In a sector where women remain underrepresented, Jean Valarie’s journey in energy is defined by discipline, self-belief, and quiet resilience. Navigating the Energy corridors in Kenya with little representation, she rose from being an employee to co-founding a company in the sector. She grappled with doubt yet chose to continue showing up daily. She shares candid reflections on career growth, persistence, and redefining leadership on her own terms.
Honestly, confidence was not guaranteed early on in my career. Working with electrical systems, my greatest fear was: what if I don’t do it right? What if I am unaware of a specific regulation? What if I mess up? These thoughts almost held me back daily. I also often wondered whether, as a woman, I was qualified enough. Throughout college and even in the early stages of my career, I consistently found that there were fewer women than men in my classes and work environments. However, the more I showed up in different capacities, the more I began believing in myself. I gave all my roles the consideration they required and never stopped working on my skills. The more I achieved by simply putting in the effort, the more I saw how capable I was as a woman in the energy sector. Discipline kept me consistent in putting in the work to reach new goals, and in doing so, I grew more confident. One achievement I am particularly proud of was winning a contract with a major energy company in my country, Kenya, for the organisation I worked with. I realised then that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. In a sense, the more I put myself out there, worked on myself, and achieved more, the more I wanted to do.
I believe men have mastered the art of showing up aggressively, though it is not labelled as aggression. It is called assertiveness. When women do the same, it is often called aggression. Showing up in this manner requires one to stop being an enabler, ask for what they want, and negotiate effectively. As a woman leader, it is essential to be firm and approach leadership with the assertiveness it requires. You cannot be a people-pleaser and still lead effectively just to be likeable. I always tell fellow women: please don’t serve tea in rooms where you are meant to be negotiating contracts. You are not being polite; you are enabling behaviour that undermines your role. I have often been in rooms where decisions are made, and men have suggested that I serve them tea. I always respond assertively: I am here to negotiate a contract, not to serve tea. Yes, this may lead to a conflict, even missing out on the contract, but the reality is that you don't need a professional relationship built on disrespect. One important lesson I have learned from senior women in my field is not to play small. I belong in the room; otherwise, I would not get access.
One time I remember vividly is in 2020, when COVID-19 had just hit. Jobs were scarce, companies were barely hiring, many were shutting down, and very few clients were seeking services. Around this time, we had just founded our company, which meant it had to work. I remember sitting down and brainstorming ideas on how to secure clients despite the difficult circumstances. Solar products are costly, and during tough economic periods, people tend to prioritise only essential needs. As I reflected, I realised we could do more than just new installations; we could also offer maintenance services for products we had not installed ourselves. I also began reaching out to connections working in established organisations to create new relationships. This led to opportunities for referrals and consideration for future projects. Looking back, it would have been easy to give up, given the uncertainty of the market. I believed that even if the outcome was not significant, there would still be something to show for our efforts, and that belief kept me going.
This fear is quite common. However, I believe women do not need to choose one over the other. Yes, it is challenging, and there will be moments when one aspect lags, but that does not diminish a woman’s ability to manage both motherhood and her career. I went into entrepreneurship while expecting my first child, and of course, it was not easy. However, I learned the value of support and delegation in moving every aspect of my life forward. In such situations, the ability to discern character is critical, as you need to surround yourself with hardworking and reliable individuals. One important lesson I have learned along this journey is that many of these narratives are designed to instil fear and are not entirely true. When you allow yourself to give your best in both spheres while accepting support, you are far more likely to succeed. This principle applies equally to men in leadership. Delegation ensures that every aspect of a business is handled efficiently; therefore, motherhood does not take away from a woman’s ability to excel in business or in any other area of life.
Do not underestimate the value of routines in building the life you want. Just as you pursue personal growth, you should pursue your career with the same intention. Adopt the habit of doing something daily that brings you closer to your dreams. Rome was not built in a day, and ability and confidence grow through consistent exposure. Make it a daily practice to ask yourself questions that reflect your goals: What have I done today to move closer to my goals? Did I learn a new policy? Did I apply for that job? Did I acquire a new skill? Did I improve my public-speaking ability? Did I identify a contract I would like to apply for? Ask yourself these questions, not others. When you look inward, you allow yourself to be honest, and through that honesty, you begin to trust yourself. It is also important to show up as the person you envision becoming. You do not have to be perfect, but when you show up, you give yourself permission to begin, and that is where growth truly starts.
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