This week, women in Solar Europe (WISEU) give a voice to Josef Kastner, the CEO of Austria -based Nexun. He says that professional decisions should be based on skills, not on gender. “Social expectations influence leadership styles, but honesty is non-conservable. Everyone deserves the same rights and opportunities,” he explains.
The solar industry is at a crucial moment, but gender parity remains elusive. More women must become members of industry and strive for leadership roles, while men in leadership have to actively recruit and promote women.
Bias, both consciously and unconsciously, influences the acceptance and promotions. People prefer colleagues with similar backgrounds, making it more difficult for diverse talent to break through. Differences in education also form career paths and leadership options. But industrial standards must evolve. Hiring and promotion must only focus on talent, so that equal opportunities are guaranteed for everyone.
For male leaders, an ally requires his unlearn assumptions. Although friendships can be formed by common interests, professional decisions are based on skills, not gender. Social expectations influence leadership styles, but honesty is non-consumable. Everyone deserves the same rights and opportunities. My belief in inclusion started at school and university and of course expanded to my career. I don’t think it’s hard to understand that there are many great women around us.
For men in leadership, the best advice is simple: choose the best talent. Systemic change requires long -term commitment, in particular because authoritarian thinking riches are popping up again. Democracy, human rights and equality must remain priorities.
Building various teams sometimes actively requires the recruitment of women. Although some technical roles are dominated by men, women are more common in finance and legal. Resistance to Dei is not a problem in my company, but I once confronted a senior male colleague who wrongly challenged a female manager. I was very straight and made it clear to him that I do not accept any form of incorrect behavior. Leadership means standing up for honesty.
Renewable energy professionals are driven by responsibility for the planet and society, making the sector an ideal space for inclusiveness. Various teams improve creativity, problem solving and success. Some colleagues are goal-oriented, while others provide team cohesion diversity strengthens the workplaces.
Leadership may not be determined by gender, but women often excel in communication and bring a people -oriented approach. My business partner, Chloe Durieux, adds this valuable perspective. Having a woman in leadership has also helped us attract female talent. For example, we have hired a skilled female GIS expert who left a men-dominated environment. This ability to recruit diverse talent gives us a competitive advantage.
To inspire young women to become a member of the solar industry, I advise them to know their values, to trust their skills and find the right environment. Energy is essential for our future, and solar energy is the cheapest, most sustainable source that is available. The solar industry can show the way in inclusiveness, which shows that the future of energy is not only renewable – it is diverse, fair and inclusive.
Since January 2023, Josef Kastner has been a partner and CEO of Nexun Holding and led the development and installation of Solar and Battery Energy Storage System (Bess) projects in Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain. Earlier, from 2014 to 2022, they served as CEO of Europe at Renesola Ltd. (Emeren), so that with a photovoltaic business development with more than 2.7 GW of projects in several European countries, they are. He and his team secured 171 MW in Polish auctions and led EPC activities, and installed 322 MW of solar capacity in the UK, Poland, Hungary and Turkey. In addition, M&A transactions, project financing and investor relationships managed. From 2004 to 2014, as CEO of Alpine Green Energia and head of the Renewable Energy business unit, he supervised wind, solar and biomass projects, with 800 MW of wind installations throughout Europe and 400 MW of wind and solar energy in Poland, Romania and Bulgaris. He also led EPC, R&M and sales departments while shaping national strategies and partnerships.
Interested in the member of the leaders and experts from other women in the industry at women in Solar Europe? More information: www.wiseu.network
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