Never be intimidated and learn as much as you can

JOHANNESBURG – Many women are deterred from participating in male-dominated industries because of stereotypes about the nature of men and women’s work and often because the environment is just not welcoming.

International Women’s Month provides an opportunity to reflect on the state of gender equality in the workplace. Often, businesses in predominantly male environments are led by men and the important roles are filled by men. However, actively growing women employees is not only the just thing to do, it makes business sense, says REVOV MD Lance Dickerson.

REVOV, which sells lithium iron batteries throughout southern Africa, operates in an industry that is predominantly male. REVOV asked one of their female employees – a star salesperson – to share her thoughts and experiences of working in the energy storage sector in South Africa.

Charlie Milne, who is a successful sales executive at REVOV says: “I chose to leave my old job because I loved the people I had met at REVOV and believed in their vision. I also took a particular liking to the concept of 2nd LiFe batteries”.

2nd LiFe, known around the world as second life, involves repurposing the cells of electric vehicle (EV) batteries so that they become fit for energy storage. EVs need to change their batteries after a few years and ordinarily these would end in landfills.

Companies such as REVOV have realised that with the repurposing of the cells, these new second life batteries have as much life in them as traditional new batteries – essentially bringing lithium power to market at a better price, while removing the burden of battery waste and placing less strain on lithium-mining supply chains.

“It is honorable and consciously rewarding knowing that REVOV is contributing to the sustainability and overall well-being of renewable energy. Specifically, 2nd LiFe and how it helps decarbonize South Africa and increase its eco footprint,” says Milne. “Having purpose in what you do makes a big difference.”

Like all women, the main obstacle Milne has had to overcome is constantly having to prove herself to people in the industry who believe that because she is a woman, she couldn’t possibly know what she is talking about.

Essentially, by excelling, she is breaking gender stereotypes. “It was in educating these people about 2nd LiFe and having to explain that it is not second hand but rather repurposed, and then delving into how the cells are sourced and the technicalities of the batteries that I have been able to break down gender stereotype barriers,” she says.

In the beginning of her career, REVOV’s staff was patient and helped her grow exponentially as they guided her and taught her about the industry. “My biggest career and personal achievement would be helping REVOV grow as a company,” says Milne. “Looking back at how REVOV started and how it has grown, it feels like a huge achievement to know I was a part of bringing 2nd LiFe to South Africa.”

According to Milne, often men and women often see things differently so it is nice to have a different perspective within a working environment, particularly as ideas are challenged and innovative solutions are found, says Milne.

Milne is grateful to co-founders Dickerson and Felix von Bormann, who she says have always treated her with dignity and respect. She says that her experience has shown that young women looking to join a male-dominated industry should “be committed to applying themselves and have the discipline to push themselves, and then they will see the rewards.”

“Always take advantage of the resources available to you and ask for help,” says Milne. Her advice for young women? “Do not be intimidated. Realise that your clients are human and speak to them with respect until they see you, because they will, and then they’ll see your value.”