Let me take you back to a recent experience that was both heartwarming and empowering: the Women in Energy Summit in The Hague on September 13th, 2024. Amongst the many incredible discussions and presentations, I had the pleasure of co-facilitating two one-hour workshops with the amazing Inge Dijksman, my fellow Team and Leadership coach. Our workshop, titled “Unleashing the Power of Your Secret Self,” turned out to be an unexpectedly impactful and deeply reflective session for some women leaders in attendance.
Now, you might be wondering: What is the secret self? It’s not always some hidden superhero persona (though that would be fun). Your secret self can be the parts of you that you’ve kept hidden, marginalized, or toned down to fit into the professional mold, especially in industries like energy that have long been male-dominated. And here’s the million-dollar question: What might be possible if we reconnect with this hidden, powerful part of ourselves?
The Workshop: A Journey Inward
To explore this idea, Inge and I led participants through a guided visualization, a practice that was new to many in the room. We asked everyone to take a deep breath, close their eyes, and visualize their “secret self”—that part of them they might have silenced or suppressed to fit in at work. For some, it felt a little strange at first (understandably so!). After all, it’s not every day that you’re asked to dive into the depths of your inner world during a conference. But despite the initial discomfort, the group leaned into the experience with surprising openness and curiosity.
As participants began to unlock pieces of their secret selves, you could feel a shift in the room. For many, this exercise triggered deep reflection. Some realized they had pushed aside qualities like compassion, playfulness, or boldness – traits that could actually enhance their leadership. Others confronted the fear of being insecure, recognizing that insecurities have brough them the gift of lifelong learning. Especially in our second workshop, the stories and insights that emerged during the session were a testament to the power of creating space for self-exploration, even in a corporate context.
Why Bringing Your Whole Self to Work Matters—Especially in the Energy Sector
The energy sector, like many industries, has historically been shaped by male-dominated norms. This means that women (and other minority groups) often feel the need to adjust themselves, whether consciously or unconsciously, to fit in. But what if, instead of trying to conform, we tapped into our unique qualities—our secret selves—to make a more significant impact?
In the context of the energy transition, where creativity, innovation, and diverse perspectives are needed more than ever, showing up as your whole self can be a game-changer. We can’t solve the world’s most pressing energy challenges with only half of our voices at the table.
But how do you courageously bring your full self to work when the pressure to conform feels so strong? How do you balance being true to yourself while still navigating the expectations of a traditional corporate environment?
Three Practical Tips for Female Leaders in Energy to Bring Their Whole Self to Work
Here are three actionable tips for women in the corporate world who want to tap into the power of their secret selves and make a meaningful impact—especially in industries like energy that are undergoing massive transformations:
- Own Your Uniqueness—It’s Your Superpower
It’s easy to feel like we need to “fit in” to succeed, but the qualities that make you different are often the exact qualities that will help you stand out and thrive. Instead of hiding or downplaying your unique traits, embrace them. Whether it’s your empathy, your unconventional way of thinking, or your ability to bring people together, these aspects of your secret self can be powerful tools for leadership.
One exercise to try: Think about the times when you’ve felt most alive and energized at work. What were you doing? What qualities were you embodying? These moments often reveal the strengths of your secret self. The more you recognize and embrace these qualities, the more confidently you can bring them to the forefront in your leadership role.
- Create a Supportive Environment Where Others Can Do the Same
Bringing your full self to work isn’t just about you; it’s about creating a culture where others feel safe to do the same. One of the most powerful aspects of the workshop was the experience sharing among participants. By opening up about their secret selves, these women created a supportive space where others felt encouraged to do the same.
As a leader, you have the power to foster this kind of environment in your team. Start by encouraging open dialogue and vulnerability. Ask your team members what parts of themselves they feel they’ve held back, and invite them to share how those hidden qualities could benefit the group. When people feel safe to be their authentic selves, they’re more likely to contribute ideas, take risks, and collaborate in innovative ways.
- Incorporate Moments of Reflection into Your Routine
In a fast-paced industry like energy, it can be easy to lose sight of who you are and what you really want to bring to the table. That’s why creating space for regular self-reflection is crucial. The guided visualization exercise in our workshop gave participants the chance to pause, look inward, and reconnect with their secret selves. You don’t need to wait for a workshop to do this—you can make it part of your routine.
Set aside time, even just 10 minutes a week, for self-reflection. Ask yourself questions like: Am I showing up authentically at work? What parts of myself have I been hiding? How can I bring more of my unique strengths into my leadership? Over time, this practice will help you become more attuned to your secret self and how it can serve you in your professional journey.
Unleashing the Power of Your Secret Self for the Energy Transition
The energy transition requires bold, innovative, and courageous leadership—qualities that are often found in the parts of ourselves we’ve been too afraid to show. By reconnecting with your secret self, you’re not only unlocking your full potential, but you’re also contributing to a more inclusive, dynamic energy sector.
So, here’s my invitation to you: Dare to bring your whole self to work. Yes, it might feel uncomfortable at first, and yes, there will be moments of doubt. Realize that there is a gift in all parts of you that make it YOU. The the impact you can make when you lead with authenticity, vulnerability, and courage is immeasurable. It’s time to unleash the power of your secret self—for yourself, your team, and the future of energy.
