22 Nov 10 Quickfire Questions for 10 Leading Women in Energy – ANGELA HEPWORTH
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.
We’ve enjoyed the answers from these inspiring female role models. Read on!
Angela Hepworth, Commercial Director at Drax and Commercial and Carbon Markets Director at Elimini.
Angela has had a long career in energy and policy, including ten years at EDF where she led the development of Sizewell C. In her current roles she promotes carbon removal technologies using sustainable biomass, which she sees as having a critical role in achieving Net Zero.
“The change I’d like to see? More men breaking out of prescribed gender roles – doing things that are traditionally women’s responsibilities and being able to talk about feelings.”
1. Describe yourself in three words
Strong-willed, intellectually curious, fits a lot into life
2. What gets you up and into work in the morning?
Working collaboratively with talented people to solve hard problems
3. What was your first job?
Civil servant in the Department for Trade and Industry.
4. What has been your greatest challenge so far?
Managing my career while being a single parent and also finding time for myself
5. How do you relax and unwind after a long day?
Singing in a choir, spending time with my teenage daughters, escaping to the hills at weekends
6. What’s one misconception about the energy industry that you’d like to debunk?
Energy companies often get a bad press. I’d like people to see that the industry is full of people who are really motivated to do the right thing and make a positive difference in the world.
7. What change would you like to see happen within the next 10 years?
More men being able to break out of prescribed gender roles – doing things outside work that are traditionally seen as women’s responsibilities and feeling able to talk about their feelings and be vulnerable.
8. What’s your best way to find inspiration when you’re feeling stuck or unmotivated?
Talking to people – I usually find some nugget of practical advice or inspiration that helps get me back on track
9. If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?
I’m going to cheat and say my mum, who died twenty-five years ago. She’d be fascinated to hear about all the things I’ve done in my life and proud of what I’ve achieved, and she’d especially love to hear about her granddaughters that she never got to meet.
10. What advice would you give now to your 10-year-old self?
You only live once – find time to do the things that make you happy and fulfilled.
Angela’s book recommendation:
I love Caitlin Moran’s books for humorous reflections on life as a woman, and her latest book about the challenges men face is great too