This week, Women in Solar Europe (WiSEu) gives voice to María Mura, Head of Southern Europe Origination at Spain-based Nadara. She says the pressure to be excellent comes from the higher level of criticism women in leadership face. “Women are challenged not only by their peers and superiors, but also by themselves, pushing to prove that they have achieved success not by accident or accident, but through undeniable competence and hard work,” she says.
Having worked in the energy sector for over a decade, I can confidently say that women in the renewable sector are often more knowledgeable than their male counterparts. While this may seem like a broad statement, it reflects a deeper reality worth recognizing. It is not because women are inherently superior, but because in an industry where men hold 75 to 83% of leadership roles, to achieve leadership women cannot simply be “good enough” – they must consistently excel, perform better and use their expertise prove. at every stage.
This pressure to be excellent stems from the higher level of criticism women in leadership face. They are challenged not only by their colleagues and superiors, but also by themselves, insisting on proving that they have achieved success not by accident or accident, but through undeniable competence and hard work. This constant self-evaluation creates an additional burden of stress that men often do not experience to the same extent.
One issue that stands out to me is the tendency for women to attribute their success to external factors rather than recognizing their own achievements. This is critical because if we, as women, don’t believe we deserve our success or understand how we achieved it, how can we expect to get promoted or advance?
Women are often hesitant to negotiate for themselves in the workplace. We don’t push for higher salaries, promotions or emphasize our merits the way men do. Career advancement often depends on taking risks and standing up for yourself – qualities that society often discourages in women. This unwillingness to stand up for themselves could explain why, although many women are entering the renewable energy industry at entry levels, men overwhelmingly dominate leadership positions.
Then there’s the matter of “likability”: a well-documented phenomenon in which success and likability are positively correlated for men, but negatively correlated for women. When women achieve success, they are often viewed as less likable, and these biases come from both men and women. It’s a double bind that makes it harder for women to be both successful and well-regarded.
We must confront these stereotypes and recognize how deeply ingrained biases influence our perception of leadership and success. It’s time to encourage women who want to take on leadership roles, take on challenges and start their careers with confidence. The renewable energy industry – and the solar sector in particular – needs diverse voices and perspectives to drive innovation and tackle the pressing global challenges we face. Encouraging women to fully participate and thrive in this space is not just a matter of equality; it is essential for progress.
To the young women entering the renewable energy sector today, my advice is simple: speak up. Don’t let the desire to be liked hold you back. Sit at the table, hold your hand up and ask the tough questions. Apply for promotions and opportunities. Don’t assume that good performance will automatically lead to recognition and reward. In an ideal world, hard work should be enough, but when that’s not the case, standing up for yourself is crucial.
Women in the renewable energy sector – and across all sectors – need to shift their mindset from self-doubt to self-advocacy. It’s time to believe in our worth, recognize our achievements, and pursue the role we deserve. The future of renewable energy looks bright, and women will be at the forefront of shaping it – if we give ourselves and each other the power to succeed.
Maria is an experienced energy sector leader with more than ten years of expertise, specializing in European energy markets. A two-time graduate of Bocconi University, her career includes key roles at Magnus Commodities, Nexus Energía and Renantis SpA, advancing renewable energy initiatives and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). Currently, as Head of Southern Europe Origination at Nadara, Maria leads the strategy to expand the company’s sustainable energy portfolio while driving sustainable energy solutions.
Interested in participating Natalia Mura and other female market leaders and experts at Women in Solar Europe? More information: www.wiseu.network
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