Digitalisation creates opportunities for women to enter the energy sector says Jana Palkova

In this edition of Power Women, a Q&A series highlighting women across the value chain in the energy sector, Kamogelo Motse talks to Jana Palkova.

Jana Palkova is a Board Member and Director at VSE Holding and a Board Member of the EU DSO Entity which is the association for Distribution System Operators (DSOs) in Europe.

What attracted you to work in the energy sector?

I started working in the energy sector by chance. I was going through the hiring process with an external company and only found out who the employer was in the later stages of the process. The main reason I applied was that it was a job with a company that had recently brought in a new foreign investor from Germany.

Who is your role model in (or outside of) the energy sector?

It is my previous boss – now CEO of electricity grid DSOs in Eastern and Western Slovakia with excellent technical skills and highly developed leadership abilities. Outside of the energy sector, I admire our former Slovak president – the first female president in the history of Slovakia.

What do you love about your job?

Even though the energy sector has been perceived as a conservative business area over the last 22 years, during my time in this industry, I have had the opportunity to participate in many significant changes. For example: the privatisation of utility companies in Slovakia to foreign investors, unbundling and navigating the financial and energy crises. All of this has ensured that my work was never boring and allowed me to learn a lot of new things.

Have you read?
Diversity fosters innovation, problem solving and creativity says Charlotte Johnson
Diversity of knowledge critical to succeed says Sofia Tavares

Why is diversity important for the energy industry?

Traditionally, the energy sector has been dominated by men, largely due to the technical aspects of the industry. However, new technologies and increased digitalisation are creating opportunities for more women to enter the field, bringing a female perspective to business operations, such as a greater focus on teamwork and collaboration. This highlights the importance of diversity in any industry, including energy.

What is the biggest challenge and opportunity for the energy transition in the next year?

It is essential to successfully manage the increasing decentralisation of energy production and the growth of e-mobility, particularly in ensuring that the grid is adequately prepared. Additionally, the continued digitalisation of the sector, including the use of AI in electricity distribution and customer service, will be crucial.

If you could go back to when you started work, what career advice would you give to your younger self?

Trust yourself more. If you have knowledge and experience you need to show it to others otherwise, they won’t know about it.

THIS OR THAT

Travel to the past or future?

FUTURE

Read fiction or nonfiction?

NON FICTION

Be the smartest person in the world or richest person in the world?

THE SMARTEST