‘Motherhood further shaped my leadership perspective’

This week, Women in Solar+ Europe highlighted the insights of Margarita Licht, Product Manager for BESS and Charging at Germany's Goldbeck Solar. In her interview, Licht emphasized the importance of diverse perspectives and cognitive styles in the solar and energy storage sector, arguing that they are crucial for developing smarter solutions, effective problem-solving, and long-term planning. She also stressed the significance of creating inclusive environments, fostering allyship, and selecting workplaces that value authentic strengths, as these factors empower growth and drive meaningful impact.

Energy storage within the solar sector is a complex field that requires multi-disciplinary thinking. Challenges such as grid balancing, battery optimization, and market integration cannot be addressed through a single perspective. Effective problem-solving in this domain comes from teams with diverse experiences and viewpoints. Individuals from different backgrounds bring unique approaches to the table: some excel at seeing the big picture, others at delving into intricate details, and others at making rapid decisions. When these varied approaches are combined, they result in more innovative and effective solutions.

This argument is not merely ethical; it is supported by industry studies and real-world results that consistently demonstrate the superior performance of diverse teams compared to more homogeneous ones. In her experience managing international teams deploying batteries in new markets, Licht found that inclusion was not an abstract concept but an operational necessity. To achieve results, she needed cross-functional expertise, diverse perspectives, and buy-in from various stakeholders.

Motherhood further shaped Licht's leadership perspective, teaching her to think in terms of generations rather than quarters. This long-term mindset aligns naturally with the nature of energy infrastructure, which requires sustained investment and planning. However, it is not just about gender or parental status; any life experience that provides a new lens can enhance problem-solving capabilities.

The solar and energy storage sector truly needs diversity in cognitive styles: reflective planners, decisive communicators, and integrators who understand complexity. Diversity, in all its forms, is a strategic advantage that drives innovation and ensures the sector can adapt to the dynamic challenges it faces. By embracing a diverse range of perspectives and experiences, the industry can continue to develop solutions that meet the evolving needs of society and the environment.