership - and the number of people who will go out of their way to support you and help you achieve your best is phenomenal. I hadn’t really planned on leaving NZ, but the program drew me in and I haven’t looked back since,” Janhavi says.
Having gained so much knowledge herself, and coming from a family of teachers, Janhavi has naturally gravitated towards mentoring others. Building on her experiences co-founding the Pride group, she has expanded how she sees herself - from a technical whiz to a leader and mentor.
“Chairing Pride in Power was my first formal leadership role, and it was an incredible experience. That really cemented what I see myself doing, wanting to make a bigger impact as a leader. It truly helped set my path.”
Now, as Team Leader, Telecommunication System Design, Janhavi is known for taking graduates under her wing. Drawing on her own journey, she understands the challenges that come with building confidence. Through coaching, encouragement and constructive challenging, she continually supports her team to develop leadership skills and back themselves.
“It’s really rewarding, being able to support and mentor people and to create a lasting impact on their personal and professional growth.”
Powering the future
When most of us think of the electricity industry, we think of powerlines and transmission towers. But power plants and electricity generators need to send and receive signals to be connected to the market. This is where Janhavi and her team in Telecommunication Systems Design come in.
Janhavi’s team develops the telecommunications infrastructure to support the safe and reliable operation of our high voltage network, allowing operators to remotely monitor, protect and control plant that’s often located hundreds of kilometres away! The team also prepares and delivers the design solutions needed for each new renewable energy connection. It’s a role that Janhavi finds incredibly meaningful.
“What really drives me is connecting to that purpose, which is working towards the decarbonisation of the energy sector. That’s something that’s kept me here and definitely drives me personally. I really want to be able to leave a better legacy for the next generation. It’s incredibly exciting that I get to play a part in that transformation.”
Janhavi highlights that for 150 years, our power system grew steadily, but now we’re on the brink of something extraordinary. In just the next few decades, the network will nearly double in size—connecting everything from residential rooftop solar panels to vast solar and wind farms.
“It’s a time of real transformation. As we shift our energy profile to decarbonise, we face significant technical challenges. It’s a complex puzzle, but one full of opportunity. I’m proud to see Powerlink leading this change. Together, we’re building a better, more sustainable world for the next generation.”