What We’ve Learned: Lessons from the Field of Wind Energy

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in my career so far is the importance of collaboration, especially in complex areas like the energy transition. No matter how solid technical work is, real impact only happens when we bring together different stakeholders: government, industry, academia, and civil society. I’ve seen this firsthand in projects whose success depended as much on open dialogue and mutual trust as on data or models. I’ve learned that listening, adapting, and building bridges are just as essential as technical expertise. - Fernanda Pires Domingues Cardoso Guedes (Brazil) WiW Class of 2024

The most valuable lesson I've learned in my career is the power of building and nurturing genuine professional relationships. In the energy sector—and especially in wind—opportunities, insights, and collaboration often come through the strength of your network. Early on, I focused mainly on technical skills, but I’ve come to understand that who you connect with, learn from, and support can be just as critical as what you know. The Global Women in Wind program has opened doors I didn’t even know existed and helped me navigate challenges with the guidance of mentors and peers. It’s not just about advancing your own path—it’s also about creating a supportive ecosystem where others can grow with you. - Lalitha Mahalingam (India) WiW Class of 2024 

The most valuable lesson that I have learned is adaptability. People and technology are constantly evolving and being flexible and open to new perspectives and willingness to adapt makes the difference. Being curious is also another aspect of learning, as it fuels meaningful exchanges. The best discussions aren’t about delivering information but about diving deeper, asking the right questions as it keeps the interactions dynamic, giving space for more learning. - Shanthini Madras Sambandan (India) WiW Class of 2024 

Collaboration drives progress. Early in my career, I underestimated the power of diverse teams. Through projects in wind energy, I’ve seen how engineers, policymakers, and community advocates achieve far more together than in silos. This program reinforced that lesson—gender-diverse teams, for instance, design more inclusive and effective renewable energy solutions. - Nancy Taha (Egypt) WiW Class of 2024 

The most valuable lesson I’ve learned in my career is that adaptability and humility are essential for growth, especially in an industry as dynamic and complex as renewable energy. When I transitioned from commercial construction to wind energy, I assumed my technical background would make the shift seamless. But I quickly realized that every project in this field brings its own unique challenges, whether it's navigating regulatory frameworks, managing diverse stakeholders, or adapting to evolving technologies and environmental conditions. Success required me to unlearn, relearn, and continuously stretch beyond my comfort zone. I learned that no matter how experienced you are, you must remain open to new perspectives, willing to ask questions, and ready to collaborate across disciplines. It’s not just about engineering or project management, it’s about understanding the bigger picture: sustainability, community impact, and long-term value. Managing people tested me in ways no engineering problem ever had. I had to look inward, learning more about myself in order to understand how to bring out the best in others. I realized that leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all. It requires empathy, flexibility, and the ability to adapt your style to meet the needs of different individuals and team dynamics. This mindset has not only helped me grow professionally but has also deepened my passion for the work I do. It’s taught me that the most rewarding achievements often come from the most unexpected challenges and that that success isn’t just about building infrastructure, it’s about building trust, collaboration, and shared purpose. And that begins with how we lead. - Alisha Raghoonanan (South Africa) WiW Class of 2024 

The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is that the renewable energy industry is constantly evolving. With so much innovation and development happening, you are always learning and adapting alongside the industry. Equally important is the need for collaboration across all stakeholders. In complex renewable energy projects, aligning technical, financial, and regulatory perspectives is crucial for managing risk and ensuring success. Bridging these areas has been key in my role, and it has reinforced the importance of both technical expertise and effective stakeholder engagement. - Juliana Diniz (Brazil) WiW Class of 2024 

There is always something new to learn. Human creativity is always busy. It’s important to be open to change, to new ideas, and to new ways of doing things. - Samantha Beatriz Carmona Bobadilla (Mexico) WiW Class of 2024 

The most valuable lesson I have learned is the importance of resilience and self-confidence, especially as a woman in a field still marked by challenges to gender equality. I found that competence, combined with persistence, is essential to gain respect and create opportunities. Many times, I had to go above and beyond to be truly heard and recognized, an experience I know many other women share. This has made me value each achievement even more and realize the power of leading by example. Just as I have been inspired by the stories of people I deeply admire, I now strive for my own journey to inspire and open doors for other women, especially those starting out in the sector. - Marcella Pinheiro Lazar (Brazil) WiW Class of 2024