Linda Worthington Spotlight Story | Leadership Summit

Meet Linda Worthington – our November 2023 Leadership Summit alumna.

After nearly 22 years at E.ON UK, Linda Worthington stepped into a new role as Senior Product Manager, in E.ON Energy Infrastructure Solutions last November. Linda brings deep experience and purpose-led leadership to every role. Her time at The Pipeline’s Leadership Summit sharpened her focus on authentic, emotionally intelligent leadership. She empowers others and stays true to her values of integrity, collaboration, and courage.

Can you tell us about your career journey and what drew you to E.ON?

From a degree in business studies and then a year in industry working for Nuclear Electric (now part of EDF Energy), I knew I wanted to be part of corporate life.

I spent four years post-university working in insurance and marketing, but I was drawn to the breadth of opportunity in large organisations - especially early in your career, when you’re still discovering your strengths and interests.

I joined E.ON in 2000 in a sales management role and have since worked across a wide range of functions: training, HR, IT projects, Business Readiness, and later in Communications and Engagement. Over the past three years, I’ve been in a strategic marketing leadership role, using a wide range of transferable leadership skills I’ve developed along the way.

Can you tell us about your current role as Senior Products and Propositions Manager? 

Stepping into a new role 

I’m now working as a Senior Products and Propositions Manager - a new area for me, but one that draws together everything I’ve learned so far: leadership, business acumen, and cross-functional collaboration.

Shaping the future of energy

The role is all about shaping energy solutions for businesses, aligned to customer needs and the wider strategy of supporting the energy transition. What excites me is how different the business is today compared to when I joined. We’re now part of a global shift in how energy is generated, managed, and consumed. That change motivates me deeply - it feels like we’re building a legacy.

And for me, it’s never just about what we do, but how we do it - with authenticity and kindness.

How did Leadership Summit impact your leadership?

Leading with emotional intelligence

My leadership approach has heightened in the last two years, particularly post Leadership Summit. It’s become even more focused on strong emotional intelligence: building trust, listening deeply and helping my team and those around me see the big picture. I see my role as enabling others to lead and thrive.

Enabling others to thrive 

My storyboard from the Summit still sits on my desk. At the centre it says, “My energy enables people to fulfil their purpose.” That clarity around my personal brand and purpose has guided me ever since. Across every role, I come back to three questions: What does the business need? What do our customers need? What do my colleagues need?

Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about asking the right questions - and empowering others to find their own answers.

Are there any tools or lessons from Leadership Summit that have stayed with you?

Investing in myself

Absolutely. One of the most powerful takeaways was the focus on investing in yourself. In busy leadership roles, it’s easy to become task-focused and transactional. Having three full days to focus on personal growth was a gift.

The power of a women-only space

The women-only nature of the Summit created a truly safe space for honest conversations - about the challenges women face, the moments that shape us, and the power of community. That environment was both uplifting and affirming.

We have a similar environment at E.ON through our internal Women in Leadership programme, a kind of mini version of the Leadership Summit. It also fosters openness and shared experience.

It reminded me how important networks and role models are - and why I now consciously invest in building them both inside and outside E.ON. These networks have played a big role in shaping my confidence, resilience, and direction.

The power of presence

One standout moment for me was a session on presence and communication - learning how your voice, facial expression, and body language influence how your message is received. It really hit home that as leaders, we’re always on. Your presence builds - or erodes - trust.

It reinforced a belief I hold strongly: that authenticity builds psychological safety. When we show up as our true selves, we invite others to do the same. That’s how you create trust and unlock high performance - through presence, consistency, and integrity.

What advice would you give to women aspiring to leadership?

Leadership is human

Leadership is about being human - helping others find their way, showing kindness, and practising gratitude. You don’t need all the answers, just the ability to create the right environment.

Say yes to opportunities

My advice? Take the opportunities that come your way. Don’t overthink or talk yourself out of something before it’s begun. Say yes, step forward, and lean on your network - they’ll guide you. You’d be surprised by the support they can offer, the knowledge they hold, and where they can point you when you need guidance. You don’t need to have it all figured out.

Find fulfilment inside and beyond your role

Try to do work that plays to your strengths and brings you joy. But also know that not every role will tick every box. In those moments, make a conscious decision: how long will you stay, what will you learn, and how will it serve your development?

And finally, don’t underestimate the value of what’s around the role. I’ve found huge meaning through our neurodiversity network, which I’m proud to support. For me, purpose has come not just from the job I do, but from the difference I can make in the wider organisation.

So, my advice is: seek out the opportunities - the big ones and the small ones - that add value to both your life and your career.