How do you evaluate the role of women in the economy at the point we have reached today?
Today, the role of women in the economy should no longer be evaluated solely in terms of labor force participation, but also through their impact on decision-making mechanisms and sustainable growth. As women take on greater roles in business life—from production to innovation, and from leadership to decision-making processes—the economic structure becomes more inclusive and sustainable. I believe that an important level of awareness has emerged today. However, the real issue is ensuring that this awareness translates into lasting policies and concrete outcomes. I see women’s presence in economic life not merely as a matter of equality, but as one of the fundamental drivers of development and competitiveness.
In your opinion, how has the presence of women in your sector changed in recent years?
The energy sector still has a male-dominated structure.. Globally, the proportion of women in the sector is around 20%, and a similar picture exists in Türkiye. This indicates that although progress has been made, a balanced structure has not yet been achieved. However, we observe a more positive trend particularly in the renewable energy field. The fact that female employment in solar energy has reached around 30% shows that transformation processes can also influence representation structures. As the sector evolves, the role of women grows stronger. At ODAŞ, although we operate in fields such as energy and mining—areas traditionally characterized by low female employment—we focus on increasing female representation, particularly in management and white-collar positions. We believe that diversity creates strategic value in decision-making processes and that lasting change can only be achieved through a long-term and determined approach.
How do you maintain balance amid intense responsibilities?
When maintaining balance amidst heavy responsibilities, I see discipline not merely as technical planning, but as an effort to be mindful of the truth within every moment. For me, balance comes from embracing every task and responsibility as a reason for gratitude. Rather than separating professional life, personal life, and social circles with rigid boundaries, I prefer to integrate them as areas of development that are welcomed with gratitude. A sustainable and high tempo is only possible through this inner discipline and conscious awareness. I experience balance not as a fixed formula, but as a dynamic process that is constantly rebuilt in every moment and shaped through surrender to truth.
What were the biggest challenges you faced in your career journey, and how did you overcome them?
One of the most significant challenges in my career journey was making the structure I founded sustainable and transferring it at the right time. Building an institution is as much a leadership test as preparing it for the future with the right strategy. During this process, I derived important lessons from the challenges I faced. In particular, I experienced how critical it is to maintain the balance between growth and institutional capacity. I chose to see the tests I encountered not as obstacles but as areas for development. This perspective has helped me gain a more strategic and long-term leadership outlook today.
What role will women’s leadership play in the future of the business world?
In a period where global transformation is accelerating, I believe that women’s leadership will take on a more decisive role. Especially in areas such as sustainability, digitalization, and the green economy, diversity is no longer a preference but a necessity. Although female representation in the energy sector is still limited, the emergence of a more balanced picture in renewable energy is an important sign. Greater participation of women in decision-making processes will strengthen institutions’ risk management, innovation capacity, and long-term strategic perspective. I view women’s leadership not only from the perspective of equality, but also as one of the fundamental drivers of competitiveness and sustainable growth. In the future of the business world, women will not merely take part—they will be the actors who lead.
