10 Quickfire Questions for 10 Leading Women in Energy – MONICA COLLINGS
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!
We start with Monica Collings, who as former CEO of So Energy has been a member of that rarified group – female energy business leaders. Today she acts as Non-Executive Director for a number of organisations and is also a POWERful Women Ambassador.
“When I’m struggling to solve an issue, I seek external sources of inspiration. Ideas flow best when I’m in nature, with animals or surrounded by art.”
1. Describe yourself in three words
Courageous, adventurous, empowering
2. What gets you up and into work in the morning?
Being driven by growth which is my strongest motivator
3. What was your first job?
Over the summer on an ice-cream stall as a teenager
4. What has been your greatest challenge so far?
Navigating a volatile retail energy landscape presented significant challenges, both professionally and personally. However, they were the best of times, and the worst of times all at once.
5. How do you relax and unwind after a long day?
I am a fan of journalling to keep my thoughts sharp and use The Six Minute Diary, as well as looking after myself with practising yoga, and subscribing to the seven types of rest, which I try to build into my evening routine.
6. What change would you like to see happen within the next 10 years?
That we don’t just reach our gender equality targets, we make sure that women have the opportunity to equally participate, and the environments are genuinely inclusive and supportive places to work.
7. What’s your best way to find inspiration when you’re feeling stuck or unmotivated?
Ideas flow best when I’m in nature, with animals or surrounded by art. Sometimes when I’m struggling to solve an issue, or think creatively, then seeking external sources of inspiration, sometimes whilst on the move, can give me a burst.
8. Why is the energy sector such an exciting place to work right now?
Never before has there been so much innovation and interesting development across the whole of the energy ecosystem. The wonderful businesses popping up to solve the real problems facing customers, to deliver a just and fair transition. With time running out as we head closer to 2050, delivering net zero is in our hands. That’s a huge responsibility, but also incredibly exciting.
9. What would your superpower be?
I always joke with my children that I’m psychic, which could be a useful superpower to have in many ways.
10. What advice would you give now to your 10-year-old self?
Don’t allow perfection to hinder progress. The path doesn’t have to be rigid; uncertainty is acceptable. A squiggly journey is often the most rewarding. Direct your energy toward positive endeavours. Along the way, have fun, be wary of insincerity, accept and offer help graciously, and occasionally let yourself go, because whilst every detail matters, enjoy the adventure.