Lean in Equity & Sustainability was delighted to host the first event for the Latin America and Caribbean Circle on April 6th.
We had the pleasure of speaking to Ms Angella Rainford, Investment Banker turned Renewable Energy Developer and Founder of Soleco Energy.
Angella shared the ups and downs of the entrepreneurial journey and how to combat fear and imposter syndrome by managing challenging situations with humour. She also highlighted the importance of building trust in business relationships by being understanding and compassionate.
This is especially important when operating in diverse cultures across Latin America and the Caribbean, where connecting with the local language and appreciating (rather than changing) the culture can help build business relationships.
Leaving a corporate role to become an entrepreneur involves a risk appetite. However, Angella encouraged us to be bold and to write the life story that we want to leave behind, a story that we would also like to read. For many, that will be the desire to create something that makes an impact.
Fear is a factor that can prevent many from taking that risk. Angella suggested this approach:
· Don’t give it air; embrace the fear but do not build it up, and it will dissipate.
· Reach out to trusted friends and family; they can help you gain perspective.
· Break down the big hairy problem into manageable chunks.
· Focus on what is in your control.
Imposter syndrome is another factor that prevents women from putting themselves forward. Angella recommended maintaining a balance between self-reflection and a strong belief in your abilities. She emphasised the importance of not being shaped by other peoples’ perceptions of you whilst being open to constructive feedback. When others may make assumptions based on bias, she suggested approaching this with humour rather than absorbing any adverse effects.
Angella has enormous ambitions for Soleco Energy. She has secured funding from the IDB and Deetken Impact to grow the business. They focus on delivering turnkey solar and energy storage solutions for large commercial and industrial clients across the Caribbean and Latin America. We are excited to see what the future holds!
Leveraging and investing in your network was a strong theme of the session. Lean in Equity and Sustainability provides that opportunity to be a part of a global network of women and allies focused on building a sustainable future. If you would like to join the network or if you are keen on building our presence in the Latin America and Caribbean region, connect with us on our LinkedIn page and join our circle.
https://leanin.org/circles/lean-in-energy-sustainability
https://www.linkedin.com/company/lean-in-equity-sustainability/events/
