Larisa Oprescu reflects on Women in Leadership

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Larisa Oprescu, Downstream Planning Leader, continues the discussion around Women in Leadership and how role models have powered her own career journey.

I have started my Schneider Electric journey as MRP Controller for Leeds plant a couple of years ago when relocating to the UK from my hometown in Bucharest.

In my previous roles in Bucharest, I had the chance to meet multiple female leaders across different industries. They showed me that opportunities to progress were possible. They’ve been my role models as their own career stories inspired me to have big aspirations for myself from very early stages.

As I’ve grown professionally in Schneider, I didn’t put any barriers up in terms of what I could achieve. I put my dedication into learning a lot from every role and appreciating the guidance of the leaders around me. Also, being very open to changes and opportunities that came my way. I think this mentality has always helped me to keep an open mind to all the different paths that my career could take.

“As I’ve grown professionally in Schneider, I didn’t put any barriers up in terms of what I could achieve”

Now in Leeds, I am in a leadership position within a male-oriented but extremely inclusive environment. As a woman, I often have different viewpoints or ideas. I think it’s important to see that these are heard and valued. Schneider is empowering me to be confident and authentic on my leadership journey.

For future female leaders, I would say to look around your leadership teams and see if you recognise behaviours that you appreciate in a leader. Try and find out their story and learn from them. It’s inspiring and it might be easier than you initially think for you to achieve your success!