In celebration of International Women's Day, we were delighted to speak to Jo Longdon, Ener-Vate's Director of Strategy to find out more about her experiences, challenges, and insights on working in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Q: How did you get into the energy sector?
I fell into the industry by accident after having my second child. I come from an accounts background but took a part-time job at E.ON in customer service. I quickly progressed to management in the gas and electricity business and after working in various roles actoss E.ON I found my home in the Sustainable Energy team, working on renewable energy systems before moving into Heat Network development in 2011.

Q: What helped you to establish yourself in a sector traditionally dominated by men?
Learning, researching and showing a willingness to get stuck in definitely helped! Having knowledge gave me the confidence to speak up in a room often full of men and getting results and making things happen earned me respect from others in the industry. In the beginning, it felt like I constantly had to prove myself, but I'm pleased to say the sector has moved on in the last 15 years and we now see many other female leaders in the industry.

Q: Does working in the energy sector make you feel empowered?
100%. There is no other industry I would rather work in. It’s such an exciting time in the energy sector and having experience and knowledge in this area certainly gives me the confidence to lead our business through the transition.

Q: How do you think prioritising diversity and empowering women enhances the energy sector?
More women in senior roles within the energy sector helps provide different perspectives, more diversity, and balance. Above all, it shows our children and others just entering their careers that all roles are available to anyone and one particular sex doesn’t have to do one type of role.

Q: In your opinion, what can we do to remove the existing gender gap in the energy sector?
Employers have a responsibility to review and appoint the right candidates to the right roles regardless of gender, and we certainly do that in our business at Ener-Vate, as demonstrated by the women we have in senior posts. The energy sector is now evolving and gives the perfect opportunity for all genders to move and mould to new or emerging roles, removing any particular set idea of which sex should fill which role. All genders should also push themselves forward for the roles they wish to do, fighting against any preconceived ideas of it being a ‘man's world’. Break the mould and show how good we actually are.

Q: What advice would you give to women considering working in the energy sector?
Just DO IT! It’s an exciting sector to be working in with lots and lots of role choices. Choose roles that give you energy and have the ambition and strength to push against the preconceived ideas of others to do a role that matters to you and also to our future planet.

Jo's journey in the energy sector is a testament to the power of determination, knowledge and resilience. Her story proves that with the right mindset and support, women can thrive and lead in any industry!