Is being a woman in a male‑dominated industry a disadvantage?
For Ellen Teo of Union Energy, it has become a strength — one shaped by humility, curiosity, and the ability to connect meaningfully with people. In a recent interview, Ellen shares her journey working in the energy sector and how women can thrive by leaning into their unique leadership qualities.
Her story reflects broader shifts happening across the energy industry in Singapore, where leadership today increasingly values empathy, communication, and trust alongside technical expertise.
Learning from the Ground Up in the Energy Sector
Ellen began her career by immersing herself in the operational reality of the industry. Spending time on site and learning directly from frontline teams helped her build a practical understanding of workflows, challenges, and safety‑critical environments.
Rather than viewing early uncertainty as a weakness, she approached her role with openness — asking questions, listening carefully, and continuously learning. This mindset helped her earn trust in a traditionally male‑dominated space and laid the foundation for her leadership approach.
Women in Male‑Dominated Industries: A Different Leadership Advantage
In her interview, Ellen highlights an unexpected advantage woman often bring to male‑dominated industries — approachability.
She observes that employees may feel more comfortable voicing concerns or discussing workplace challenges through leaders who demonstrate empathy and emotional awareness. This creates earlier intervention, stronger problem‑solving, and healthier team dynamics.
In industries like energy, where collaboration and safety are essential, emotional intelligence becomes a critical leadership capability rather than a soft skill.
Watch the Full Interview with Ellen Teo
Gain deeper insights into Ellen’s experience and leadership mindset by watching the full interview
Advancing Women in the Energy Industry in Singapore
As Singapore’s energy sector continues to evolve, inclusive leadership plays a growing role in driving innovation and sustainable growth. Stories like Ellen’s highlight how diversity in leadership leads to stronger communication, better decision‑making, and healthier workplace cultures.
Union Energy remains committed to empowering talent across all levels and fostering an environment where different perspectives contribute meaningfully to the future of energy.
About Union Energy
Union Energy delivers practical and sustainable energy solutions while cultivating a collaborative, values‑driven workplace. We believe strong leadership starts with empathy, integrity, and continuous learning.
👉 Learn more at www.unionenergy.com.sg