Charging Up: A chat with Doseke Akporiaye, executive director of WRISE

How did you end up on this career path?

The majority of my career decisions have been driven by my passion to learn, discover new things and create impact. I started as a computer programmer but soon realized I enjoyed interacting and engaging with people. Over time, I became restless about some of the societal challenges and inequalities I saw around me, and I believed business could be used as a force for good to solve some of these challenges. At that time, one of the biggest challenges was access to energy and energy poverty. I joined a company that was at the forefront of bridging the energy gap by providing solar solutions to households and communities that didn’t have access to electricity.

While I am still very excited about the plethora of possibilities and opportunities within the renewable energy industry, working within it made me more aware of the under-representation of women in this space. There is a lack of diversity at all levels — at the board level, as founders, in the C-suite, and in very senior and strategic roles. This also means that women and other systemically excluded communities do not have access to incentives, benefits and opportunities that exist within the industry. It is this need to ensure there is a more level and equitable playing field for all within the clean energy economy that has led me to WRISE. I’m looking forward to being able to support women and all systemically excluded races, genders and communities, and helping them achieve their aspirations within the renewables industry.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

I have received some really great advice over the years, so it is difficult to single out one piece. But I will share a couple of them:

1. Be yourself: There is something unique and special you bring that adds value to every table you are at.

2. Be deliberate about the people you surround yourself with: Ensure your network has a good number of people that share similar passions and values, so they can keep you accountable and challenge, support and enhance your visions and aspirations. Be willing to do the same for them.

3. Strive for excellence: Always strive to be better and do better. Always look for ways to improve and enhance outcomes. It’s OK to fail when trying something new. Ensure you fail quickly, learn fast from it and build on it. There is hardly any problem that cannot be solved with the right mindset, information and people around you.

4. Be human: Be kind. Be empathic. Be generous. Seek to understand the other person and their views. 

What is a barrier you faced, and how did you overcome it? 

One of the barriers I have faced is dealing with the stereotypes and biases associated with being a woman. I have gone into meetings where others were expecting a man and assumed I was incapable or unable to make the final decision required. I have dealt with people who think that just because I am a woman I don’t have the physical strength and capacity to withstand the rigors of being in the C-suite. I have met people who have told me if I am not technical enough, then I shouldn’t be running an organization, or that I should be less ambitious and vocal because otherwise it’s not feminine. The list is endless, and I am sure most women have so many similar stories to share.

I try to work through these barriers by identifying and working with mentors who can support, guide and counsel me. This has been extremely helpful in ensuring I remain true to myself while navigating through these challenges. I’ve also learned that, while it is important that I get a seat at the table as a woman, I don’t want to sit at every table. I only want to be at tables where I and my views will be respected and valued, and I have learned to walk away from circumstances and situations that don’t support this. This is why I am passionate about supporting women-led businesses at every level, because you get the unique opportunity to create and influence an environment that addresses the barriers you face as a woman.

What do you think are some interesting, overlooked career opportunities in climatetech? 

There’s such a focus on technical roles, but we need everyone in this work — sales, business operations, etc. I believe there’s an especially important need for HR professionals. In order to grow renewable energy in the way that we want, we need a massive increase in this industry’s workforce, so we need people who can not only recruit those workers but also retain them. Veterans, young people and those who are transitioning from the fossil fuel industry all have very different needs when it comes to what motivates and empowers them, and we need talent management professionals who will see this and create and implement policies that ensure best practices within their respective organizations.

Within technical roles, there are many overlooked opportunities as well, like electricians and installers. There’s a certain perception of who ​“should” be occupying these jobs, but in reality, we need whoever is interested in these roles to have the courage to step into them. And, of course, we need the companies that are hiring for these roles to ensure they’re using best practices in DEIJ [diversity, equity, inclusion and justice] to not only hire but also adequately train and retain individuals.

What is your superpower?