🔦 Empowering Women in Leadership: "I didn’t set out to become an advocate, but the gaps I saw in the Energy sector made it impossible to stay silent."
An Interview with Fiona Dewey
As the energy sector evolves, the call for inclusive leadership has never been more urgent. Fiona Dewey, a geophysicist and passionate advocate for women in leadership, brings both scientific expertise and a clear vision for change. Ahead of her, appearance at the SPE Europe Energy Conference, where she will speak on “Talent Development and Diversity: Empowering Future Talent in the Energy Sector,” we sat down with her to discuss the challenges, opportunities, and future of female leadership in energy and beyond.
In addition to her work, Fiona is also an active mentor with SheSkillz Global. Her involvement reflects her belief that empowering women begins with creating meaningful, supportive relationships at every stage of leadership.
Let’s begin with your journey. Could you tell us a bit about yourself? You’re a geophysicist, how has your work in that field intersected with your passion for empowering women in leadership?
When I joined the oil industry back in the 1980s, I was one of three women in a graduate intake of 60 students. At the time, it was normal to see very few women in professional roles, and the few who had made it were all single. Being a woman in a man’s world was never a problem in a technical role; I only started encountering barriers once I became a leader.
Was there a specific moment when you realized you wanted to actively advocate for women in leadership roles?
I was head of a department for several years but never received recognition in the form of a job grade or pay. I then moved into a lateral role, responsible for the career development of all the geoscientists in the company worldwide, and found numerous inconsistencies. Women were on lower salaries and often overlooked for promotion. Men who had taken a sabbatical year out were rewarded, while women returning from maternity leave had their promotions delayed.

"I didn’t set out to become an advocate, but the gaps I saw in the Energy sector made it impossible to stay silent."
In your experience, what are some of the biggest barriers women still face when it comes to stepping into leadership roles - particularly in STEM fields like yours?
A lack of role models and sponsors who actively support women. There is still a great deal of unconscious bias in people’s attitudes about what a leader should look like and how they should behave.
Do you think women bring something distinct to leadership? How has that shaped your own leadership style?
Yes. They are more empathetic and listen to others. I acknowledge that I don’t know everything and encourage others to use their initiative. My focus is on steering the team so that everyone works in the same direction.
You’ve become a voice for change. Can you tell us about some of the initiatives or efforts you’ve been involved in to support women leaders?
At Wintershall Dea, we set up “Champions for Change”: a group of senior leaders who support gender diversity and actively work to change how their teams operate and think.
How do you personally create space for other women to lead - whether in your field or beyond?
I try to provide direction and guidance, but then give them the freedom to try things their way. I’m also open to discussing any problems or issues if needed.
You also serve as a mentor with SheSkillz Global, a platform focused on connecting and empowering women across sectors. What has your experience been like as a mentor in this program?
It’s very interesting, as I meet people from completely different working environments and countries. The surprising thing is that many of their challenges are the same, regardless of where they work. The rewards come when your mentee comes back with their stories of success. It’s great to know your advice has given someone the knowledge and confidence to try a new approach and get closer to their goal.
In your view, what sets the SheSkillz Global mentoring approach apart from other programs - and why is something like this especially important in the energy sector today?
With the SheSkillz mentoring program, you're paired with someone outside your company - sometimes from a different nationality - who can offer a fresh perspective on your challenges or topics. Hearing about others' experiences helps many people put their own concerns into perspective and boosts their confidence to try new approaches.
See question above.
You’ll soon be speaking at the SPE Europe Energy Conference in the session on Talent Development and Diversity. How did that invitation come about, and what does it mean to you to contribute to that conversation at a sector-wide level?
Edna Bisso, who was co-chair of the Wintershall Dea Women’s Network and is also on the SPE conference organising panel, was looking for speakers. We made significant progress with the Women’s Network, and I wanted to share our learnings with others including the sucess of the SheSkillz Global mentoring program. When Wintershall Dea was sold, much was lost, and we wanted the success of our legacy to continue in other companies.
For women who are just beginning their leadership journey, or who might feel uncertain, what advice would you offer?
Be yourself, be authentic. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and seek out allies both within and outside your work environment.
What’s something you wish you had known earlier in your career about leadership or self-belief?
I wish I had a mentor I could talk to and trust. I come from a generation where hard work was seen as a path to appreciation and reward, but sadly, not everyone values these qualities.
As someone who bridges science and advocacy, what kind of future do you hope to help build for the next generation of women leaders, especially in STEM field?
For the younger generation interested in STEM subjects, the barriers are lower at the start of their careers. The challenges arise in mid-career, especially when balancing work and family. I would like to see more parents sharing both work and childcare responsibilities. COVID played a significant role in forcing this shift to begin happening.
What do you hope your legacy will be - not just as a geophysicist, but as a woman helping to shape a more inclusive and empowered future?
I want to be known as someone who is good at my job, both as a technical expert and a leader, and who has inspired and helped the next generation on their path.

My motto is "Lead by example," and I hope more people will follow suit.
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