International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate progress, recognise inspiring role models, and reflect on how we can continue to support equality in the workplace. This year's theme is all about "Give to Gain", in which this campaign encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration.
"Give to Gain" emphasises the power of reciprocity and support. When people, organisations, and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase. Giving is not a subtraction, it's intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise.
At Trident, we’re proud to highlight the voices of women shaping our industry. We spoke with our Head of Procurement & Supplier Services, Alex Mottershead, about her career journey, what motivates her, and why strong female leadership matters for the next generation.
International Women’s Day allows me to reflect on the two roles that define me most: being a mum to two little girls and a working woman. It’s a reminder for me, my children, and everyone to keep pushing boundaries and to create a future where equality is lived.
I was recently promoted to Head of Procurement at Trident Utilities, which feels like a great full‑circle moment. I’ve been in the energy consultancy world for 14 years, and my very first boss, also a Head of Procurement, showed me early on that women can thrive in what is still a very male‑dominated space. She set the bar and encouraged me to aim high.
So, stepping into this role now feels like ticking off one of the goals I set for myself all those years ago. It’s also a good reminder of the importance of strong female role models in shaping the next generation of leaders.
Everything I do is rooted in my belief of always doing the right thing. This is my biggest motivation to provide an award-winning service to our customers, built on ethical practice, transparency, and with the customer’s best interest at the forefront of everything I do.
This can happen often given my life-long battle with imposter syndrome. Evidencing skills and achievements is extremely helpful in reframing these thought patterns. Also, checking myself when I notice I’m making comparisons. No two people have the same journey, context, or opportunities, so comparing yourself to others is rarely useful.
That we work in health and safety or corporate risk management!
I have a huge interest in the Victorian era, particularly the Arts and Crafts movement. I spend many an hour reading, researching and documenting the topic. I believe the philosophy of this movement, including valuing craftsmanship and functional beauty could go a long way in today’s culture of hyper consumerism and its associated environmental impacts. ‘Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.' – William Morris
I’d love to see more women in key leadership positions. We already have some fantastic female role models in the industry but increasing that number would surely only encourage new entrants to aim high and demonstrate that there are no limits.
Remembering to take time to stop and ground myself, even for 5 minutes. Taking just a few minutes to be mindful can make a huge difference to stress levels. One example is closing my eyes for 30 seconds and focusing entirely on what I can hear around me.
Trust your instincts; they are usually right.
Alex’s journey highlights the importance of resilience, strong role models, and staying true to your values in a fast-moving industry.
Interested in building your career in energy? Check out our latest career opportunities here at Trident.