How successful women leaders navigate obstacles
The energy sector is a powerhouse of innovation and progress. To honour International Women's Day 2024, GrowthPoints Strategies took a deep dive into the experiences of women who spearhead initiatives across the dynamic landscape of solar, oil and gas, wind, hydro, and nuclear energy in North America.
Our conversations with women leaders in solar, oil and gas, nuclear, wind and hydrelectric energy were narratives of tenacity, strategy, and change. We unraveled the tangled web of systemic, relational, and individual challenges that these women bravely confront daily. They also shared the qualities and strategies that lifted them to their current heights of leadership.
In a sector where the roar of turbines and the hum of generators echo the pulse of progress, there remains a pressing need to amplify the voices and experiences of women leaders. Each one of us, women and allies, can be change-makers and we honor your remarkable progress as we name obstacles and how you are facing them.
The hurdles are often invisible, because they are baked-in to the culture of the sector and unconscious assumptions about the capability of women. It helps to separate those obstacles that are systemic, those that may be relational or the ones that are mindset-based. To create springboards that help women leap over each kind of obstacle, and a range of approaches are helpful.
So let’s start with an overview of the types of obstacles women leaders named in our interviews: systemic, relational, and mindset.
Systemic Barriers Set the Stage
These trailblazing women shared stories of systemic challenges that are deeply ingrained into the fabric of many organizations within the energy sector:
A striking absence of women in senior leadership roles.
A misconception among management that gender disparity is not an issue that requires attention.
Social exclusion within male-dominated work cultures.
Predetermined notions pigeonholing women into certain roles over others within their professional sphere.
An undercurrent of social hostility, ranging from blatant harassment to subtle micro-aggressions.
The scarcity of mentors and role models that reflect their own experiences.
A rigid career trajectory that fails to accommodate the unique demands in women's lives.
Penalties in career progression linked to starting a family.
The persistent gap in compensation, with root causes obscured by a lack of data and transparency.
Heightened obstacles faced by women stemming from racial and cultural minorities.
Navigating the Relational Landscape
Beyond systemic hurdles lie the challenges of interactions and relationships in the workplace. These issues get blurred with institutional norms and personal communication preferences:
Moving past gender-based roles and establishing meaningful professional relationships.
Calling attention to and managing problematic interactions and conflicts as they arise.
Deconstructing stereotypes associated with communication styles perceived as too assertive or excessively quiet.
Addressing the issue of being unnoticed in important meetings or having contributions overshadowed by male counterparts.
Combatting the double standards that cast a more critical eye on women's leadership behaviors.
Mindset Matters
For leaders, mindset extends beyond the personal; it's a reflection of the societal, cultural, and biological contexts that shape their professional identities. When we recognize a mindset obstacle, it’s a gift; then we can reconsider and rebuild habits of thinking that may be holding us back.
Grappling with self-doubt and the constant questioning of one's judgment.
Identifying core values that can act as a compass during challenging times.
Conflicted feelings about what truly defines success.
Balancing leadership with authenticity as both a professional and a woman.
Overcoming limiting beliefs about ambition and personal responsibility.
Strength and Success in the Face of Adversity
Amid these powerful forces, women leaders of the energy sector have cultivated success factors that not only propel them forward but also inspire those who follow in their footsteps:
Assertiveness—Courageously articulating opinions while honoring the perspective of others.
Resilience—Maintaining a positive outlook and bouncing back from setbacks with grace.
Active Networking—Fostering professional connections that support growth and opportunity.
Generosity—Sharing knowledge, resources, and opportunities generously and collaboratively.
Continuous Learning—Adapting to changing industry trends through lifelong learning.
Taking Risks—Stepping out of comfort zones to pursue growth and advancement.
Self-awareness—Introspection to understand personal strengths, weaknesses, and motivations.
Finding Support—Accessing guidance and support from mentors and professional networks to thrive amidst challenges.
These courageous pioneers in the energy sector aren't just breaking ceilings; they're meticulously re-designing the entire architecture of leadership.
Turning Insights Into Action
Understanding these challenges is a meaningful start, but it's the steps we take afterward that define our trajectory. It could be the pursuit of self-awareness through journaling, seeking out counseling, or strengthening resolve through coaching.
Perhaps you recognize a need to expand your network or foster generosity. Act on these impulses; attend a networking event, volunteer for an industry association, or mentor a newcomer in your field.
Maybe you wish to invest in professional development or garner additional support for your career. Set tangible goals, and outline the steps you’ll take to achieve them. Whether it involves refining your leadership style, being more assertive, or daring to take calculated risks, each action takes you closer to the leader you aspire to be.
Hold yourself accountable, confide in a trusted friend, seek a mentor’s wisdom, or share your progress with an executive coach. In a field fueled by human innovation and ambition, remember that your personal growth will always be the most renewable and powerful resource of all.
Here’s your GrowthPoint for the day! Recognizing your obstacles, and focussing on one to overcome at a time, can be a turning point in your story of growth and resilience. Just as we harness physical energy sources to power our lives, you can channel your inner strengths to illuminate your path to leadership.
Would support on this journey make a difference for you? GrowthPoints provides executive coaching, facilitation and consulting to support you and your team. Contact Kate at kate@growthpoints.ca for a complimentary self-assessment debrief.