Every 8 March, International Women’s Rights Day is an opportunity to highlight the progress made and the challenges that remain in terms of professional equality. In the energy sector, committed and passionate women contribute every day to changing attitudes and enriching their professional environment. To mark the occasion, we interviewed Veronika Milewski, CEO of RTE international.
Can you tell us about your career?
For over 20 years, my career in the energy sector has had a strong international dimension, with diverse range of experiences in management, finance and market analysis. I started at EDF, steering the German subsidiary EnBW, before moving into different roles, including M&A for international transactions. I then transitioned into European institutional affairs, focusing on advocacy and influence in Brussels. Just over three years ago, I joined RTE to work on European institutional affairs before taking on the role of CEO at RTE international.
What has been your greatest challenge as a leader, and how have you overcome it?
The biggest challenge is the one you face every single day. It’s not a one-off hurdle, but a balance you must build throughout your career: managing to reconcile a fulfilling professional life, a happy family life and a social life. Juggling these three dimensions within the limits of a 24-hour day is a constant challenge.
In your views, what are the key assets needed to run a company successfully today?
I’d say vision is absolutely essential. You need a clear idea of the direction in which you want to steer the company, while also having the psychological sensitivity to ‘feel’ your teams and guide them towards that goal. Finally, the third crucial element is hard work: you must be prepared to invest considerable effort. Running a company is a true commitment.
What advice would you give to women aspiring to leadership roles?
My advice would be to follow your aspirations. If you genuinely want to take on leadership roles, you need to be bold and equip yourself with the right tools to get there. It requires dedication and hard work, but perseverance is key, even when faced with obstacles. In the end, the fullfilment you gain is directly proportional to the effort you put in. Believe in your dreams, it’s truly worth it.
How do you perceive the progress of gender equality in companies and society in general?
I think that progress has been made and continues to be made. If we take an optimistic view, things are improving. Remote working, for instance, has provided greater flexibility in managing both professional and personal lives, benefiting everyone. However, from a more critical perspective, there is still a long way to go. Deep-rooted dynamics in our society are still holding back progress on equality. In companies and leadership roles, women remain underrepresented compared to men.
What is the most persistent stereotype about women in the workplace, and how can it be deconstructed?
I think the most deep-rooted stereotype relates to leadership. Female leadership styles often differ from the traditional male model of authority. This can lead to the misconception that women are less assertive when they simply adopt a different approach—often more collaborative—yet just as effective in delivering results. It’s crucial to acknowledge leadership styles that extend beyond traditional notions of authority and masculinity.
To break this stereotype, we need to see more women in leadership positions. Over time, employees and executives alike will begin to recognise the benefits of diverse leadership approaches, suited to different contexts. It’s only by working alongside varied leadership styles daily that we can truly shift perceptions.
If you could change one thing in the workplace to help women succeed, what would it be?
Women should be held to the same standards as men. Currently, women often face higher expectations to prove their capabilities, while the standards for men can differ.
What are your thoughts on International Women Day?
I see it a bit like Valentine’s Day, you might wonder, ‘Why celebrate love on just one day when we love each other all year round?’ But at the same time, it serves as a moment of reflection, prompting people to stop and consider the role of women in society. I think this day is valuable for drawing attention to such an important issue. The day we no longer need to mark it on the calendar will be a sign that we’ve come a long way.
