Women in the energy industry need the confidence to ask for promotion.

That’s according to Cordi O’Hara, Director of UK Market Operation at National Grid.

She said when she entered a role managing gas assets she knew “she could do more” but wasn’t offered the opportunity by her boss.

When Ms O’Hara spoke to her mentor about it he said: “Well I’ve spoken to him and he’s just waiting for you to take it.”

She told ELN: “There’s something about the confidence – once you’ve gathered some skills and experience – to put yourself out there and to take [it].

“I think as an industry we need to have some better conversations ‘How do we support and sponsor women? How do we select those great ones who are hiding in the corner?’

“[We need to] show them opportunites and encourage them through.

“Then, as women speaking to other women, ‘How can we share our stories and give them confidence to move forward?’”