The utility industry stands at a pivotal juncture where innovation, digital transformation, and sustainability demand dynamic, inclusive leadership. Yet, systemic barriers continue to hinder women’s progress into leadership roles. Limited access to mentorship and sponsorship opportunities, combined with challenges in securing operational roles, restricts career growth and perpetuates gender disparities.
While women are making strides, an S&P Global Commodity Insights analysis reveals that women hold only 16.3% of C-suite positions and 21.7% of executive roles across U.S. and Canadian power and utility companies. Leadership roles are also often based in remote or rural areas, where proximity to infrastructure is essential for operational management. The scarcity of childcare and flexible work arrangements in these remote locations pose additional challenges for women balancing caregiving responsibilities. Coupled with slow leadership turnover, these barriers limit women’s advancement into top-tier roles.
RADIATE: Addressing Leadership Inequities
U2030’s RADIATE Women’s Leadership Development Program aims to break these barriers by accelerating women’s career growth and equipping them to thrive in a rapidly evolving sector. By fostering leadership teams with more female representation—reflective of the diversity of their customer base—utilities can better meet future demands, drive innovation, and achieve transformational goals. Developing diverse leadership teams is not just a matter of equity but an essential strategy for navigating industry challenges such as sustainability, electrification, and customer-centric transformation.
Curriculum Built for Impact
RADIATE offers a specialized curriculum designed by utility professionals to address women’s unique challenges in the sector. Participants gain the skills, network, and confidence to lead within the dynamic utility industry. Topics include:
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Utility 101
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Personal, Organizational & Community Leadership
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Self-Care & Work-Life Balance
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Leading for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
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Leading for Innovation and Change
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Leadership Communication & Crisis Management
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Career Planning & Roadmap
What Makes RADIATE Unique
RADIATE’s inaugural cohort, starting January 2025, offers a transformative leadership journey tailored to twenty women in utilities. Key features include:
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Monthly Virtual Sessions & Curriculum: Engage with industry leaders and past Women Who SPARK Award winners, supported by practical resources on U2030’s Collective Brain Platform.
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ENERGIZE Retreat: Participate in an immersive, hands-on learning experience themed “Leading with Confidence & Heart” to develop essential internal competencies and foster mentorship connections. LEARN MORE
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Immersive Experience at BG&E: Gain firsthand exposure to utility decision-making and Baltimore Gas & Electric leadership practices.
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Capstone Project & SPARK Presentation: Apply program learnings to real-utility challenges by completing a Capstone Project, culminating in a presentation and program graduation at the U2030 SPARK Meeting.
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Unmatched Relevancy & Impact: While some programs focus on external market trends or generic leadership skills, RADIATE emphasizes the distinct challenges of leading in the utility sector, such as navigating operational intricacies, managing field-based teams, and driving innovation within a regulated environment.
Nominations Are Now Open
RADIATE is more than a leadership program—it’s a strategic investment in the utility industry’s future. By empowering women to excel, utilities can build inclusive, innovative leadership teams prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Now is the moment to act. Nominate an emerging leader today and help shape a future where diverse leadership drives meaningful transformation in the utility sector. Together, we can create a dynamic, customer-centric industry that reflects the needs of a changing world.
Learn More
Join Us for an Exclusive Info Session on the U2030 RADIATE Women’s Leadership Program
🗓 Date: November 7, 2024
🕐 Time: 1:00 PM – 1:40 PM
This is your chance to learn firsthand about RADIATE. Hear from industry leaders, discover the program’s unique offerings, and get all the details you need to nominate someone or participate. Please RSVP and take the first step toward building the future of leadership in utilities.
Conclusion
The utility industry stands at a critical crossroads where the need for dynamic and inclusive leadership is more pressing than ever. While women have made strides in breaking through systemic barriers, significant challenges remain that hinder their advancement into leadership roles. U2030’s RADIATE Women’s Leadership Development Program offers a vital solution by equipping women with the skills, networks, and confidence necessary to thrive in this evolving sector. Nominate an emerging leader today and help shape a future where inclusive leadership drives meaningful transformation in the utility sector. Together, we can cultivate a customer-centric industry that meets the challenges of tomorrow. Join us for the upcoming info session to learn more and take the first step toward empowering the next generation of leaders.
