This week, Women in Solar Europe (WiSEu) gives the voice to Elina Kivelä, chief of staff of Swedish Turn Energy. She says companies should implement mandatory physical training, daily wellness hours, great parental leave benefits, health checks and a hybrid work model. “This is crucial for balancing family life, something we know women often struggle with the most,” she says.
The solar industry is an innovative and fast-growing field, offering the opportunity to be a pioneering leader in driving gender equality and diversity. Structured mentorship programs, professional growth opportunities and encouraging female leadership at all levels will help pave the way for more women to join and stay in the industry. I am deeply inspired by other women working in typically male-dominated companies, which has given me the strength to believe in my own success.
At Turn Energy, we are proud that 50% of C-suite positions are filled by women, and on average we are 40% female across the company. Yet we have encountered challenges finding women for specific roles, especially in more technical positions. Women are making their mark, especially in leadership, ESG, marketing, legal and finance, but are still underrepresented in engineering, construction and maintenance roles. Historically, many of the applicants for these positions have been male, highlighting a gap in finding women in technical fields.
To address this situation, we have taken proactive steps. We have partnered with an external recruitment agency, have actively worked to improve our employee branding and have worked extensively on our company culture to make it attractive to everyone, as we have many roles beyond engineering and construction.
We’ve implemented mandatory physical training, daily wellness hours, great parental leave benefits, health checks, and a hybrid work model. This is crucial for balancing family life, something we know women often struggle with the most. We are the pioneers in our industry and at the forefront of shaping the modern workplace in the solar industry. These efforts have enabled us to successfully identify and recruit more talented women to our teams, strengthening our commitment to diversity and inclusion across all business areas.
Many things are needed to bring about real change in the sector. A good start is for courageous industry leaders to offer opportunities beyond typical job descriptions or qualifications, ensure pay equity, promote inclusive cultures, and encourage women not to hesitate to enter or advance. in sectors where they see no role models. Be a role model and change will come.
Fortunately, my colleagues and managers at Turn Energy have been incredibly supportive and given me the space and opportunities to grow and find my way within the company. I have found that my contributions are respected and my leadership is appreciated.
My ability to lead and operate in uncertain environments as a retail leader during the pandemic was invaluable in launching my career in this industry. The transition to renewable energy was a natural fit, combining my leadership and strategic skills with my passion for sustainability and my interest in solar energy and environmental conservation.
I encourage younger colleagues to embrace the sector’s opportunities with confidence. If you are passionate about the environment and want to work for a meaningful cause, renewable energy sources are the way to go. With the right curiosity and a quick learning mentality, anyone can succeed, with or without industry-specific experience. Believe in your abilities, find a great manager and be resilient! The industry needs diverse voices to push boundaries and create meaningful change. Remember that your unique perspective is a strength. Be brave and just get started!
Elina Kivelä is chief of staff at Turn Energy AB. With extensive experience in leadership, business development and administration in the retail and tourism industries, she now works closely with the CEO and management team to develop, refine and execute strategic initiatives. Her career began as an executive assistant to the CEO, and she quickly transitioned to a senior position, acting as a strategic advisor and confidant to the CEO, liaison between management, team members and external stakeholders, and responsible for building a strong corporate culture full of passion, solidarity, winning mentality and courage. Elina is passionate about fostering positive and meaningful relationships, leading with empathy and authenticity and paving the way for a more diverse, equal and inclusive solar industry.
Interested in participating Elina Kivela and other female leaders and industry experts at Women in Solar Europe? More information: www.wiseu.network
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