Interview with Nicole Cook, Chief of Staff Panasonic North America

Nicole Cook

“Never stop learning, and always be curious”

Nicole Cook


This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

This month, we feature Nicole Cook, Chief of Staff at Panasonic North America, who shares her professional journey, insights, and experiences. With a background in mechanical engineering and extensive experience in the energy sector, Nicole offers a unique perspective on leadership and innovation in clean energy technology.

Nicole Cook graduated as a mechanical engineer from the University of Mississippi and worked in the oil and gas industry for 11 years. In 2017, she transitioned to clean energy technology, joining Tesla during the launch of the Model 3. For the past five years, she has been with Panasonic, where she established their program management team and now serves as Chief of Staff, focusing on strategic initiatives.

For Nicole, personal success is about maintaining balance and being present at home without stress. Professionally, it’s about achieving goals and making a positive impact -Celebrating small wins while keeping the big picture in mind.  Developing her communication style was crucial to Nicole’s success. At Panasonic, she practices respectful courage, strategically offering her perspective in group settings and focusing on relationship management to achieve common business goals, has also been vital.

Nicole is committed to lifelong learning, staying informed through books, articles, and industry news. She believes continuous learning is vital for professional growth, as exemplified by her role with the Nevada Battery Coalition, where she has gained insights into the supply chain. She believes that lithium-ion batteries will continue to be the leaders in safety and performance for electric vehicles. She notes that the industry is evolving with an emphasis on improving the driving and charging experience while prioritizing sustainability and environmental impact.

Nicole has faced challenges common to women in technical fields.  Over her 20-year career she has seen significant changes, largely due to the influence of social media. She emphasizes the importance of speaking out and educating others on the impact of their behavior, hoping her daughter will be more courageous in this regard and her son will embrace diversity.

Nicole approaches leadership from a coaching perspective, providing guidance and feedback rather than managing a team directly. She values diversity of thought and encourages the younger generation to voice their opinions in their own style.