Rupert Wade

Rupert Wade is an entrepreneur, engineer, and speaker whose career bridges the worlds of nuclear engineering, utilities, consulting, and education technology. With a foundation in both finance and engineering, he brings a unique perspective to solving complex challenges while empowering others to unlock their full potential.

Engineering Leadership at Con Edison

A vision-driven leader with more than seven years of engineering expertise in nuclear power and regulated utilities, Rupert currently serves as a Section Manager at Con Edison, one of the largest energy companies in the United States. In this role, he provides strategic leadership and technical oversight for the engineering and design of steam plant assets and projects. His work spans emergency power systems, power generation, transmission, distribution, and equipment reliability, where he has earned a reputation for operational excellence, safety, and compliance.

Rupert’s leadership philosophy is built on fostering collaboration, integrity, and growth within his teams. He guides high-performing engineers and designers while ensuring safety protocols, environmental standards, and regulatory requirements are rigorously upheld. Beyond operations, he contributes to long-term strategic planning by collaborating on Con Edison’s five-year capital budget and representing the company on key industry committees. His responsibilities extend into program management, root cause analysis, and continuous process improvement, all of which demonstrate his ability to blend technical expertise with big-picture vision.

Entrepreneurial Vision: Founder of Applaud

Yet Rupert’s impact extends well beyond the utility sector. As the founder of Applaud, he is redefining workforce readiness in an era shaped by artificial intelligence. Applaud provides innovative workshops and assessments designed to equip students and professionals with the adaptability, critical thinking, and life skills needed for the future of work. This venture reflects Rupert’s deep passion for human potential and his commitment to helping others thrive in rapidly changing environments.

Funding Strategies & Startup Mentorship

In addition to his corporate and entrepreneurial work, Rupert has developed expertise in funding strategies for innovation and guiding new founders through the startup process. Drawing on his background in finance and engineering, he helps entrepreneurs identify sustainable funding pathways—whether through venture capital, grants, or strategic partnerships—while aligning resources with long-term vision.

As a mentor, Rupert works with early-stage founders to refine their business models, cultivate resilience, and navigate the challenges of building organizations from the ground up. He is passionate about demystifying the startup journey, offering practical insights on everything from investor relations to scaling operations. His guidance empowers others to transform innovative ideas into viable ventures, reinforcing his broader mission of helping people realize their potential.

Inspiring Others Through Speaking

As a speaker, Rupert delivers engaging talks on resourcefulness, adaptability, and human potential. Drawing from his journey as a first-generation college graduate, he connects authentically with audiences, inspiring them to see challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities to grow and lead. His message is simple yet powerful: creativity, discipline, and perseverance can unlock extraordinary results.

Key Skills and Expertise

Strategic Leadership & Program Management – Oversight of engineering and design for steam plant assets, guiding high-performing teams with integrity and collaboration.
Safety, Compliance & Reliability – Champion of rigorous safety protocols and regulatory adherence, ensuring operational excellence in power systems.
Technical Mastery – Deep expertise in emergency power systems, steam plant operations, electrical systems, and problem-solving under high-stakes conditions.
Innovation & Workforce Development – Founder of Applaud, pioneering initiatives in workforce readiness and professional development.
Funding & Mentorship – Skilled in innovation funding strategies, investor engagement, and guiding startups from concept to execution.
Inspiration & Mentorship – Dynamic speaker and mentor passionate about resourcefulness, adaptability, and unleashing human potential.

A Modern Leader

Through every endeavor, Rupert Wade exemplifies the qualities of a modern leader: technically adept, entrepreneurially bold, and deeply committed to empowering people and organizations to realize their highest potential.