The global utility management industry is undergoing a significant transformation.  Organisations need creativity, agility, and resilience to thrive during radical transformation.  Research indicates that a company's ability to embrace diversity is one of the success indicators in times like this.   

Today, diversity in the dynamic utility management industry is more critical than ever.  

Remote Metering Solutions (RMS), a leading supplier of utility management, cost recovery, and technology and sustainability solutions, is dedicated to attracting and retaining a diverse talent pool.   

In celebration of Women's Month, RMS spotlights a group of trailblazing women in leadership roles at the company.

Historical underrepresentation

Women have historically been underrepresented in boardrooms worldwide.  This also rings true for the energy and associated sectors.  Data published by the International Energy Agency (IEA) in 2022 revealed that women hold less than 14% of senior management roles across nearly 2,500 global energy firms.  Although utility sectors lead with 17% representation, over 25% of firms still have no women in senior roles.

While much work remains to achieve equal representation in the energy sector, progress has been made by pioneering women and forward-thinking organisations such as RMS, who lead by example.

The utility industry owes a collective debt of gratitude to these women who have persevered to achieve the senior roles they now hold.  We recognise a few of these trailblazers as they share their experiences as leaders in the utility management industry.

Challenging outdated perceptions

During conversations with women in leadership positions at RMS, there is no shortage of anecdotes from bygone years when the utility management industry was entirely male-dominated.

Ronel le Roux, Utility Management Team Lead at RMS, recalls: "One of the biggest challenges early in my career was not being taken seriously because of my gender.  I once had a client request a man for electricity and reticulation changes, implying that women don't belong in this industry.  Overcoming such challenges requires resilience, strong relationships, technical competence, and leveraging achievements to change outdated perceptions."

Acknowledging the support she received in the utility industry, Daniela de Oliviera, Western Cape Regional Head at RMS, reflects on her early career: "My biggest challenge was mastering technical knowledge and understanding complex bylaws.  I learned the most from dealing with many scenarios, with the valued support of mentors and colleagues."

Tajrish Herbst, ismrt! Prepayment System Team Lead at RMS also remembers: "Five years ago, I faced a lack of trust as a young professional among more experienced colleagues.  I learned to respect and learn from them, even when they seemed dismissive.  I now consider myself an expert because I grasped every learning opportunity."

Adding another dimension to the conversation, Claudia Hedley, Sustainability Specialist at RMS, emphasises the importance of women supporting each other: "Seek mentors for guidance and support, advocate for yourself, and open doors for other women within your organisation."

Ilse Swanepoel, Chief Operating Officer at RMS, advises women considering careers in utilities or other traditionally male-dominated industries: "Always be authentic.  Stand confidently without feeling pressured to conform or act like 'one of them.' It's important to remember that we all have biases.  Recognising these biases can help us address the blind spots they create in ourselves and others.  You can gradually change hearts and minds by embracing open and authentic conversations.  With time, you grow and contribute to the organisation's transformation."

The value of experience in an enabling culture  

Gaining experience across different parts of the company is critical for preparing women for senior management roles, and access to these opportunities often depends on the company culture.

Nikki Coventry, Corporate Accounts Team Lead in Bulk Supply Management at RMS, agrees: "Women have proven their capability in every facet of our company, from meter readers and technicians to utility administrators and in fields such as IT systems development and supply management.  Finding an employer like RMS that values and supports successful women can significantly boost your career."

A corporate culture that values diversity offers a strategic advantage.  Ronel notes: "Career prospects for women in utility management are promising and continuously evolving.  As the industry changes, the value of diversity is increasingly recognised.  Today, many successful utility managers are women, demonstrating their capability and leadership."

The qualities women bring

Women contribute traits that enhance engagement, client satisfaction, and team productivity.  Empowering women in leadership improves organisational performance and fosters inclusive and innovative workplace cultures.

Anneri Morland, HR Team Lead at RMS, explains: "Decades of research show that empowering women in leadership leads to transformative effects.  Women's listening skills improve communication and empathy, their analytical decision-making is thorough, and their nurturing spirit boosts morale and productivity.  Their resilience and adaptability bring stability and confidence, guiding organisations through change and driving sustainable growth."

Tajrish advises women exploring careers in utility management: "Never forget that you are a woman.  Your feminine touch is sometimes the unique quality that sets you apart.  There is a notion that successful women need to act more like men, but this is not true.  Maintain a balance between strength and compassion, and you will succeed in the utility management industry."

Ilse believes that women bring a unique blend of intuition, empathy, and analytical thinking to the table, qualities that are essential in driving the next wave of innovation in utility management.  Ilse reminds women that although they play a crucial part in the industry's transformation, "it is vital to work with your male counterparts to strike the perfect balance in unlocking value in any organisation."

Defining success

When asked how they measure success, Client Excellence Lead at RMS, Charlie Grobbelaar, says: "I recently walked into a meeting where the client started by complimenting my team for their exemplary service.  That is how I define success!"

Claudia echoes this sentiment, emphasising excellence as a driving force: "Always strive to exceed expectations, make your presence felt, and never settle for mediocrity."

Daniela views perseverance as key: "Always aim to be better than those around you, not to outshine them, but to learn, adapt, and push the limits of your comfort zone continuously.  This mindset fosters growth and resilience; with perseverance, you can achieve anything."

Ilse adds that success should not only be measured by representation, but also by the progress and output of an organisation or industry.  "Just because I am a woman, I am not going easy on myself.  My ultimate goal is to enhance the organisation's achievements and the advancement of the industry."

The power of failure

In traditionally male-dominated environments, the pressure to avoid failure can be intense, particularly for women who often invest emotionally and professionally in their careers.  Failure is, however, a crucial part of reaching success, especially in constantly evolving industries.  Women should be encouraged to lead by example in establishing a culture of failing fast, where failing fast and learning from mistakes is accepted and valued.

Tajrish believes embracing failure is about learning, not dwelling on mistakes: "I encourage my team to share their failures.  Learning from mistakes and allowing others to do the same fosters a supportive team culture where colleagues feel comfortable making and learning from errors."

Nailing work-life balance

"The COVID-19 pandemic redefined our understanding of work-life balance, and a part of being a leader at RMS means shedding outdated impressions of prioritising career over family," says Anneri.

Reflecting on her achievements, she offers advice to women seeking to retain this delicate balance: "Balancing milestones like completing the Ironman Triathlon and Comrades Marathon with my roles as a full-time employee, mother, wife, and friend has shown me that women can achieve anything with determination.  Believe in yourself and embrace your strengths.  This mindset has transformed my life and can empower other women to pursue their goals with confidence and determination."

Looking to the future

The global utility management industry's ongoing transformation underscores the need to attract and retain more female talent to ensure the sector's long-term sustainability.

As we celebrate Women's Month, Anneri envisions the next generation of women in utility management: "I hope to see young women supporting each other, standing in solidarity, and fostering a culture of kindness, empathy, and mutual respect.  By building a supportive community where everyone feels valued, we can empower young women to pursue their dreams without fear of judgment or competition."

Ilse adds, "As women in leadership, we have the opportunity, and frankly the responsibility, to create a legacy of inclusivity.  By paving the way for the next generation, we ensure our progress continues and accelerates, benefiting the entire industry."