15 Nov 10 Quickfire Questions for 10 Leading Women in Energy – DHARA VYAS
To mark our 10th anniversary, we are asking 10 leading women in the UK energy sector 10 quickfire questions about their lives, their likes and what advice they would give to their 10-year-old self.
The challenge was described by one participant as intimidating but also fun and we have enjoyed the answers from these inspiring female role models. Read on!
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Dhara Vyas, Chief Executive of Energy UK
“When I’m feeling stuck or unmotivated I listen to drum and bass (very loudly).”
- Describe yourself in three words.
Considered, decisive and caring.
- What gets you up and into work in the morning?
Knowing that the work we do at Energy UK is all about navigating the energy transition in a way that supports people and grows the economy – having a focus on helping the UK meet its Net Zero targets is very motivating.
- What has been your greatest challenge so far?
Oh wow – great question. I think at work ensuring people got the support they needed during the energy crisis whilst also making the case for increased support for clean power generation and leading Energy UK as a relative newbie to the organisation has to be high up there… On a more personal note, I’m genuinely impressed that my husband and I manage to remain on good terms whilst we navigate the complex ever-changing nature of our work and family calendars.
- How do you relax and unwind after a long day?
I have to admit I am not very good at relaxing… but my favourite things to do are yoga or curling up somewhere cosy with a novel.
- What advice would you give now to your 10-year-old self?
Ha! So much. Mainly: your mum usually ends up being right – so maybe consider taking her advice occasionally…
- What change would you like to see happen within the next 10 years?
I try really hard to stay optimistic, but the rise of extremism is genuinely scary – I’d really love to see an end to the polarisation of our politics, both in the UK and across the globe.
- What’s your best way to find inspiration when you’re feeling stuck or unmotivated?
I listen to drum and bass (very loudly).
- Who has supported or inspired you along your career journey?
I’m fortunate to have had so many strong, smart women managers, leaders and colleagues during my working life, but the late Audrey Gallacher was a particularly important friend colleague and mentor. Not a week goes by that I don’t ask myself ‘what would Audrey do?’.
- Why is the energy sector such an exciting place to work right now?
It’s incredibly exciting – it’s where environmental, economic, and social policy all meet. Energy underpins absolutely *everything* we do. Getting this mission right is how we protect our planet, it’s how we can grow our economy, it’s how we can make sure that we breathe clean air, and it’s how we help people stay warm safe and comfortable in their homes.
- What’s one misconception about the energy industry that you’d like to debunk?
That you need to have a STEM background to work on energy issues – we need all sorts if skills, ideas, brains and disciplines.
Dhara’s book and podcast recommendations:
We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
I love listening to Desert Island Discs and the back catalogue is really fun to explore.