Lena: After completing my trainee program, I spent five years in Sales as Executive Assistant to the Head of Sales. In that role, I worked on special projects, contributed to strategic topics, and collaborated closely with the management team – with a focus on organizational development and change.

I then spent two and a half years at Netze BW, first as Executive Assistant to the Managing Director for Customers and Concessions, later as Team Lead for Customer Experience and Events.

Since summer 2022, I’ve been working in the Renewable Energies business unit in Generation – first as a People Lead, and for the past two years as a People Cluster Lead. In this role, I work in a distributed leadership structure, meaning everything related to people and organization falls within my area of responsibility. I lead a management team of around twelve Product and People Leads, who in turn each lead about ten teams. These teams drive the expansion of renewable energies across Germany – especially in solar and onshore wind.

Lena: My first contact with EnBW came through Femtec, an initiative that supports and empowers women in technical professions. During a company visit, I was immediately impressed. The company felt very approachable, and the EnBW trainee program struck me as diverse and appealing – the perfect start for my career.

Lena:

My schedule is full of meetings and close coordination with my colleagues in distributed leadership. I also take part in management meetings and work closely with HR and the works council. My goal is to drive HR-related topics in my area. Together with my two People Leads, I work to improve the employee experience, remove obstacles, and foster professional growth.

Within the People Cluster, I focus on strategic development and the continuous evolution of both the organization and our teams.

Lena: I love being back in a scientific environment – it’s something I’m truly passionate about. I chose to study Environmental Science out of conviction, back in 2007. What fascinates me most is the connection between science and society, and the impact science has on our daily lives.

That’s why I enjoy my work at EnBW so much – I’m close to the people and communities our energy projects serve. Energy is essential to life, and it feels meaningful to work in a job that creates a positive impact.

Lena: Because impactful and exciting jobs should be open to everyone. It’s crucial that both men and women are represented in these fields. I want to be a role model and show that these roles are open to anyone. Above all, I want to show young girls that studying STEM subjects is absolutely possible – and that great career opportunities await them there.

Lena: The diversity of the company and the challenges of the energy transition. I love that EnBW gives you the freedom to develop, explore new paths, learn continuously, and take on responsibility. My colleagues are fantastic, and working as a team makes it even more rewarding.

Lena: I actively seek new challenges because I believe you grow the most outside your comfort zone. It’s important to consciously take on tasks that might feel intimidating at first, even if you don’t know everything yet.

At the same time, it’s vital to know your strengths and trust them – that comes with experience. I like to jump into cold water and seize opportunities as they arise. That also means asking questions, seeking help, and accepting support when needed.

Lena: Curiosity and enthusiasm come first – you have to enjoy the topics you work with. Analytical thinking is key, as is an openness to complex challenges.

Looking ahead, it’s becoming increasingly important to think beyond one’s own discipline. Many subjects are interconnected and influence each other – both technically and professionally. The opportunities are endless: you can become an expert in one area or apply your foundational knowledge to a wide range of problems.

Lena:

There are many leaders across the company who actively support individual development. Programs like Career Compass – which supports emerging female talent – and our mentoring program are also incredibly valuable for women in technical fields.

But of course, personal growth always starts with yourself: staying proactive, showing initiative, taking on challenges, and shaping your own path instead of waiting for others to do it for you.

Lena: Mentoring programs are incredibly valuable to me. The exchange, the learning, the networking – all of it contributes greatly to both personal and professional growth. I’ve benefited from such programs myself, and I love being able to give something back now.

At the same time, I learn so much from my mentees – they bring new perspectives, fresh ideas, and different ways of looking at things. That’s very inspiring.

I believe it’s essential to have role models – and to be one. For young women, that can make a huge difference. That’s why we’re committed to supporting more women on their way into leadership roles. Every woman in a leadership position sends a signal to the next generation: You can do this too.

Of course, it doesn’t happen by itself – it takes structures, support, and programs that truly make a difference. That’s why targeted initiatives are so important.

Lena: Build self-confidence. Believe in your abilities and don’t let doubts or stereotypes hold you back. STEM subjects can be challenging, but with dedication and practice, you can achieve a lot.

Find like-minded people and friends who are on similar paths. A strong network gives you confidence and support. Be curious and open to experiences! Do what excites you, even if it’s not the typical path – whether that’s an internship in a niche field, a stay abroad, or a study program close to your heart.

And look beyond your immediate field – STEM is incredibly diverse, so take the opportunity to explore different areas, especially if you’re still discovering where you want to go.

Lena: Several! One close to my heart is EnBW’s cooperation with Femtec. The EnBW mentoring program is also extremely valuable – it’s an opportunity to learn from mentees, share knowledge, and meet inspiring people.

EnBW as a company is very diverse and offers countless opportunities to network and exchange ideas. My tip for all new EnBW women: make use of these opportunities and get to know your colleagues!

I’ve had the privilege of working with new teams every year through various projects and roles, which has helped me continuously grow my network and learn from others.

Lena: The energy sector will continue to evolve dynamically, with constant change and exciting developments. As a leader focused on people topics, I expect the challenges of the labor market and the shortage of skilled workers to remain central issues.

Developing people will become even more important, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence will have a major impact on how we work. Change can be demanding, but it also offers tremendous opportunities for personal and organizational growth.

Lena: Challenging. Enriching. Impactful.