EGN NEWS DESK
Canary Media’s Charging Up column chronicles gender range and notable profession strikes within the climatetech sector. Got a individual or occasion you’d wish to see us cowl or a scorching job tip? Let us know!
Zoe Berkery: On staking a declare
Zoe Berkery is chief working officer at CleanCapital. This interview has been edited and condensed for brevity.
How did you find yourself on this profession path?
From a younger age, I knew I needed to pursue a profession in sustainability and the atmosphere. I majored in environmental coverage and worldwide research, pondering I would go into legislation or coverage. I began my profession on the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) beneath Obama, specializing in the federal authorities’s carbon footprint. It was a dream come true.
Later, I labored for the Business Council for Sustainable Energy, doing advocacy for clear vitality firms. However, I started to really feel jaded by coverage. My former boss at CEQ, Jon Powers, provided me a aspect job at his new firm, CleanCapital, which I accepted as a substitute of doing an MBA program.
CleanCapital was cutting-edge within the distributed renewables house, and I knew I needed to bounce in. Despite my household’s issues about becoming a member of a small startup, I felt it was an thrilling alternative. My journey has been distinctive, beginning in coverage and now specializing in asset administration at CleanCapital.
What’s the most effective piece of recommendation you’ve ever acquired?
When I was interviewing for considered one of my first jobs, on the Business Council for Sustainable Energy, the manager director, Lisa Jacobson, requested about my wage expectations. I went to reply — it was solely the second time I needed to handle this query — and she or he stopped me and mentioned, “Don’t tiptoe round telling me what you really want. Tell me what you assume is honest and what you’re price.” I was stunned, however I answered, and she or he honored it.
It was such a highly effective expertise as a result of she was so forthright. Many instances, girls don’t get that recommendation; we’re usually taught to be individuals pleasers and never make others uncomfortable. But that actually helped me stake my declare and make the ask all through my profession. The worst that may occur is a “no” or a negotiation, however it’s best to by no means shortchange your self from the outset.
What is a barrier you confronted and the way did you overcome it?
Imposter syndrome is one thing I assume many individuals take care of, and given my nontraditional path into my function, it’s an space I assume I will at all times be engaged on. I attempt to verify my work, my contributions, and the standard of my staff converse for themselves and might stand on their very own. While our trade is enhancing and I’m fortunate to be surrounded by wonderful girls and a numerous staff at CleanCapital, that isn’t at all times the case in exterior conferences, conferences, or panels. When you’re feeling barely othered, or you might be youthful or the one girl, imposter syndrome emotions can creep in. It’s vital to push these emotions out, personal your choices, and have conviction in your opinions.
