In an era defined by rapid industrial transformation, energy transition, and the relentless globalization of technical talent, the leaders shaping the future of engineering and investment are not merely reacting to change—they are architecting it. At the forefront of this shift stands Lauren Thew, President & CEO of Bluestone Group, a global technical-services powerhouse, specializing in technical staff augmentation, engineering consulting, and general contracting that has quietly emerged as a strategic enabler for Fortune 500 companies navigating complex, high-stakes projects across continents.

With the global Energy Engineering Services Outsourcing (ESO) market valued at over US$662 billion in 2024 and projected to cross US$1.3 trillion by 2035, demand for specialized technical expertise is accelerating at a pace never seen before. As industries—from nuclear to renewables and conventional energy—undertake massive modernization, digitalization, and decarbonization efforts, the ability to deploy the right skillsets, at scale, across geographies has become a decisive competitive advantage. In this landscape, Bluestone Group’s global network of 50,000+ available technical specialists and their leaderships track record of US$500 million+  in providing technical services delivered positions the company as a critical infrastructure partner in the new industrial age.

But scale alone is not what sets Bluestone apart. It is the clarity of vision and technical depth brought in by Lauren Thew—a leader with more than 16 years of nuclear and energy-sector expertise, known for applying strategic precision, operational foresight, and a deep understanding of emerging energy paradigms. Her leadership is emblematic of the new generation of global business visionaries: those who combine domain mastery with an ability to anticipate global shifts in energy, regulation, and workforce dynamics.

As the world accelerates toward ambitious sustainability targets and trillion-dollar investments in energy infrastructure, leaders like Lauren Thew are not just guiding their organizations—they are actively shaping the contours of global growth. This cover story explores how she is redefining what technical excellence, global talent mobility, and future-ready engineering support truly means in a world that demands both resilience and reinvention.

The Values That Built a Leader

Lauren’s 16 year long impactful career has been standing tall on three pillars: integrity, excellence, and perseverance.

Integrity because in high-stakes industries like nuclear energy, there’s no room for shortcuts or half-truths.

Excellence because the work we do affects national security, energy infrastructure, and public safety—good enough simply isn’t acceptable.

And perseverance because this industry tests you repeatedly, and success requires pushing through challenges that would make many people quit.

“My military service instilled these values early.”

Two tours in Iraq as Military Police taught Lauren Thew about leadership under pressure, the importance of mission focus, and how to maintain standards even in the most difficult circumstances. Those lessons have served her throughout her civilian career.

Building Impact Through SDVOSB, VOSB, & WOSB Leadership

These certifications aren’t just business development tools—they’re authentic expressions of who Lauren is and what she values. As a veteran, Lauren understands the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian careers. Bluestone Group’s SDVOSB and VOSB certifications position them to create opportunities for other veterans, which is crucial for the company and its legacy.

The WOSB certification reflects Lauren’s commitment to expanding opportunities for women in business and in industries where women remain underrepresented. “I want young women entering the energy sector to see that leadership is accessible, that they belong, and that their perspectives are valuable,” she reflects.

These certifications also align with her belief in building businesses that create positive social impact alongside financial success. “We can be profitable while opening doors for communities that have faced systemic barriers. That’s not just good values—it’s good business strategy.”

Managing Risk and Leading with Precision

In high-stakes sectors like nuclear, energy, and large-scale infrastructure, leadership isn’t just about making decisions—it’s about making the right decisions under immense pressure. At this level, risk isn’t an abstract concept; it’s a daily reality that demands discipline, foresight, and accountability.

Leadership at this scale requires clarity, communication, and decisiveness. You must set clear objectives, empower your team to execute, and maintain accountability throughout. “I believe in building strong teams and then trusting them while maintaining oversight on critical metrics and milestones,” she notes.

Risk management in nuclear and energy projects means being proactive rather than reactive. Lauren’s team identifies potential issues early, develop mitigation strategies, and maintain open communication channels so problems surface quickly. “I’ve learned that the worst risks are the ones you don’t talk about, so I’ve cultivated a culture where people feel comfortable raising concerns,” she adds.

Accountability, in her leadership philosophy, begins at the top. Lauren believes that when a project falters, the responsibility first rests with the leader—not the team. By owning outcomes, she creates a culture of trust, transparency, and high performance. Her teams know she will stand behind them, support their decisions, and take responsibility when challenges arise. This clarity of ownership empowers people to perform confidently and consistently at their best.

Inside Bluestone Group: Engineering Excellence With Purpose

Bluestone Group stands as a specialized technical staff augmentation partner within the nuclear and broader energy sectors, and Lauren Thew has shaped it with a clear mission: elevate the standards of technical excellence in some of the world’s most demanding industries. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, the company operates as an SDVOSB, VOSB, and WOSB certified organization—credentials that reflect both its identity and its commitment to expanding opportunities for veterans and women in engineering and energy.

Lauren explains that Bluestone’s differentiation lies in its deep, hands-on understanding of nuclear construction, Department of Energy programs, and high-complexity engineering projects. “We don’t simply fill positions—we deliver strategic technical expertise,” she says. This philosophy guides every engagement, ensuring that Bluestone’s talent solutions directly strengthen project performance, safety, and regulatory alignment.

Since founding the company, Lauren has prioritized a quality-driven approach. Bluestone focuses on targeted placements, long-term relationships, and a rigorous standard of technical proficiency. Today, the company’s portfolio spans 38 U.S. states and 3 countries, supporting major nuclear builds, DOE facilities, and critical energy infrastructure.

Bluestone Group’s growth reflects both its capabilities and its values—precision, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to advancing industries where expertise truly matters.

Breaking Through Barriers in a High-Stakes Industry

Launching Bluestone Group in an industry as specialized and relationship-driven as nuclear and energy staffing came with significant early challenges. Lauren recalls that entering a space dominated by long-established players meant proving her firm’s value from the very first engagement. Clients in nuclear construction, DOE facilities, and complex engineering environments demand not only technical excellence but also personnel with the right certifications, clearances, and mindset. “We had to show immediately that we could deliver talent capable of meeting the strict standards these projects require,” she notes.

From the outside, Bluestone was a small, emerging business. Internally, however, Lauren was building a company with the discipline, precision, and mission focus shaped by her military background. Yet, establishing credibility with Fortune 500 companies and federal agencies remained an uphill climb. While SDVOSB, VOSB, and WOSB certifications opened crucial doors, they were not enough on their own.

Bluestone had to demonstrate—repeatedly—that they could perform at the same level as firms ten times their size. Through flawless execution and unwavering commitment to quality, the company steadily earned trust, proving that a values-driven small business could excel in one of the most demanding technical sectors in the world.

Defining the Turning Point and the Foundation of Sustained Success

The inflection point for Bluestone Group came when the company secured its first major contract with a Department of Energy facility—an achievement Lauren Thew describes as the moment everything aligned. For her, that project was more than a contract; it was validation that Bluestone’s processes, talent network, and commitment to excellence could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with far larger competitors. From an industry perspective, this milestone instantly elevated Bluestone’s credibility. In nuclear and energy circles, success travels fast, and strong performance on a high-profile DOE project opened doors the company hadn’t even imagined.

Bluestone’s trajectory accelerated further when it was recognized as the 2023 Small Business of the Year and later named among the Top Construction Staffing Companies of 2024. These accolades served as powerful trust markers, reinforcing Bluestone’s reputation for delivering exceptional results in complex, high-stakes environments.

When asked what drives the company’s long-term success, Lauren is clear: integrity, expertise, and relationships. She leads with the belief that in industries where safety, security, and regulatory compliance are non-negotiable, clients must trust that every contractor Bluestone deploys understands the gravity of their mission. The company’s emphasis on technical excellence is matched by a genuine focus on people—a value Lauren attributes to her military background, where the success of the mission depended on the strength of the team.

Bluestone’s SDVOSB, VOSB, and WOSB certifications further strengthen its competitive edge, aligning its capabilities with federal priorities while expanding opportunities for diverse suppliers. But as Lauren often notes, the certifications open the door—consistent performance keeps it open. By investing in contractor development, supporting long-term client goals, and fostering partnerships rather than transactions, Bluestone Group has built a legacy of repeat business, referrals, and results that speak for themselves.

Leading Through Complexity: Strategies for a New Era of Leadership

In today’s environment, leaders are navigating a level of complexity unlike anything seen before. Rapid technological disruption, shifting workforce expectations, geopolitical volatility, and increasing demands for transparency have created a landscape where decision-making is both faster and more consequential. Within the nuclear and energy sectors, these pressures are amplified by acute talent shortages, evolving regulatory requirements, and the uncompromising need to maintain safety and compliance at all times.

Lauren believes the most effective response begins with authenticity. People instinctively recognize genuine leadership, and trust becomes a powerful stabilizer in uncertain times. She recommends being transparent about challenges, engaging teams in problem-solving, and acknowledging that no leader has all the answers. Some of her strongest decisions, she notes, have come from listening to frontline experts who see operational realities with clarity.

Another essential strategy is investing deeply in people. In a market where specialized talent is scarce and competition is fierce, organizations that prioritize development, mentorship, and clear career progression will continue to outperform. For Lauren, caring about employees isn’t a soft skill—it’s a strategic advantage. When people feel valued, supported, and aligned with a company’s mission, they deliver exceptional results, strengthening both culture and long-term success.

Bluestone Group’s Specialized Solutions

Bluestone Group has built its reputation as a trusted technical partner for some of the most demanding and highly regulated sectors in the world. Their products and services are engineered to support complex nuclear, energy, and federal infrastructure projects with unmatched precision, compliance, and reliability.

Core Specializations

• Technical Staff Augmentation — Bluestone provides highly skilled professionals to support nuclear construction, DOE/DOD programs, and large-scale engineering initiatives.
• Engineering & Project Support — Expertise across mechanical, electrical, civil, structural, I&C, and project management disciplines.
• Quality & Compliance — Support in quality assurance, regulatory compliance, licensing, and documentation—critical for nuclear and energy environments.
• Safety & Radiation Protection — Providing qualified health physics and radiation protection professionals.
• Specialized Technical Trades — Deployment of certified technicians and craft roles required for high-risk and high-precision projects.

Technology-Driven Efficiency

• Centralized digital systems for internal management, communication, and compliance tracking streamline operations for clients and contractors.
• Advanced talent-matching technology helps Bluestone maintain a nationwide—and expanding global—network of nuclear-cleared and industry-qualified specialists.
• Real-time documentation and reporting tools ensure project transparency, reducing risk and enhancing regulatory readiness.

With deep sector expertise and technology-enabled delivery, Bluestone Group ensures clients receive not just talent — but complete technical excellence tailored to the demands of America’s most mission-critical projects.

Redefining Agility and Innovation in High-Stakes Industries”

In sectors as complex and highly regulated as nuclear, energy, and engineering, traditional staffing models often fall short. “I’ve always believed the industry needed a more precise, relationship-driven approach—one that prioritizes technical alignment and long-term value over transactional placements. That belief became the foundation of how Bluestone Group operates. We disrupt the status quo by taking the time to understand each client’s specific technical demands, culture, and strategic objectives, then delivering professionals who integrate seamlessly and elevate project performance from day one.”

Bluestone’s clients often say that what sets the company apart is its agility. Nuclear and energy projects evolve rapidly, and the ability to pivot without compromising quality is rare. “Under my leadership, Bluestone has built systems and processes that allow us to scale teams quickly, respond to emerging challenges, and maintain absolute rigor across safety, regulatory, and performance standards. This operational agility has become one of our strongest competitive advantages.”

Staying innovative requires staying connected to what’s happening across the industry. “I’m actively engaged with the American Nuclear Society, industry peers, and strategic forums like the Forbes Business Council, where cross-sector insights often spark new ideas and solutions. At the same time, Bluestone remains deeply grounded in the realities of its clients. Their challenges guide our strategy; their feedback shapes our evolution. This combination—external visibility and internal attentiveness—ensures we remain competitive, adaptive, and always positioned ahead of industry shifts.”

A Legacy of Integrity, Impact, and Technical Credibility

For Lauren Thew, legacy has never been about personal accolades—it has always been about people, purpose, and lasting impact. She speaks often about wanting to be remembered as a leader who created meaningful opportunities for veterans and young professionals, who championed nuclear energy even when it wasn’t the popular choice, and who proved that strong business outcomes and principled leadership can—and should—coexist. Her journey reflects this commitment. Throughout her career, she has advocated for workforce development, diversity, and industry advancement, making her a respected voice in energy innovation and corporate growth.

At the core of her leadership philosophy is credibility—something she believes is earned through competence, humility, and unwavering consistency. Lauren has invested deeply in understanding the technical intricacies of the nuclear and energy sectors, recognizing that effective leadership in high-stakes environments demands more than strategy; it requires respect for the work itself. Colleagues frequently note her ability to surround herself with experts, listen to their insights, and empower them to lead within their domains. This balance of strategic oversight and trust fosters high-performing teams and strengthens her influence across technical landscapes.

In industries where safety, compliance, and precision are non-negotiable, Lauren’s insistence on process discipline and refusal to cut corners set the tone for her teams. She leads by example—through resilience, transparency, and a commitment to excellence that endured even through personal trials like her battle with cancer. It is this combination of perseverance, authenticity, and technical respect that defines her leadership today—and the legacy she continues to build.

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