Women in Leadership: A Cross Perspective

Authentic and Committed Leadership 

When asked about their leadership style, Carla and Elodie highlight common values: transparency, inclusion, and empathy. 

Carla describes herself as an empathetic leader, close to her teams: "I am very focused on motivating the team, involving them in decision-making even if, in the end, I am the one who makes the final call. I need everyone to understand the direction and move forward together." Her daily routine is marked by a strong desire to create a stimulating work environment: "Sometimes, we spend a lot of time defusing tensions or ensuring that every team member finds meaning in what they do." She illustrates this approach with a personal story: "Once, a talented employee was about to leave because he no longer saw any opportunities for growth. By talking with him, we found a project that challenged him and met his expectations. He is still with us today, more engaged than ever."

"I am very focused on motivating the team, involving them in decision-making even if, in the end, I am the one who makes the final call. I need everyone to understand the direction and move forward together." Carla Vico, CEO of Greensolver

 

"I also try to adopt an active listening approach. Sometimes, what seems to be an operational issue is actually a human challenge, and you have to know how to interpret it."  Elodie Delonca, Managing Director of Triton

Elodie, on the other hand, speaks of an inclusive and direct leadership style: "My role is to bring out the best in each person and highlight it within the group." She emphasizes the importance of valuing every talent: "If people are here, it's because they have something to contribute. My job is to give them the space to do so." This is also reflected in the diversity of her leadership team: "At Triton, our management team consists of seven people—three women, four men, an age gap of over twenty years, five nationalities, and multiple languages spoken. This diversity is a strength and an asset in our decision-making." She adds: "I also try to adopt an active listening approach. Sometimes, what seems to be an operational issue is actually a human challenge, and you have to know how to interpret it."

The Values That Drive Them

Carla highlights transparency and communication, aligning with her participative leadership style: "For everyone to move in the same direction, decisions must be made clear, and the reasoning behind them explained—even though, as a CEO, you can’t always share everything with everyone."

She also applies a key principle in both her personal and professional life: "Always look for the positive, even in a negative situation. There is always a lesson to be learned, a new opportunity to create."

Elodie, on the other hand, emphasizes openness, enthusiasm, and transparency: "I need to feel energy, drive, and passion!" At Triton, transparency is essential: "We do what we say, and we say what we do." An approach that aligns with a mantra that guides her daily life, a quote from Nelson Mandela: "Let your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears."

She shares a memorable anecdote: "When I was first offered a Managing Director role, my first reaction was to tell my husband: ‘I’m not sure I can do it.’ Even though I had done an MBA for exactly that!"

A Still Male-Dominated Sector, but Evolving

While Carla and Elodie have been fortunate not to experience significant discrimination, they have still faced gender-related challenges.

Carla recalls: "At times, I felt like I had to fight harder than others to prove my legitimacy and access certain opportunities." However, she acknowledges that mindsets are changing: "Biases still exist, but awareness is growing, and things are evolving."

Carla Vico, CEO of Greensolver

Elodie, after an international career without barriers, encountered an invisible wall when entering the forestry industry in French Guiana: "I am often the only woman in certain discussions, and I can see that some men struggle to see me as an equal. They go through the whole range—from overly dominant to pseudo-empathetic to paternalistic. But in the end, results speak for themselves."

Elodie Delonca, Managing Director of Triton

Despite these challenges, they remain optimistic and see positive change.

"In renewable energy, the average age is younger, and there is a true openness of mind," notes Carla.

For Elodie, real change must start with education: "Until we have more girls in engineering schools, we won’t achieve gender balance in technical roles."

Their Message to Young Women

When asked for advice for young women interested in the energy sector, Carla and Elodie are unanimous:

Carla: "Always look for the positive side and never give up. If an environment is holding you back, don’t hesitate to change structures."

Elodie stresses the importance of networking and self-confidence: "Dare to knock on doors, ask questions, create a circle of support. And above all, don’t be afraid to express your ambitions."

She shares a defining experience: "During my MBA, we were asked to contact twenty people on LinkedIn to ask about their career paths. I thought no one would respond, but I got eighteen positive replies. People enjoy sharing their journeys—you just have to take the first step."

March 8th, a Symbolic Date?

While Carla and Elodie do not place particular importance on this date in their daily lives, they recognize its role in raising awareness.

Carla: "It’s not a day I anticipate, but it reminds us how far we’ve come."

Elodie advocates for a broader approach to gender equality: "When I look at maternity leave, it’s 4 months VS 28 days for paternity leave!"

This dialogue between Carla and Elodie highlights two complementary perspectives on women in leadership. While obstacles remain, they prove that it is possible to succeed in the energy sector with talent and determination.

And you, what is your vision of female leadership?