Hi Maria, thanks for taking part! Could you start by telling us a bit about yourself and your career?

“I have worked in the wider Subsea7 group for 16 years and for the last year in Seaway7 as VP for Europe and US and I have enjoyed every minute.

Before returning to my home country of Norway to take the step into renewables with Seaway7, I spent an amazing four years in Houston, USA as the Project Director of Mad Dog 2.

When I was a student, I explored a few different industries and found, to my surprise, that the energy industry is quite progressive compared to other sectors. I think I made a great career choice.”

Why do you feel is it important to celebrate International Women’s Day?

“It’s important to recognise International Women’s Day to keep pushing progress on equality and equity in the workplace and women’s place in society. Change takes years, even decades, to implement. IWD gives us a yearly reminder on this important topic and a moment to take a step back to reflect on where are we now and ask ourselves ‘what have I done this year to create change, and how do we change it together?’

No industry is perfect and we all still have a way to go, but the energy industry has a great appetite for change and year after year you can see improvements being made. Even that the issues raised by International Women’s Day are openly discussed by companies in the sector is, in itself, promising.”

What challenges have you faced as a woman in the workplace and how do you overcome them?

“My experiences have, in general, been very good. However, one of the most important things, that I can’t say enough, is to speak up when you encounter behaviours or situations that feel wrong so that issues can be addressed. Change can’t happen if we don’t challenge the things that need to be different.”

In Seaway7 we support one another and build each other up. What makes someone a good ally for women’s progression in the workplace?

“As a working mom, it’s really good to have someone, an ally, that gives you that extra nudge to help you to believe in yourself and take the leap to the next role. More importantly, that ally also provides you with support and makes sure you have your head above the water once you have stepped into your new role. For me, how we care about each other in our company makes a huge impact and difference for what we’re able to achieve together.

After each of my three maternity leaves, I have been given the opportunity to take on new roles in the company, always having the support from my leaders and my husband, which has been a key differentiator to where I am today.”

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