This week, women in Solar Europe (Wisu) give a voice to Hilagarde McCarville, CEO of the British Anesco. She believes that the developing renewable industry offers a huge opportunity for women, and also for leadership teams to actively help stimulate the transition to greater diversity and fairness.
I started my career in the early 2000s, when women were good for about 9% of the worldwide workforce of the sector. It was the Dotcom era, with an exponential growth quarter on a quarter, with rapid innovation and change, which greatly appreciates huge opportunities for self-development, with technical competence and strong working ethics.
Looking back, despite the low feminization rate, I had no shortage of role models, surrounded by inspiring women who hold prominent positions; From operational directors to that project management that manage advanced programs and global launches.
After almost a decade I moved to utilities and joined a European injection company whose focus was on long-term customer relationships and consistent services of high quality. Although both sectors were technical, the cultural differences could no longer be pronounced.
In utilities I saw first hand the scarcity of ecological resources – whether it is clean air, water or energy – and the need for transformation. Clean, safe, affordable energy is an important piece of the puzzle and the renewable energy sources sector offers considerable opportunities for women to excel, while the energy transition is stimulated; From the development and energy of assets to the design of innovative income models that reflect the shared economy.
Involving the next generation will also be the key. When I came to Asco, I founded the Young professionals Network (YPN), since the majority of our employees are younger than 35 years old. Although passionate about the company and making a real difference, they were not represented in proportional. The YPN now has a direct voice at the top and helps to develop our cultural and business strategic initiatives, while it is a forum for developing leadership skills.
Prior to writing this, I asked my colleague -feminine colleagues what advice they wish they had received when starting in their career, together with their tips for managers about promoting diversity and fairness. They emphasized essential points:
Representation and role models play a crucial role in shaping inclusive workplaces. Think about what practical steps you can take to be further representation within your own team and organization. Building a strong professional network is equally important – every professional must learn the skill of networks and how they can develop and cherish their own professional network. The search for a mentor or sponsor can also be transforming; Don’t be afraid to contact us and ask someone and set the time to check them out regularly.
Believing in yourself is essential – every time I have offered a woman a promotion, they tell me that they think they can’t do the work. Don’t do that! You would not have offered the role if your manager believed that you would not succeed. In interpreting for managers, doubt or self -criticism is not for a lack of interest or inability. Equally important is to remain faithful to your core values; Do not change to conform or fit. You are a better colleague and leader if you are your authentic self. Effective communication is also the key, the communication never forgets a two -way process. It is about actively listening to ensure that all parties are heard and understood.
Within Anesco, 40% of the leadership team is female, and in the entire company as a whole this figure is 34%. As with the energy sector, we are committed to switch to a more sustainable and fair future.
Hildagarde came to Anesco in January 2023, after having held various executive positions within the European energy and utility sector for the past 15 years. Before he came to Anesco, Hilagarde was as CEO of Veolia Nederland BV, she has a number of non-executive director, including Solar Energy UK, and the Deerns Group, an internationally based Engineering Consultancy Group who is actively looking for future-proof, carbon, Neutral designs for the built environment. Hildagarde is passionate about accelerating the circular economy and energy transition movements through collaboration, education and innovative digital and groundbreaking solutions that help create a more sustainable and Bilderdere Morgen. She is a Wequal EMEA finalist, a colleague chartered accountant, has a BA from Dublin City University and a IEMBA from University College Dublin.
Interested in becoming a member of Amila Colakhodzic and other leaders of industry and experts at women in Solar Europe? More information: www.wiseu.network
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