10 Quickfire Questions for 10 Leading Women in Energy – LOUISE KINGHAM

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.

Today we hear from Louise Kingham, Senior Vice President, Europe, and Head of Country, UK, bp.

Louise sits on our Energy Leaders’ Coalition and is a former CEO of the Energy Institute.

“The misconception about the energy industry I’d like to debunk? That it’s only for men!”

1. Describe yourself in three words

Kind. Curious. Decisive.

2. What gets you up and into work in the morning?

Making the answers to our challenges as good as they can be.

3. What was your first job?

Marketing and communications assistant

4. What has been your greatest challenge so far?

Keeping up with, letting alone being ahead of, three children

5. How do you relax and unwind after a long day?

Watch or read about something which isn’t the day job – sometimes with a glass of wine

6. What advice would you give now to your 10-year-old self?

Be courageous, say yes and work it out afterwards! Always be kind.

7. What change would you like to see happen within the next 10 years?

Society feels fractured and frustrated so one which is more cohesive and peaceful (and lower carbon!).

8. What’s your best way to find inspiration when you’re feeling stuck or unmotivated?

I step away from the issue temporarily – to clear my head – have a calming word with myself and then come back to it stronger.

9. What would your superpower be?

Mind reader!

10. What’s one misconception about the energy industry that you’d like to debunk?

That it’s only for men! I work with fantastic talented men AND women every day which is a real joy and it’s what’s kept me in the industry for three decades. There is of course more to do for the balance we should have everywhere.

Louise’s book and podcast recommendations:

Politics has become a bigger part of my job, so I listen for interest and amusement to Newscast and other political podcasts.

The most recent book I would recommend would be ‘How to be old’ by Lyn Slater. (It’s not what you think!)