If the testimonies from Women in Solar+ Europe 2025 have taught us anything, it is that inclusive leadership is not a concept to be debated; it is a daily practice that must be lived. At a time when traditional leadership models are proving insufficient for the complexities of today’s energy transition, the need to reimagine the way we lead has never been clearer. Beyond policies and promises, leadership reveals itself in behavior: who is trusted, who is promoted, who is heard, and who feels psychologically safe enough to show up fully to work. Get over this pv magazine series 2025, professionals in different career phases and leadership levels talked about how inclusion becomes reality, not through slogans, but through conscious, sometimes uncomfortable, choices. Their stories point to a leadership evolution rooted not only in authority, but also in consciousness, courage and caring.
Leadership starts with self-awareness
Many contributors identified inner work as the true starting point of inclusive leadership. Maria Ardila, construction manager at Cubico Sustainable Investments, indicated that “this sector is built on a vibrant, multicultural workforce, which makes daily collaboration enriching and inspiring. Working with diverse teams drives innovation, broadens perspectives and promotes creative problem-solving.”
Jessica Klein, Head of Regulatory Renewables EU & Germany at RWE, echoed this evolution, noting that “breaking barriers in this area requires both self-reflection and the courage to face unconscious biases, mine and those embedded in our systems. One of the most powerful lessons I have learned is that leadership is not about being the loudest voice; it is about creating space for others to shine. Especially those whose potential is not yet fully recognized.” Her experience illustrates a growing understanding that leadership effectiveness is increasing. when space is created for collective intelligence. In rapidly changing industries, innovation does not depend on a single voice, but on environments where diverse perspectives are encouraged and valued.
Courage, small actions and trust
Inclusion requires courage, especially in systems that change slowly. Ksenia Dray, Global Solar Leader at RES, described the moments when speaking out felt risky yet essential: “Today, as a senior leader, I see it as my responsibility to foster an inclusive culture within my organization. I believe in equal opportunities regardless of gender, race or background. As a manager, I have always focused on fairness and supporting employees based on their skills and motivation.” Psychological safety does not happen by accident; it is built through repeated actions that show people that they will not be punished for speaking honestly.
Maria Gil, EU Business Development at SolarGred, shared the importance of small actions to create those safe environments: “I’ve worked with managers and colleagues who valued inclusivity and gave me room to grow, even in organizations that weren’t always as advanced as they could have been. Those experiences showed me the power of inclusive leadership on an individual level, and how a single leader can set the tone for an entire team.” Inclusive leadership is supported in everyday decisions, in the way feedback is given, how mistakes are handled and how credit is shared.
Trust also emerged as a powerful leadership ability rather than a soft add-on. Hollie Carek, UK Country Manager at OpenSolar shared the importance of embedding inclusivity into strategies and values: “Consistent and visible demonstration of DEI from the top down creates a safe and inclusive culture within an organization.” When psychological safety is intentionally nurtured, it becomes a catalyst for engagement, creativity and resilience.
A new definition of power and responsibility
Several testimonials challenged narrow leadership archetypes that still dominate many organizations. Gemma Buckley, Chief Legal Officer at Solarport, indicated that “companies with diverse leadership are 25% more likely to be profitable. In an industry that is building new systems and institutions, we have a unique opportunity to design equity from the ground up rather than retrofit it into existing structures.” This reframing is especially relevant in high-pressure, growth-driven sectors such as renewable energy, where speed is often confused with strength.
By expanding our definition of leadership success, organizations unlock talent that might otherwise be overlooked. Innovation thrives when leaders allow authenticity and vulnerability. Jesús Alijarde, CEO of Iber Sostenibilidad, emphasized that “as I took on more responsibility, both professionally and personally, I realized how much I still had to unlearn and relearn. One of the first prejudices I faced was the idea of men as protectors of women. It may sound noble, but in practice it reinforces inequality. I also had to change the way I communicated, moving away from the harsh, commanding tone that I once thought was necessary was.” His perspective emphasizes a shift from zero-sum thinking to shared responsibility.
Leading to the future
What emerges from these voices is a vision of leadership grounded in intention, self-awareness and continuous growth. Inclusive leaders don’t wait for perfect conditions or complete frameworks; they act within imperfect systems and make conscious efforts to become better versions of themselves while empowering others to do the same.
As the energy transition accelerates, the sector will need leaders who are able to handle not only the technical complexity, but also the human dynamics. This year’s testimonies remind us that inclusive leadership is not an end point; it is an ongoing journey shaped by listening, learning and courage. Frank Niendorf, Vice President of Europe at Jinko Solar, reinforced this view, noting that “leadership is about creating spaces where every individual feels empowered to contribute. Adopting a more inclusive leadership approach has enabled me to build stronger teams and a more supportive workplace culture where talent from all backgrounds can thrive.” These reflections confirm that inclusion strengthens rather than diminishes leadership capacity, creating an environment that enables better decisions and better outcomes.
As we step into the new year, these stories provide both guidance and inspiration. Leadership that evolves, that creates psychological safety and that embraces inclusion as a daily practice. Today’s leaders are shaping tomorrow’s legacy through the cultures they build, the voices they raise, and the courage they show to lead alongside humanity. That legacy will determine not only how we transform our energy systems, but also who benefits from that transition and how sustainable it truly becomes, for everyone.
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