Born and raised in Coventry, Amarita’s journey has been shaped by resilience and a strong sense of purpose. From an early age, she embraced the challenges of her environment, which later influenced her personal and professional development. ‘I grew up in Coventry - a place which taught me to be resilient and influenced my personal and professional journey,’ Amarita reflected. She pursued her education at university, studying Business & Law LLB and later completing a postgraduate qualification in Legal Practice. Although she initially considered a career in law, Amarita soon realised that the legal profession did not align with her personality or offer the fulfilment she sought. This realisation was a turning point that sparked her transition into the corporate world.

Amarita’s first job at a TUI call centre, during her sixth form years, played a pivotal role in her development. ‘That first job was a game-changer for me,’ she said. ‘It wasn’t just about answering calls — it was about learning the value of work ethic, communication, and problem-solving in a corporate setting.’ What started as a part-time job to fund her education, evolved into a leadership position, where she managed teams and established a social media channel. This experience taught her key skills such as problem-solving, communication, adaptability, and leadership. It sparked her interest in the corporate world and laid the foundation for her future career.

After completing her Legal Practice Course, Amarita decided not to pursue law but to instead take a different path into business, change, and transformation and leadership. Her curiosity and passion for learning led her to E.ON, where she began in the Industrial & Commercial sector, holding various roles and expanding her knowledge, and eventually leading to the Residential ECO (Energy Company Obligation) sector. ‘I didn’t know anything about ECO, but I saw it as an opportunity to challenge myself and grow. I didn’t let the unknown intimidate me,’ she explained. Despite initially knowing very little about ECO, she took a risk and became a project manager. Her can-do attitude and determination saw her rise rapidly, and within just nine months, she was promoted to ECO Programme Manager, where she led a strategy for community schemes.

Throughout her career, Amarita has benefited from strong mentorship both internally and externally. One of her key mentors within E.ON provided honest feedback and inspired her with a career-focused, risk-taking attitude. ‘I remember the tough but valuable feedback from my mentor. They didn’t sugarcoat things, but it helped me improve and stay focused on what mattered,’ Amarita shared. This mentor’s guidance has remained a constant throughout her career, helping Amarita navigate challenges and make important career decisions. Amarita also participated in leadership programs, such as Women in Leadership, and earned her APMQ project management qualification to further enhance her skill set.

Amarita’s career has seen multiple transitions, each time driven by her desire to grow and take on new challenges. From her shift in focus from people management, to change and service delivery, to her move from I&C/SME to the residential world of ECO, she embraced these changes and successfully navigated them. ‘Taking risks and trying new things has always been part of my approach. If you don’t take the leap, you’ll never know what you’re capable of,’ she said. One of the most pivotal moments came when she became ECO Programme Manager, leading her own team and developing strategic solutions. This role taught her invaluable lessons in leadership and strategic decision-making, solidifying her career trajectory.

In May 2024, Amarita took on her current role as the Innovation & Funding Manager for E.ON’s Coventry Strategic Partnership. ‘This role feels special because it’s about giving back to the city I grew up in,’ she reflected. In this role, she is focused on making Coventry an innovation centre that supports the decarbonisation of the city. Her responsibilities include collaborating with internal stakeholders, assessing new technologies, managing funding, and creating tailored propositions for both residents and businesses. The role’s variety and dynamic nature keep Amarita engaged, and she finds fulfilment in her work, particularly as it relates to helping transform her hometown.

While her role has its challenges—such as managing the diverse stakeholders and conflicting priorities across various teams, Amarita tackles them through effective communication, building strong relationships, and continuous learning. ‘The key to success in this role is bringing everyone together and ensuring we’re all aligned with the same goals. It’s about collaboration, trust, and adaptability,’ she said. Her relative inexperience in digital and innovative technologies is an area she embraces, always eager to expand her knowledge by asking questions, reading, and engaging with others in the field.

Amarita’s advice for those considering a career in Energy Efficiency Retrofit is to focus on building strong stakeholder networks and to ask lots of questions. ‘It’s all about learning from others and being open to new ideas. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. People want to help you succeed,’ she emphasised. She also stresses the importance of resilience and maintaining a proactive, ‘can-do’ attitude, particularly in a male-dominated industry. ‘Yes, it’s a male-dominated world, but don’t let that intimidate you. Embrace it, and always stand your ground,’ she added. Through her own experiences, she has learned the importance of being confident, even when stepping into unfamiliar situations, and she encourages others to do the same.

A key turning point in Amarita’s career was her transition from ECO Project Manager to ECO Programme Manager. This role provided her with the opportunity to lead a team, make strategic decisions, and hone her leadership skills. ‘That step up was the most challenging yet rewarding experience in my career,’ Amarita reflected. ‘It really tested my leadership skills and showed me what I was capable of.’ It was a transformative experience that helped build her confidence and broaden her capabilities as a leader. One of the most valuable lessons she has learned is the importance of building and maintaining a strong network, both internally and externally, as these relationships have been crucial in her career progression.

Looking forward, Amarita sees her career evolving within the energy sector, especially in the areas of leadership, strategy, and large-scale projects. ‘The next 5-10 years are full of possibilities, especially with the decarbonisation of cities and the energy sector’s role in shaping the future,’ she said. The UK’s Net-Zero strategy, and the continued push for decarbonising cities, offer exciting opportunities for innovation and growth, which Amarita is eager to explore. She is confident that her career will continue to grow, with her focus on leadership, people management, and strategy, while taking on new challenges along the way.

Amarita’s career reflects her passion for embracing change, continuous learning, and making a meaningful impact. By taking risks, building relationships, and staying true to her interests, she has found success in a dynamic and rapidly evolving industry. ‘It’s all about staying true to yourself, learning constantly, and making a difference where you can,’ Amarita concluded. Through her work in decarbonising Coventry, Amarita is not only contributing to the city’s future, but also helping shape a more sustainable and innovative world.