After I received my accounting qualification, I wanted to join an innovative, fast-paced industry where my work would leave a positive contribution to the world. The renewable energy sector ticked all the boxes. I was so lucky to join a (reasonably) small, entrepreneurial Irish company that had a global footprint. I loved the mission and values of Mainstream Renewable Power and have remained there since. I have become more passionate about clean energy with every year I spend working in this sector.
When I first joined the sector I was a relatively new qualified accountant. I worked in a Group Finance role for approximately 3 years. I later transitioned over to the Corporate Finance function which gave me a tremendous overview of how different stakeholders view the industry. I then moved into a development role and have gained huge knowledge of the technical aspects of renewable projects.
I would never have been able to predict the sheer pace of the renewables industry over this period. It has exceeded all my expectations and the growth trajectory has never been better.
I believe that the world will see 10s of offshore wind GWs being built this decade. This is the right move for many governments with excellent offshore resources and land constraints. Another technology that we have been hearing a lot about recently is clean hydrogen, and it is one to keep an eye in the near term. In addition, as storage costs decline, they will become a standard part of new renewable projects.
There is no doubt but there are not many females in very senior positions in the renewables sector. However, I believe this has been changing in recent years. Programs such as Women in Wind are a testament to the turning tide. I also see many more young females joining STEM courses and looking to join the industry. This is so encouraging. I am very proud to work for a company with a female CEO and gender parity is something that Mainstream Renewable Power and many others in the industry are standing behind.
Candidates now look for diversity and inclusion values when joining a firm and businesses need to step up in order to attract good staff. I have often been in meetings, or on teams, where I am the only female in the room. I have always tried to focus on my work and to date it has stood to me. I would encourage women to try to call out inappropriate behavior, in a polite manner, should they feel discriminated against. Always try to find a trustworthy colleague to share experiences with, who can back you up and build your confidence, if speaking out in a group.
Changes need to be made at a junior school level, in a way that encourages females to think about sectors such as technology, engineering, development, construction, manufacturing as ones that may suit their skills. Women need to see it to believe it, so it is very important that companies in the renewables space promote women internally. Should there be more women in the board room and in key leadership positions, then this will attract more females to apply for roles.
I think attracting women to the industry is a challenge today. I do see this improving but there is certainly more that we can do. Changes need to be made at a junior school level, in a way that encourages females to think about sectors such as technology, engineering, development, construction, manufacturing as ones that may suit their skills. Girls need to see it to believe it, so it is very important that companies in the renewables space promote women internally. Should there be more women in the board room and in key leadership positions then this will attract more females to apply for roles.
Internships are another great way to get females thinking about the industry before settling into a permanent role. At every stage of the education life cycle there is an opportunity for the renewable sector to allow females to begin thinking about a role in this industry.
I firmly believe that mentors can get as much out of this program as the mentees. I am looking forward to learning about the challenges that my mentee encounters and trying to assist her in navigating through these issues. I can apply this sharing of knowledge to my own team and re-frame issues that I may see with my colleagues.
My mentee will also have lots of great ideas as to how to include new diversity and inclusion initiatives in her company and I hope to be able to share my experiences as to how to present, listen, negotiate and influence leadership to make these positive changes from within. I am committed to encouraging female leaders within the industry, in an effort to rise the tide for all.
Discover the power of impactful leadership and embrace the Women in Wind Global Leadership Program 2023. Gain valuable insights from Sarah Barber’s transformative journey and learn to lead with active listening, diversity promotion, positive role modeling, and a growth mindset. Unlock hidden potential in yourself and your team to drive success and foster a culture of acceptance and continuous improvement.
Discover the profound impact of networking and its significance in personal and professional growth, as highlighted in the Women in Wind Global Leadership Program 2023. Learn valuable lessons and practical tips on nurturing and building a strong network to expand horizons, access new opportunities, and foster collaborative ventures. Embrace the power of networking and unlock your potential for success.
Announcing the “Winds of Change Series: Transformative Tales of Leadership,” a new storytelling series that highlights exceptional women, men, and professionals driving change in the wind energy industry.
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