Owning Your Voice: A Conversation with Emma Breslin
Welcome to the fourth and final instalment of our International Women’s Day blog series, spotlighting some of the fantastic women of UGP. For our grand finale, we’re delighted to introduce Emma Breslin, TPI Team Manager. She leads a team of seven Account Managers and has helped drive our sales performance to new heights – all while championing women’s contributions to the industry.
An Accidental (but Perfect) Fit
“My journey into the world of energy was an accidental one.”
After a successful career in recruitment, Emma made a life-altering decision to work in an environment where she could truly thrive. A timely conversation with her now-manager, Kirk Mavraki, revealed that her people skills would transition beautifully into the TPI Account Manager role. Initially daunted by the industry’s technical jargon, Emma credits her team’s support and her manager’s confidence in her abilities for helping her to find her footing. Before she knew it, her “accidental” start in energy blossomed into a career she now can’t imagine leaving.
Carving a Path to Leadership
“I’ve always loved working with people… As I continued to have successes, I was offered the TPI Team Manager role – something I felt very proud to undertake.”
Emma’s relationship-building skills quickly became evident when she joined UGP as an Account Manager. After 2.5 years, she transitioned to TPI Relationship Manager, focusing on deepening partnerships with Third-Party Intermediaries (TPIs). This role put her “finger on the pulse” of industry trends and challenges. Her drive and people-first mindset soon led to an offer she’d never expected: TPI Team Manager. Now, Emma empowers her seven-strong team to cultivate the same kind of meaningful, results-driven relationships she once built herself.
Thriving in Energy
“It can be very easy to come across potential pitfalls in this industry…but knowing we are offering the best service makes it all worth it.”
Emma cherishes the honesty and ambition that define UGP – values that keep her committed to improving the industry for customers and partners alike. The fast pace and daily rollercoaster of energy markets only add to her enthusiasm, giving her fresh challenges (and accomplishments) to celebrate with her team every day.
A Standout Success Story
“We went from no relationship to being ‘a force to be reckoned with.’ Over 3 or 4 years, we battled challenges, learned from mistakes, and communicated through good and bad times.”
Reflecting on her most exciting project, Emma remembers a TPI relationship that evolved from a complete unknown to a cornerstone partnership for UGP. That steady, cooperative growth exemplifies Emma’s belief that with enough perseverance, open communication, and shared goals, even the most daunting hurdles become opportunities.
Facing Down Bias & Finding Strength
“I’ve been in male-dominated environments where I’ve been treated differently simply because I am a woman. It saddens me, but I address it directly and professionally.”
Though Emma has found a supportive environment at UGP, she acknowledges that bias still rears its head at industry events and in certain collaborations. Her strategy? Standing firm in her knowledge, calmly speaking up, and being unapologetically herself. Emma believes change takes time, but it starts with each woman confidently owning her place at the table.
Progress & Positive Shifts
“Seeing seminars from groups like WUN (Womens Utilities Network) and having open conversations on social media… leads to change in my mind.”
Over her 5.5 years in energy, Emma has observed more inclusive discussions about gender bias and a greater willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. She admires the open forums that allow women—and men—to voice their experiences and suggests that “speaking out” is a critical step toward lasting industry change.
Why More Women in Energy?
“I think women bring a level of intuition and empathy that can’t be matched.”
For Emma, representation isn’t just a matter of principle; it’s also about results. A more diverse workforce sparks innovation and yields better solutions. Whether it’s balancing empathy with analytical skill or offering different approaches to complex problems, Emma is certain that women’s voices push energy into new, promising directions.
Advice for Future Leaders
“If you want to be part of an industry that is exciting, ever-changing, and will challenge you—go for it!”
Emma’s words to young women considering energy are simple – embrace new opportunities fearlessly, learn to ask for help, and never downplay your own abilities. Watching colleagues openly navigate challenges inspired Emma to do the same. With mentorship from her manager, she realised that with the right support, there’s no limit to what she can achieve.
“I learned that if I put my mind to something, I can achieve so much. I joined this industry at 37, and it’s changed my life.”
Emma’s message to women in male-dominated fields stands firm:
“Be unapologetically you… You can’t always have your way, but you can always have your say.”
Authors note: We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the women who participated in these interviews—your stories of leadership, resilience, and innovation continue to shape UGP in meaningful ways. We also want to recognise every woman at UGP, and the wider energy sector as a whole for the incredible contributions you make. Your voices, ideas, and dedication power our collective future.
