August 14 2024 16:02
SOUTH AFRICA
This is a guest piece for Remote Metering Solutions – Women’s Month
The global utility management industry is undergoing a significant transformation.
Organisations need creativity, agility, and resilience to thrive during radical
transformation. Research indicates that a company’s ability to embrace diversity is one
of the success indicators in times like this. Today, diversity in the dynamic utility management industry is more critical than ever.
Remote Metering Solutions (RMS), a leading supplier of utility management, cost
recovery, and technology and sustainability solutions, is dedicated to attracting and
retaining a diverse talent pool. In celebration of Women’s Month, RMS spotlights a group of trailblazing women in leadership roles at the company.
Historical underrepresentation
Women have historically been underrepresented in boardrooms worldwide. This also
rings true for the energy and associated sectors. Data published by the International
Energy Agency (IEA) in 2022 revealed that women hold less than 14% of senior
management roles across nearly 2,500 global energy firms. Although utility sectors lead
with 17% representation, over 25% of firms still have no women in senior roles.
While much work remains to achieve equal representation in the energy sector, progress
has been made by pioneering women and forward-thinking organisations such as RMS,
who lead by example.
The utility industry owes a collective debt of gratitude to these women who have
persevered to achieve the senior roles they now hold. We recognise a few of these
trailblazers as they share their experiences as leaders in the utility management industry.
Challenging outdated perceptions
During conversations with women in leadership positions at RMS, there is no shortage of
anecdotes from bygone years when the utility management industry was entirely male-
dominated.
Ronel le Roux, Utility Management Team Lead at RMS, says: “One of the biggest
challenges early in my career was not being taken seriously because of my gender. I once
had a client request a man for electricity and reticulation changes, implying that women
don’t belong in this industry. Overcoming such challenges requires resilience, strong
relationships, technical competence, and leveraging achievements to change outdated
perceptions.”
Acknowledging the support she received in the utility industry, Daniela de Oliviera,
Western Cape Regional Head at RMS, reflects on her early career: “My biggest challenge
was mastering technical knowledge and understanding complex bylaws. I learned the
most from dealing with many scenarios, with the valued support of mentors and
colleagues.”
Tajrish Herbst, Prepayment System Team Lead at RMS said: “Five years
ago, I faced a lack of trust as a young professional among more experienced colleagues. I
learned to respect and learn from them, even when they seemed dismissive. I now
consider myself an expert because I grasped every learning opportunity.”
Claudia Hedley, Sustainability Specialist at RMS, stresses the importance of women supporting each other:
“Seek mentors for guidance and support, advocate for yourself, and open doors for other women within your organisation.”
Ilse Swanepoel, Chief Operating Officer at RMS, says women should consider careers in
utilities or other traditionally male-dominated industries.
“Always be authentic. Stand confidently without feeling pressured to conform or act like ‘one of them.’ It’s important to remember that we all have biases. Recognising these biases can help us address the
blind spots they create in ourselves and others. You can gradually change hearts and
minds by embracing open and authentic conversations. With time, you grow and
contribute to the organisation’s transformation,” she says.
Gaining experience across different parts of the company is critical for preparing women
for senior management roles, and access to these opportunities often depends on the
company culture.
Nikki Coventry, Corporate Accounts Team Lead in Bulk Supply Management at RMS,
says women have proven their capability in every facet of RMS, from meter
readers and technicians to utility administrators and in fields such as IT systems
development and supply management.
“Finding an employer like RMS that values and supports successful women can significantly boost your career,” she says.
The qualities women bring
Women contribute traits that enhance engagement, client satisfaction, and team
productivity. Empowering women in leadership improves organisational performance
and fosters inclusive and innovative workplace cultures.
“Decades of research show that empowering women in leadership leads to transformative effects. Women’s listening skills improve communication and empathy, their analytical decision-making is thorough, and their nurturing spirit boosts morale and productivity. Their resilience and adaptability
bring stability and confidence, guiding organisations through change and driving
sustainable growth,” says Anneri Morland, HR Team Lead at RMS.
Herbst says Tajrish says women should explore careers in utility management.
“Never forget that you are a woman. Your feminine touch is sometimes the unique quality that sets you apart. There is a notion that successful women need to act more like men, but this is not true.
Maintain a balance between strength and compassion, and you will succeed in the utility
management industry,” she says.
Defining success
When asked how they measure success, Client Excellence Lead at RMS, Charlie
Grobbelaar, says: “I recently walked into a meeting where the client started by
complimenting my team for their exemplary service. That is how I define success.”
The power of failure
In traditionally male-dominated environments, the pressure to avoid failure can be
intense, particularly for women who often invest emotionally and professionally in their
careers. Failure is, however, a crucial part of reaching success, especially in constantly
evolving industries. Women should be encouraged to lead by example in establishing a
culture of failing fast, where failing fast and learning from mistakes is accepted and
valued.
Nailing work-life balance
“The COVID-19 pandemic redefined our understanding of work-life balance, and a part of
being a leader at RMS means shedding outdated impressions of prioritising career over
family,” says Morland.
Reflecting on her achievements, she offers advice to women seeking to retain this
delicate balance.
“Balancing milestones like completing the Ironman Triathlon and Comrades Marathon with my roles as a full-time employee, mother, wife, and friend has shown me that women can achieve anything with determination. Believe in yourself and embrace your strengths. This mindset has transformed my life and can empower other women to pursue their goals with confidence and determination.”
Looking to the future
“I hope to see young women supporting each other, standing in
solidarity, and fostering a culture of kindness, empathy, and mutual respect. By building a supportive community where everyone feels valued, we can empower young women to
pursue their dreams without fear of judgment or competition,” says Morland.
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