Episode 3: Owning the net zero challenge as COO

In this episode, we have a candid conversation about the COO’s role in leading the charge toward net zero. The pressure to reduce carbon emissions is on, and COOs are right in the thick of it. We talk through real, practical strategies for how COOs can manage the energy transition while keeping their business running smoothly. From balancing immediate business demands, to staying ahead of shifting regulations, we explore how COOs can not only meet this challenge but use it as a chance to innovate and grow—leveraging technology, AI, and more. Let’s dig into how COOs can truly own the net zero journey.

About our host

Mansi Patel, Global Lead, Capabilities, COO Network Sponsor, Baringa 

Throughout her 20+ year consulting career Mansi has engaged in a broad range of projects – with a common premise at their core – to help organisations create value and embed the required change. Her leadership style, skills and strengths combined with a natural curiosity have given her the privilege of working across the world with C-suite clients in flagship, innovative Consumer Product, Media and Telecoms organisations.

Mansi loves spending time with clients. She is a positive, disruptive change leader able to give energy into debates and discussions with the people around her. She is skilled in connecting the dots, bringing together different ideas, and asking the simple, insightful questions that allow her clients and teams to step back and see the big picture of 'what matters most'. Mansi is part of the Executive Leadership Team at Baringa and leads the Global Capabilities Practice. This includes teams of specialists in Digital and Technology, Customer and Operations, People, Talent and Change, Supply Chain, Sustainability and Procurement, and Data, Analytics and AI.

About our guests

Ramona Vlasiu, Chief Operating Officer of E.ON Next and E.ON UK Board Member, E.ON 

Originally from Romania, Ramona started her career as a lawyer and very quickly worked herself into executive positions across multiple international companies being the youngest executive female to be appointed in one of Europe’s biggest energy companies, E.ON, demonstrating the ability to think strategically and approach business challenges with ease and enthusiasm, leading significant transformational programs, from government privatisations and post privatisation processes to operational restructuring and operating model redesign, to business change and transitions to innovative technologies.

With an Award given by Business Magazine and nominated in the TOP 100 most powerful women in Romania, Ramona has dedicated herself to support, influence and inspire women both in their personal but also professional lives and development opportunities, while being a true promoter of the Diversity agenda.

Ramona Vlasiu is Chief Operating Officer of E.ON Next and a member of the E.ON UK Board. Skilled in large scale Operations Management, Organisational and Operating Model Design, Business Planning and Business Strategy, she joined the UK board of management in January 2022, leading the new E.ON Next business which focuses on making the energy transition to sustainable, accessible and affordable energy for the consumers in the UK.

Besides her executive career, Ramona is currently a member of the International Industrial Advisory Board of the University of York UK, Europe Campus – City College and have also been acting as an Arbitrator within the Romanian Chamber of Commerce – Internal and International Commercial Arbitration Court, as well as following an academic path by teaching labour law as an assistant lecturer in one of the well-known Law Universities in Romania.