At the start of the summer, I was invited to deliver my first keynote speech at The Future of Utilities – a space buzzing with ideas about data, energy, and the next wave of innovation. Looking back now, with some summer reflection and thinking ahead to the autumn and career plans, I can see just how valuable the experience was.

Before getting on that stage, I felt a bundle of nerves. I leaned heavily on my network that day. Jo Butlin, one of the WUN founders, my old boss, and my fellow WUN advocates like Lucy, Holly and Jo reminded me I know my stuff. I just needed to be myself, authentic not perfect. That reassurance made all the difference. Once I got into the flow, everything clicked, and the nerves faded.

Why Stepping Forward Matters
When women share their experiences, insights, and solutions, it doesn’t just benefit them – it benefits the industry. Data and energy are fields built on complex problem-solving and innovation. Bringing diverse perspectives leads to better decisions, smarter solutions, and more inclusive products. Group think is the enemy when designing new products that are fit for purpose.

Speaking in a large arena no matter who is on stage with you can feel intimidating. But here’s the truth – all the women who were supporting me were right – your voice is valuable. You’ve earned your expertise through hard work, curiosity, and experience. Stepping onto a stage, even for the first time, is a chance to inspire others, challenge assumptions, and normalize women’s leadership in these spaces.

Lessons from the Stage
1. Preparation Builds Confidence – Knowing your material inside and out makes nerves manageable and your delivery more powerful.
2. Your Perspective Is Unique – Don’t downplay your experiences or ideas; they add value precisely because they’re yours. It took a bit of pep talk for me to really believe it, but the truth is, I’m not the one to judge whether my perspective is useful – others will decide that and I’ve learned to trust that process.
3. Connection Trumps Perfection – Engage your audience with authenticity. People remember insight shared genuinely, not flawlessly. This was the biggest one for me – knowing no-one else knew what I had scripted for myself took the edge off my nerves and reframed it to excitement.
4. Visibility Sparks Change – Every time a woman steps forward in a traditionally male-dominated field, it makes it easier for the next woman to step forward.

If you’re hesitant about speaking up, start small: host a team session, lead a workshop, or join a panel. Each step is a building block to greater confidence and impact.

And it’s not just a personal feeling – across the industry, more women are stepping up to the mic. At this year’s Future of Utilities Summit, for example, 331 women attended – 36% of the total audience – up from 261 women the year before. Even more encouraging, 45 women took thought leadership roles, making up 41% of the speaker line-up. Conference stages that once felt heavily male-dominated are now showcasing a far richer mix of voices, experiences and expertise. This shift is powerful. It sends a message to the next generation that they belong in these conversations, and it makes the ideas we share stronger, more inclusive and better equipped to tackle the industry’s toughest challenges. If you’re part of WUN, consider putting yourself forward for speaking opportunities – your voice could be the one that sparks change, shapes thinking and gives someone else the courage to step up next time. Remember: the world needs your voice, your perspective, and your leadership.

Key Takeaways
• Women’s perspectives in data and energy are essential for innovation and inclusion.
• Confidence comes from preparation, not perfection.
• Sharing your voice inspires others and shifts the industry culture.
• Start small, but start now – visibility is a catalyst for change.

Reflecting now, with the slower pace of summer behind us and the energy of September ahead, it’s clear: stepping forward isn’t just about the moment on stage – it’s about creating a ripple effect. Your voice matters. Step forward, share your insight, and help shape the future of the industry.

Lillian Philip, WUN Advocate & Senior Leader of Commercial Product Strategy, EDF.