In this latest episode, WUN Advocate, Julia Stichling chats with Leah Clough, Offshore Manager at Ørsted

Leah is responsible for ensuring the safe and reliable operation of 384 offshore wind turbines on the West Coast. Driven by a vision of a world powered entirely by green energy, and a strong commitment to encouraging more women and young people into the sector, Leah brings honesty and perspective to the latest WUN podcast -  Finding Your Voice Offshore - Confidence & Career Growth.

We talk about Leah’s time working offshore as one of very few women on wind turbines, including the realities of that experience and how she came to realise that being female was not a disadvantage. From smaller hands to different ways of problem-solving, Leah reflects on how balancing strengths rather than trying to fit a mould, helped her find her passion and ultimately progress into a management role overseeing hundreds of turbines.

Leah also shares candid insights into moments where she had to speak up for herself, how her confidence grew over time, and what she has learned about advocating for your own abilities while building a career you genuinely care about.

WUNForWellbeing “Living your best life” with Anna Black  & Gen Hallam with WUN advocate Gill Edwards.

In conjunction with our The 40's Woman & Beyond event,  WUN Advocate Gill Edwards, chats with Anna Black (PT and Perimeno Coach) and Gen Hallam (Nutrition Coach) from “The 40s Woman and Beyond”.

They share further valuable insights for all women on the impact of hormonal changes and offer simple lifestyle tips to support your well-being. 
This is a great listen with some simple advice on stress, nutrition, movement, sleep whatever your age to set you up for "living you best life."

You can also catch up with Anna & Gen as they led the inciteful session  - WUNForWellbeing - The 40s Woman and Beyond,  including Q&A - recording now available

Disclaimer: Anna Black & Gen Hallam cannot be held responsible for any injury or harm caused as a result of participation in any session or ideas you follow as a result of listening to this podcast/attending this workshop. You are taking part at your own risks and need to make sensible decisions. Check in with your GP if you have any concerns and before making changes. 

Anna Black, Perimenopause Coach, 40s Woman & Beyond

Following a career contracting in global organisations, Anna shifted focus into the wellness industry in 2013, certifying as a Fitness Professional and then a Perimenopause Coach. In 2019 she launched 40s Woman & Beyond inspiring women to take control of their health through positive change.  Anna now works with companies, recognising that empowering female employees leads to a thriving workforce and successful business.

Genevieve Hallam, Nutrition Coach, 40s Woman & Beyond

Gen is a certified Nutrition Coach and focuses on sustainable behaviour change by aligning nutritional strategies with clients’ goals and lifestyles.

Driven by a passion to share her knowledge of perimenopause and the positive impact that nutrition can have, Gen empowers women with positive  steps they can to take to thrive at this stage of their lives and careers.

In this latest WUN podcast WUN Co-Founder & Director Hayley Monks speaks to some other inspiring female leaders & role models,  Rebecca Sedler, Managing Director of National Grid Interconnectors & former WUN Director and Monica Collins, Chair of Powerful Women and who holds  several Non Exec. roles.

In a far ranging & fascinating discussion they explore the evolving landscape of female leadership and the growing trend of portfolio careers among women. Are we seeing enough women stepping into visible leadership roles? Or are too many opting for flexible, multi-faceted careers that may dilute their influence in traditional leadership spaces?

Key discussion points:
Visibility & Impact: Do we have enough women role models in leadership across sectors—business, politics, tech, and beyond?

Portfolio Careers: Why are so many women choosing portfolio careers? Is it a sign of empowerment, or a response to systemic barriers in traditional career paths?

Leadership Redefined: How do portfolio careers challenge or complement conventional leadership models?

Role Models for the Next Generation: What kind of role models do young women need today—and are they finding them?

WUN advocates Aimee Konieczny from Indigo Swan and Kara Sadler from South Staffs and Cambridge Water chat women in fitness. They sit down with Vic and Ella from Femme Coaching - two inspiring fitness professionals dedicated to empowering women through strength and wellbeing.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The journeys that led Vic and Ella into the world of fitness
• Unique challenges faced by women in the fitness industry, and how to overcome them
• Why strength training is so important for women (and the myths that need busting!)
• Practical advice for busy women who want to prioritise their health
• Simple changes anyone can make to feel stronger and more energised
• Reflections on self-worth, confidence, and what they wish they’d known sooner

Victoria Mandi: As a Female Transformation Coach with over 12 years of experience, Vick has helped hundreds of women build confidence and transform their lives. Her approach focuses on creating lasting changes by tailoring training and nutrition to your unique body and goals. Together, Vick will not only work on reshaping your body with you but also on building the knowledge and habits that empower you to maintain your results and feel confident in your own skin.

Ella Crouch: Ella has been coaching women for over 7 years and she works with a variety of women, but their overriding goal is wanting to empower themselves through fitness. Most of her clients want to work on their fitness, increase strength, and gain confidence however she also works with those seeking elite transformations and competitive bodybuilding. Whoever the client, the approach is tailored to their unique goal and body.

Whether you’re looking for inspiration, practical tips, or just a boost of motivation, this episode is for you!

For further information 

Website: Femme | Coaching, Workshops and Events for Strong Women

Podcast: Femme Talk - Podcast - Apple Podcasts

In this latest WUN podcast Sophia Goring, reflects on Business Stream’s success at the Women in Utilities Awards – winning the Best Community Outreach Award. She talks through the initiatives Business Stream has been leading in working with young people and partner organisations in their communities to provide meaningful workplace experiences and how they are inspiring more young women to consider a role in the water industry.

With over 20 years’ experience of working in corporate communications and corporate social responsibility, Sophia is currently Head of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) at UK-based water retailer, Business Stream. As part of her role, Sophia leads on the delivery of Business Stream’s sustainability agenda, which includes overseeing the company’s carbon reduction activities and delivering it’s community-based social value programme.

Sophia currently works with a number of charities and social enterprises, with a particular focus on supporting young people. She sits on the Career Ready Edinburgh, Mid-Lothian and East Lothian Local Authority Board to support the charity’s strategic aims and is a mentor through the Women’s Utilities Network (WUN) mentoring programme.

Please do  get in touch if you are interested in receiving information regarding the 2026 Women in Utilities Awards, hosted in conjunction with Utility Week.

[email protected]

In this episode , we are joined by Sarah Wilson from Valda Energy to reflect on her journey being diagnosed with ADHD. From her journey at school and throughout her career, we discuss what it was like to navigate work and daily life without a clear understanding of neurodiversity, exploring the personal challenges and emotions that came with that experience. We discuss where individuals, managers, and teams can turn for reliable resources and support, and highlight the benefits that emerge when workplaces genuinely embrace neurodiverse talent. 

Listen in to gain valuable insights into Sarah's journey and what businesses across utilities can do to create more inclusive environments and provide meaningful support for neurodiverse employees at every stage of their careers.

In this WUN Podcast episode, Julia Stichling speaks with Sal Watson from Mott MacDonald about her journey from geology student to industry leader. Sal reflects on her academic and consultancy experience, including major projects like the London 2012 Olympics, and her current role shaping strategy at Mott MacDonald and as a non-executive director at British Water.

Sal reflected on developing her leadership skills during part-time working years, drawing on experience as a school governor and committing to continual learning. 

Looking ahead, Sal and Julia discussed long-term planning in the water industry, the pressures of increased investment demands, the need for industrialised project delivery, and building public trust amid climate concerns. In the podcast they touch on the urgency of addressing the sector’s talent pipeline and increasing public awareness of water systems.

In this podcast, WUN advocate Heidi Knapton , South Staffs & Cambridge Water speaks to Laura AKA ‘Worn Out Working Mum’ on all things maternity and work.

Whether you’re navigating your own parenting journey or an employer on a mission to get this right – we are discussing it all! 

An authentic discussion around every aspect of ‘the motherhood penalty’ and how best to navigate, with top tips and shared experiences shared along the way”.

In this episode of the WUN podcast, WUN Programme Development Manager Karen Anderson is joined by Georgina Mills, Director of Energy Systems Management and Security at OFGEM. Georgina shares insights from her impressive career spanning the UK water and energy sectors, including her time at Ofwat and the New Zealand Commerce Commission.

Georgina shares insights on the complex challenges facing the energy sector—from affordability to the drive for net zero—and how OFGEM is responding through innovation, regulatory reform and leadership. Georgina highlights the potential of demand-side flexibility and the importance of removing barriers to progress.

The conversation also delves into diversity and inclusion, flexible working and how OFGEM is supporting its staff. Georgina reflects on her leadership style and the cultural shifts needed to lead through uncertainty in a rapidly changing industry.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of energy, leadership and inclusive growth.

Ramona Vlasiu (Pergel) is Chief Operating Officer of E.ON Next . She won Utilities Business Woman of the Year at the Great British Businesswomen Awards in January 2025 and she is also a finalist in the Women in Utilities Awards in June.

In this podcast Jo Butlin, WUN Founder & Director chats about what winning the Business Women of the Year award means to Ramona. We discuss her career journey to date, which started in legal services before she moved into E.ON Romania and then moved with E.ON from Romania to the UK, where she has now settled with her family.

Ramona talks about her style of leadership and the importance to her of culture and team. We also discuss the challenges of having a high flying career at the same time as being a mother of young children.

 NOTE : 27/06/25 Ramona was also announced as the Women of the Year at the Women in Utilities Awards.