Juliet Murphy Roulhac is the Director of External Affairs for Florida Power & Light Company. Ms. Roulhac manages governmental and community relations with elected officials and major stakeholders and develops regional strategies for the company. She is an attorney with over twenty years of complex business litigation and appellate experience.
Roulhac has achieved a peer-based reputation as a recognized leader in her profession and community, serving on many state and local boards, including the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance as Chair and the Greater Ft. Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce as Past-Chair. She has been invited to speak throughout the country due to her expertise in law, lobbying and philanthropy. She has received several national, regional and local awards, has been recognized as one of the “100 Most Influential African-Americans in South Florida, and holds the distinction of inclusion on the South Florida Business Journal’s List of South Florida’s 2019 Power Leaders 250.”
Favorite quote: There is no right way to do the wrong thing.
Fun fact: As a young child, I was the Colgate toothpaste radio voice personality for radio ads.
How do you unwind after a long day of work? Walking my dog and nightly teatime. Walking my dog allows me to be outdoors, with fresh air and clear my head. Sipping tea relaxes me.
What challenges have you faced in your career, and how did you overcome them? Primarily satisfying my personal need to continually grow and learn. I never stopped enjoying what I was doing, but felt I could be doing more. I developed a series of goals and plans and followed them. The goal was not necessarily a specific role, but increasing my visibility and knowledge of options. This approach led me to change to my current role.
What has been the most monumental moment of your career thus far? Being appointed by Governor Rick Scott to the University of Florida Board of Trustees. I learned about the opportunity the day before the 30-page application was due. I had to complete the application in less than a day and after hours. Based on timing, I was unable to secure permission to participate – 10 – 14 days out of the office if I was selected, so had to ask permission after submitting the application. I made the finalists, was interviewed by Governor Scott and was appointed. I was later told that it was one of the most competitive appointments to a university board. It also gained me some internal recognition by senior leadership.
Who are your role models? Maya Angelou – I find her to be one of the most elegant, resilient and profound people of our time. I also love her poetry. I write poems myself and she inspires me.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten? Don’t show your fear – I am resolved to appear calm and make it work. I have determined that if it can be done, I can do it.
What advice would you give a young woman at the start of her career? Believe in yourself and engage. Do not doubt your abilities and involve yourself with diverse opportunities.
How has being a woman impacted your career? It has often been an advantage – I work harder than my colleagues and deliver better results. When you are underestimated, people are often shocked when you excel.
