Jess Hardwick
National Grid Electricity System Operator
Give us a brief description of your background
I graduated in 2016 with a degree in Biomedical Science, I then joined National Grid on their graduate development programme and I have remained with them since. My experience ranges from working in an operations team supporting the Electricity National Control Centre, to working in the press office, to working in the strategy and regulation department on developing the first ever regulatory price control framework for the Electricity System Operator.
In my current role I work as a Public Affairs and Policy Officer and I am responsible for gathering energy policy and political intelligence, supporting the business with developing its own policy positions on important topics, and engaging with key Government stakeholders.
Outside of work I love keeping fit – I’m a keen rower and spend most of my time either training on the water or getting out and about on my bike.
Who/what inspires you?
Anyone who is committed to making the world a better place!
Marie Colvin – Foreign Affairs Correspondent for the Sunday Times, known for bearing witness and covering some of the worlds biggest conflicts.
Gloria Steinem – Feminist, American Journalist and trailblazer for the women’s liberation movement. One of the driving forces behind the Equal Rights Amendment.
What does the word leadership make you think of?
Someone who is passionate, determined, influential and empowers others to realise their potential.
How do you feel about taking part in the Future Leaders programme?
It is really exciting to be part of one of the first initiatives aimed at developing those who are wanting to be leaders in the fight against climate change. It’s great to be working on projects with people from different industries and I am expecting to learn lots that I can take back into the energy sector. I hope this programme paves the way for future cohorts to build on what we establish.
What do you think are the keys to a sustainable future?
Climate change is a challenge that can’t be solved by one industry or country. It requires everyone committing to changing their behaviour and those who are leading the charge need to make sure that they bring others on the journey and act as enablers. There is a lot of great thought leadership, but to make a difference we have to be able to action it. I think it is also really important that developed nations support developing countries to grow in a sustainable way to accelerate change.
