In 2014, Esther Altorfer joined Sistema.bio - a promising Mexican start-up in the waste-to-energy sector. During her time as Finance Manager, she successfully strengthened the in-house lending program and led Sistema.bio's first round of fundraising. Esther has since gone on to become the Managing Director for East Africa, based in Nairobi.

We sat down with Esther to find out about her experience as a successful woman in energy.

Why do you believe in Africa’s energy sector?

Energy is life, empowerment, and justice. I see energy transforming lives on a daily basis and see endless potential for growth and scale.

What is your advice for women who say they struggle to make themselves heard in the workplace?

Try hard, through every possible channel and with different people. If your views are still not taken into account, move on to a place that listens without a gender bias and values diversity.

How do you deal with women competing with each other in the workplace?

The same way I would deal with men! There is no difference between men and women in the workplace, each person deserves to be listened to, encouraged, and challenged.

Who would you like as a mentor at work if you could ask anyone in the world? Why?

The CEO of Patagonia, who has never compromised on product quality, human values and the environment, while leading a global profitable company that makes a difference in their clients’ and employees’ lives.

What is your superpower?

I am an optimistic problem-solver, and have a reliable support network through my husband, family, friends, and colleagues.