From self-doubt to leadership and how Jen’s story reflects E.ON’s commitment to women at work

That’s why being recognised as a Highly Commended employer in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work for Women 2026 is so important. It reflects the real experiences of colleagues across our business and stories like Jen Titherley’s bring that to life.

A career built on courage and opportunity

Jen Titherley began her career in 2012 on the frontline in residential customer service in Nottingham. Over time, she’s built experience across multiple areas of the business, gaining a deeper understanding of both E.ON and the people we support.

“Each role gave me a deeper understanding of our business and the people we support,” she reflects.

Today, she works in Performance and Insight Analysis Support at E.ON Next, while also leading internal communications for the Fast Forward network. Her journey is a powerful example that careers aren’t always linear but with the right support, they can open doors you might never have expected.

Unlocking confidence through support and development

A turning point came when Jen joined the Fast Forward Women in Leadership Programme. “I honestly feel that if I hadn’t completed the programme, I wouldn’t be in the place I am today,” she says. “It helped me recognise my strengths, overcome self-doubt and build confidence.”

Following the programme, Jen stepped forward for new opportunities, from co-ordinating a national inclusion roadshow to joining the Fast Forward Steerco and taking on a leadership role. For Jen, the biggest shift wasn’t just career progression: it was mindset. “Confidence is built by taking action, embracing opportunities, and leaning on support networks, even when self-doubt creeps in.”

The role of Fast Forward

Jen’s journey is closely tied to Fast Forward, E.ON’s development network focused on supporting women and underrepresented talent.

The network provides access to leadership programmes, mentoring, development opportunities and a strong peer community, helping colleagues build confidence, expand their networks and take the next step in their careers.

For Jen, it was transformational. Through Fast Forward, she was able to connect with mentors, gain visibility beyond her immediate role and step into new opportunities that accelerated her growth.
It’s initiatives like this that help turn ambition into action, creating the conditions where more women can progress, lead and shape the future of energy.

Turning challenges into strength

Jen is open about the challenges she’s faced along the way, including self-doubt, imposter syndrome and balancing work with family life. “There were times I questioned whether I really belonged or if my voice truly mattered,” she says.

Returning to work as a new mum while supporting a child with additional needs tested her confidence even further. But over time, her perspective changed.

“I’ve learned that real confidence grows from stepping outside your comfort zone. Each challenge I embraced helped me transform self-doubt and uncertainty into resilience, courage and new opportunities.”

Creating a workplace where women succeed

Jen’s experience reflects E.ON’s wider commitment to creating an environment where women feel valued, supported and able to succeed. From flexible working and inclusive policies to colleague-led networks and development programmes, the focus is on removing barriers and widening access to opportunity.

It’s this collective effort that has led to recognition by The Sunday Times as a Highly Commended Best Place to Work for Women, which is an important milestone for both E.ON and the wider energy sector.
But as Jen’s story shows, real progress is built through everyday action, support and opportunity.

Inspiring others to take the next step

For Jen, the message is simple and honest: “Feeling unsure is normal; courage is taking action anyway. Be open to new opportunities, ask for support when you need it, and see every challenge as a chance to grow.”

She also keeps a personal reminder of how far she’s come: “Create a ‘win log’. This means keeping a record of your wins, big or small, to remind yourself of what you’ve achieved.”

That mindset is helping to shape a workplace where more women feel confident to step forward, build their careers and make a real impact.

And it’s stories like Jen’s that sit behind our recognition as one of UK’s Best Places to Work and a place where women are supported to succeed.