Historical figures have shaped my approach to strategy, innovation and leadership says Lidia Aviles

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

Lidia Aviles is the Founder and CEO of AELSTONE, a company which aims to accelerate the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17 by providing the ecosystem opportunities of cross-sectors, policy and cross-cultural dialogue for actionable partnerships.

What attracted you to work in the energy sector?

Early on, I realised that energy is a cornerstone of our economy, a driving force that influences nearly every other sector. This understanding led me to 'connect the dots' between energy and its ripple effects across industries. My diverse interests and hobbies helped me build a wide range of experiences, which ultimately shaped my professional path.

I started my career as an academic but soon ventured into the mobility sector, where I supported the transformation of innovation for this generation, working with a global brand to push the boundaries of what was possible.

From there, I transitioned to the aviation sector, where I navigated roadmaps for business development and global operations, gaining valuable insight into large-scale infrastructure and the future of mobility. All that brought me to the centre of energy in the last two years. 

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

As a strategist, my role models are not limited to a single individual but rather a diverse group of historical figures, each embodying unique qualities that I deeply admire and strive to incorporate into my own journey. These figures have shaped the way I approach challenges, leadership, and innovation.

Albert Einstein stands out as one of my key influences, particularly for his creativity and groundbreaking understanding of energy. His famous equation, E=mc², fundamentally shifted our understanding of mass and energy, revealing them to be two forms of the same thing. This insight has influenced how I view the interconnectedness of systems, whether in energy, economics, or innovation. Einstein's ability to think beyond established norms and discover new paradigms is something I continually aspire to in my work.

Inge Lehmann, the renowned Danish seismologist, is another figure who inspires me. Her pioneering research in seismology, particularly her discovery of the Earth's inner core, demonstrates the importance of persistence, curiosity, and meticulous research. Lehmann's ability to challenge existing scientific beliefs with her discoveries resonates with my commitment to research and the pursuit of truth, even in fields as vast and complex as energy and global systems.

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Finally, Queen Elizabeth II's remarkable resilience and endurance, reflected in her record as the longest-reigning monarch in British history, is something that I deeply respect. Her steadfastness in the face of changing political landscapes and personal challenges offers valuable lessons in leadership. The ability to remain grounded, composed, and adaptive over time is something I aim to embody in both my personal and professional life.

Together, these figures shape my approach to strategy, innovation, and leadership. Each, in its own way, teaches us the importance of creativity, endurance, and the courage to break new ground—qualities that I believe are essential in navigating today’s ever-evolving global landscape.

What do you love about your job?

I like to interact with great minds. I love seeing how humans are capable of so many great developments, and I enjoy navigating complex scenarios. 

In my interactions with various leaders and experts across the energy sector, I’ve come to realise the immense complexity involved in developing and executing the concept of an 'Energy Hub'. The Energy Hub represents a multi-faceted solution that integrates diverse energy systems such as a smart grid, long-duration energy storage, and renewable energy sources. It’s a holistic approach aimed at optimising energy generation, storage, and consumption in a way that maximises efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability.

Why is diversity important for the energy industry?

Having different concepts also has different options and many possibilities for different solutions. Diversity is proof of the benefits when we can see different angles of a problem and have the choice to pick the most suitable. I consider myself a generalist per se, and by experience, I can share that difference of knowledge (almost random) has opened different dimensions of understanding that I wouldn’t be capable of without the 'diversified specialisation'. Hence, I tend to support the sector by providing different angles of approach, thinking out of the box, and hopefully being useful.

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

We saw how AI was a big wave this year that touched the energy sector so much since last year; now, we clearly see the conjunction with quantum about to unfold. That will create even bigger waves, in my opinion.

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

Changes are necessary, and stagnation can be easily disguised as stability. Don’t be complacent; continuing to learn will eventually pay off.

THIS OR THAT

Travel to the past or future?

Both, to see my father again

Read fiction or nonfiction?

Both. The more we advance in technology, the less something becomes fiction. There’s nothing new under the sun, and imagination is only a translation motivation for development.

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

I once saw a quote that said, “ Some people are so poor that the only thing they have is money”. Therefore, I believe that we are already rich because each one of us has unique knowledge that nobody can take away from us. They can steal ideas and money, but not our wisdom.