Jen Miller on the importance of women’s voices in the ever-changing energy industry

Originally from Saginaw, Michigan, Jennifer (Jen) Miller began her Deloitte journey in the audit and assurance practice in Columbus, Ohio. Though Jen did not begin with the intention of specializing in the Energy, Resources & Industrials (ER&I) industry, she quickly found herself enjoying her engagements in energy, and she has focused her career predominantly on power and utility clients ever since.

Respected for her technical skills, Jen has been called on to provide her views regarding various technical matters through our consultation network. She participated in Deloitte’s National Office Accounting Research and Consultation group, providing research and decision-making assistance to practice offices on technical accounting and auditing issues, and helping establish Deloitte’s position on various complex technical issues. Jen also serves as a quality risk manager (QRM) for Deloitte’s Audit & Assurance Sustainability and ESG practice.

The ever-changing energy space

When it comes to the energy industry, Jen has many thoughts about the changes that have happened in recent years, and she is keenly aware of those that are yet to come. “There are so many technologies and ideas that are new today, yet they likely will not be the technologies that take us to the next level. Those are yet to come.” Jen thinks the energy industry is “exciting and dynamic” because of this capacity for change and that so much is still evolving.

Jen also believes in the growing importance of the energy industry as the world changes. She shared her belief that because of the current macroeconomic situation and how the world is evolving to be more focused on climate-related initiatives, energy is a hot spot. She stressed her belief that for all professionals, it is imperative to stay apace of what is going on topically within the world—and the United States—with climate and energy.

Jen encourages professionals to recognize the opportunities for development in order to push the industry forward. “As professionals, we need to be mindful of our responsiveness to not only what we know today but what is coming around the corner.” But whatever the future brings, Jen believes Deloitte will be ready.

Feeling comfortable

When asked about the advice she would give to women in the energy industry, Jen urges them to not be intimidated by the unknown.

Women must feel comfortable in their roles and continue to feel vulnerable and open to what new experiences or uncertainties may be out there, because there are always endless opportunities.

Jen also believes in the importance of bolstering other women in the industry. She states that women should have the “confidence and the ability to seek guidance and counsel from colleagues, and not just female colleagues.” She adds that female professionals should not be timid or reserved when asking for new and different experiences and stressed that “Deloitte offers so many great opportunities, and we should take advantage of them.”

Jen has seen a change in women’s involvement in the energy space since she started with Deloitte and believes women’s roles will continue to expand. In order for that evolution to take place, Jen states, we must continue to support others who are coming up in the industry by helping them expand their knowledge, baseline, and ability to be comfortable stepping into new situations.

Jen urges other women to focus on the successes when it comes to women’s presence in industries. “We should celebrate when the number of women in this space increases, rather than focus on absolutes. Our successes are the expanded footprint of what we already have with women professionals and leaders serving in the energy industry right now.”

To me, every female professional that’s serving in energy or every woman leading an engagement is a step ahead of where we’ve been in the past.

Leveraging Women’s Energy Network

To achieve greater gender equity, Jen advocates for involvement in Women’s Energy Network (WEN). She adds, WEN is really a great network of people, not only within Deloitte but externally as well, to continue to advance and support the expansion of women within the industry.

As more of Deloitte’s energy clients have female C-suite executives, Jen believes Deloitte would be remiss if we did not focus and invest in WEN. Jen adds that Deloitte’s involvement in WEN serves as a demonstration of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) commitments. “Showing that we take our commitments seriously is paramount to successful client relationships,” she says.

In her capacity as a leader and mentor, Jen serves as the Deloitte WEN chapter champion for Chicago. Deloitte’s ER&I industry practice has elevated investment and relationships with WEN to strengthen the brand, show our distinction in the marketplace through our dedication to women’s development, and use it as a platform to interact with clients and share insights.

Jen stands firmly behind that mission, and—as a leader in the ER&I industry—she is an example for us all.