Are there such skills and features that make women leaders in business?
Beata Kurdelska, President of the PGNiG Management Board of Retail / Press materials / Photo Mat. press
I think it’s not worth generalizing and bringing leaders to gender. Everyone has an individual style of communication and leadership. At every step, I emphasize that the key in business is to be guided by values, work based on honesty and respect in relationships with people. Of course, being a leader requires courage, creativity, the ability to adapt to changing market conditions – Not everyone fulfills in this role, but it certainly is not reserved for one sex.
What has contributed to success in your case?
I always trust my intuition in making decisions, although the basis is always hard analyzes. Throughout my professional career I did not hesitate to make unusual and bold choices. I changed my professional path many times when the situation became monotonous or incompatible with my values. Courage in exploring new opportunities was crucial for me, because I believe in the importance of continuous development and searching for professional passions. I was also lucky to meet many wise people who were inspired to me.
Probably it was not easy to achieve success in the energy industry dominated by men?
I think that success in every industry requires hard work and determination, although my path to the place where I am today could be more bumpy than the path of many of my colleagues. The participation of women in the boards and supervisory boards of companies in the energy sector and industry is indeed relatively low. At least this is how research shows – according to Deloitte it is only 16 percent. In 2023, it seems that the PGNiG company from which I manage does not confirm these statistics, because over 60 percent. Our employees are women and they also constitute more than half of the managerial staff, which makes me very happy.
I have been associated with the energy industry for almost 30 years. For me it is a fascinating area that offers great development opportunities and is constantly changing. The energy sector is currently facing large challenges related to the transformation. I think that this can attract not only men, but also women with passion for learning who want to get involved in both technological and such social importance, which gives a field for female sensitivity in business.
In the discussion about gender equality in the work environment, a lot of space is devoted to the issues of regulation – is this a good way to achieve this goal?
The regulations are, of course, an important and necessary tool in the pursuit of gender equality in the workplace and in society. However, it is equally important to promote the culture of mutual respect, openness to diversity, because it is a great value for the organization.
Diversity promotes every group. Different teams are greater creativity, the ability to draw on various perspectives, which translates into effective problem solving. After all, these are measurable benefits for the company, because equal treatment of employees and enabling them to implement their ambition attracts the best talents.
And what would you advise young women who are just starting your career?
Work, learn, have dreams and make them come true. Do not be afraid of changes because they give a chance for better. Reach for high -hanging fruit.
Millions of customers
PGNiG Retail trade is a leader in the sale of natural gas in Poland. It also offers other products, such as solutions related to energy efficiency, photovoltaics, as well as assistance, insurance, medical and financial services. Over 7 million clients use the company’s services.
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