NEWS & INSIGHTS | Opinion
International Women’s Day 2025 | Accelerating Action
Aspen Maitland
Aspen Maitland, Marketing Intern at NZTC.
This International Women’s Day, we are celebrating the incredible women at Net Zero Technology Centre. The theme ‘Accelerate Action’ resonates deeply with NZTC’s mission as we honour the achievements of our female colleagues and recognise their vital roles in driving the energy transition towards a sustainable future.
I had the privilege of speaking with five inspiring women at NZTC and gathered a wealth of insights and advice. Their perspectives not only highlight the importance of gender diversity in the workplace but also inspire us to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation. As a placement student at NZTC, I have found their insight and advice invaluable.
Rebecca Allison, Chief Operations Officer at NZTC
Have you dealt with any gender-related challenges in the industry? How did you overcome this?
Gender-related challenges are not uncommon in the energy industry. Thankfully, I have encountered few instances where my capabilities were underestimated due to my gender. One notable experience occurred when I became a team leader; the engineering manager questioned my technical expertise and disregarded my decisions. To overcome this, I consistently demonstrated my expertise and reinforced the chain of command. Building a strong professional reputation helped me gain respect and recognition.
Additionally, participating in industry forums and women’s networks helped share experiences and strategies to tackle gender biases. Attending AXIS Network events allowed me to connect with other female professionals facing similar challenges. Their stories and advice were empowering and highlighted the importance of solidarity and support.
What skills do you consider essential for success in the energy industry?
I have learned that a combination of various skills is crucial for success. It is important to understand when and how to use these skills effectively. For example:
- Technical Proficiency: With the energy sector transitioning to a net zero future, there is a strong need for specialised knowledge and expertise in this area. Staying updated with the latest technological advancements and industry trends can differentiate you from others.
- Problem Solving Skills: Given the complex and dynamic nature of projects in our industry, adept problem solving skills are essential. During one of my early projects, we faced a significant regulatory hurdle that threatened to delay the timeline. By thinking creatively and collaborating with my team, we devised a solution that not only met regulatory requirements but also improved our overall process.
- Leadership and Communication Skills: Being able to lead teams, articulate ideas clearly and negotiate effectively can significantly impact career progression. I recall a challenging negotiation with a key stakeholder who was initially resistant to our proposed changes. By clearly communicating the benefits and addressing their concerns, I secured their buy-in and moved the project forward with pragmatism and resilience.
At the core of everything, it is essential to be flexible, listen actively and sometimes stand your ground.
Hayleigh Barnett, Technology Principal at NZTC
Did you have any mentors or role models who significantly influenced your career? How did they help you?
My dad has always been my role model. He doesn’t work in the energy industry so I wouldn’t say he has influenced the technical or subject direction of my career, but he has taught me the importance of being authentic and staying true to myself. This has been so important for navigating my path so far. Who you are and how you show up is a core value for me now. I find myself gravitating to mentors in my career now who share a similar outlook and beliefs.
How do you see the energy industry evolving in the next 5-10 years?
The next 5-10 years will be critical for the energy industry. As the climate crisis escalates, what we do over the next ten years has huge implications for global warming and the impacts on human life that involves. The way we create and consume energy is static and siloed at present, I see us moving to a much more flexible, dynamic and integrated energy system. This will be fuelled by sustainable and renewable energy sources. This is a big challenge. But a bigger opportunity.
Kirsty Robertson, Head of HR at NZTC
Can you share some key milestones in your career journey?
Throughout my career, I have achieved several key milestones that have shaped my professional journey. I hold a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management and achieved CIPD Associate accreditation. I spent the last few years working towards Chartered MCIPD, which I achieved last year. I have over 10 years of experience as an HR professional, with a strong focus on reorganisation, business partnering and organisation development.
What opportunities do you think are most promising for newcomers in the industry?
The energy industry is evolving rapidly, presenting numerous promising opportunities for newcomers. Engaging in cross-functional projects and collaborating with different teams can provide valuable insights into how various parts of the industry work together. Additionally, participating in industry conferences and networking events can help build connections and stay updated on the latest trends and technologies. By engaging in these areas, newcomers can contribute to the industry’s transformation and develop a well-rounded skill set that is highly valued in the energy sector.
Molly Akers, Project Engineer at NZTC
What advice would you give to someone just starting their career in the energy industry? Are there any specific experiences you recommend seeking out early?
Stay curious and open-minded. Talk to lots of different people and don’t be afraid to take on opportunities that might seem outside your comfort zone. Those small steps can really add up. If you’re in college or university, try to get some real-life work experience, whether it’s a short internship or a longer placement. You won’t know what you like or dislike until you try different things. Seeing technology up close has been incredibly valuable for me, so I recommend seeking out site visits through your school, university, networks or workplace.
Did you have any mentors or role models who significantly influenced your career? How did they help you?
I’ve been lucky to have lots of supportive colleagues who have acted as informal mentors. I’ve learned that you can pick up valuable insights from everyone around you, no matter their background or experience so it’s good to chat with as many people as you can. The best advice I’ve received is to play to my strengths, challenge myself and always be open to new opportunities. My career so far hasn’t been a straight line and that’s absolutely ok, everybody has different paths – sometimes the most interesting journeys are the squiggly ones.
Sophie Burns, Events lead at NZTC
What skills or qualities do you think are essential for success in your role?
I think organisation is key for my role. When you are juggling lots of different projects, you need to make sure you are on top of every task for each event. Problem solving is another big one – you need to be able to remain calm when something goes wrong. Quickly thinking of a resolution on your feet while maintaining your composure ensures that no one else panics. Lastly, being a good communicator is crucial. Working with various companies and people means you need to constantly update them with relevant information so everyone feels in the loop. No one should ever have to be chasing you for information; they should already have it all.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their career in the energy industry, are there any specific experiences you recommend seeking out early?
One of the best things you can do is network. The energy industry is full of opportunities to meet people and building those connections early on can be super valuable. Who you know can really help you land future jobs, get advice and stay in the loop with what’s happening in the industry. This accelerated my learning dramatically.
To find out more about a career with in energy, explore our Careers page.
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