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Risks, but no regrets, for Souder

Georgia Power environmental worker's story featured in best-selling book

Maria Souder was once in the midst of an exciting and challenging tenure in Generation, on a structured career path she hoped would land her in the top spot at a Southern Company plant.

"The steps you have to take to become a plant manager are very well-defined, very methodical," she recently reflected. "That suited me, because my background is in engineering and I've always been someone who likes to plan with a clear goal in mind."

Taking risks was never part of her grand plan, until two years ago, when she moved to a position in Georgia Power Environmental Affairs.

Souder recently shared her story with the authors of Womenomics: Write Your Own Rules for Success, and is quoted in the New York Times best-seller. The book, written by journalists Claire Shipman and Katty Kay, examines the "largely hidden power that women have in today's marketplace."

Souder was introduced to Shipman, of "Good Morning America" fame, through a mutual friend.

"She interviewed me and I shared my experiences with her and she shared some of her work/life experiences with me," Souder said.

In the book, she talks about how becoming a mother made her re-evaluate some of her professional decisions and goals. The decision to leave Generation was a tough one, she told Shipman:

"I was very scared, because I was stepping out from a structure that I knew. You have expertise and achievement and then all of a sudden you put the brakes on and change directions. And I think that was probably a shock, maybe to some other people as well."

She has no regrets. Souder is currently a team leader in compliance support, a role she finds challenging and meaningful. She is also working on a law degree at Georgia State University.