Every time I have offered a woman a promotion, they tell me they think they can’t do the job
I started my career in IT in the early 2000s, when women accounted for approximately 9% of the sector’s global workforce. It was the dotcom era, with exponential growth quarter on quarter, with rapid innovation and change, providing huge opportunities for self-development, with technical competence and a strong work ethic highly valued.
Looking back, despite the low feminization rate, I had no shortage of role models, being surrounded by inspirational women holding prominent positions; from operational directors to those project managing cutting-edge programs and global launches.
After almost a decade, I moved into utilities and joined a European-headquartered company whose focus was on long-term customer relationships and consistently delivering high-quality services. While both sectors were technical, the cultural differences couldn’t have been more pronounced.
Working in utilities, I saw firsthand the scarcity of ecological resources – be that clean air, water or energy – and the need for transformation. Clean, secure, affordable energy is a key piece of the puzzle, and the renewables sector presents significant opportunities for women to excel, while helping drive the energy transition; from the development and energization of assets through to designing innovative revenue models that reflect the shared economy.
Engaging the next generation will also be key. Upon joining Anesco, I established the YoungProfessionals Network (YPN), as a majority of our staff are under 35 years old. While passionate about the company and making a real difference, they were not proportionally represented. The YPN now has a direct voice at the top, helping to co-develop our culture and corporate strategic initiatives, whilst being a forum for developing leadership skills.
Ahead of writing this, I asked my fellow female colleagues what advice they wished they’d received when starting out in their careers, along with their tips for managers on promoting diversity and equity. They highlighted essential points:
Representation and role models play a crucial role in shaping inclusive workplaces. Think about what practical steps you can take to further representation within your own team and organization. Building a strong professional network is equally important— every professional needs to learn the skill of networking and how to develop and nurture their own professional network. Seeking a mentor or sponsor can also be transformative; don’t be afraid to reach out and ask someone and set time aside to regularly check in with them.
Believing in yourself is essential—Every time I have offered a woman a promotion, they tell me they think they can’t do the job. Don’t do that! You wouldn’t have been offered the role had your manager believed you would not succeed. For managers, don’t interpret doubt or self-criticalness for a lack of interest or inability. Equally important is staying true to your core values; do NOT change to conform or fit in. You are a better colleague and leader when you are your authentic self. Effective communication is also key, never forget communication is a two-way process. It involves actively listening to ensure all parties are heard and understood.
Within Anesco, 40% of the leadership team is female, and across the company as a whole this figure is 34%. Just as with the energy sector, we are committed to transitioning to a more sustainable and equitable future.
Hildagarde joined Anesco in January 2023, having spent the previous 15 years holding various executive roles within the European energy and utility sector. Prior to joining Anesco, Hildagarde served as CEO of Veolia Nederland B.V. She holds a number of Non-Executive Directorships, including Solar Energy UK, and the Deerns Group, an internationally based engineering consultancy group that actively seeks to implement 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 pioneering solutions that help create a more sustainable and equitable tomorrow. She is a WeQual EMEA Finalist, a Fellow Chartered Accountant, holds a BA from Dublin City University and an IEMBA from University College Dublin.
Interested in joining Hildagarde McCarville and other women industry leaders and experts at Women in Solar Europe? Find out more:
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