Women Leaders in Sustainability: Mona Dajani

Mona Dajani is the global leader and partner in the New York office of Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman. She has served for more than 20 years as the lead lawyer in complex acquisitions, dispositions, financing and project development transactions involving renewable energy and infrastructure facilities in the United States and around the world.

She has repeatedly been recognized as a leading lawyer by The Best Lawyers in America, Legal 500, IFLR1000, Rising Legal Stars, Law 360, The Best Lawyers in America, 2013-2018 and other publications. Mona is also a regular contributor and commentator for International Financial Times, CNN Radio, POLITICO, Bloomberg Energy, FOX News, New York Times, The Washington Post, National Public Radio and USA Today, among others.

In addition to sharing her thoughts with us here, Mona is also addressing attendees of a joint event in London on 1st May with Women Powering Smart Energy and the WINS Network.

Over to Mona…

1.    As a change maker within your industry, tell us a little about your background?

I am an over-educated (MBA/JD and Engineer) Mom of two. I started my career as an engineer and then pivoted to law and business. Today, I  am the global leader of energy & infrastructure group at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittmans and based in NYC.

 

2.    What are the challenges you’ve had to overcome to get you where you are today and how did you address them?

 

The biggest challenges primarily deal with staying focused and not letting outside negative pressures ( that you can’t control) derail your focus. Depending on what the pressures were, sometimes it was a matter of better communication or sometimes you vote with your feet and walk away from the situation.

 

3.    What unique qualities do you bring (as a woman) that makes a difference in what you do?

I am empathetic to my clients and really love my clients. I care about that they get the best outcome based on all the economic, strategic and legal data points.

 

4.    What advice would you give women who want to create more impact and influence in the workplace?

Power is taking action when you may feel powerless. Never let anyone define you. Only you define you.

 

5.    What successes have you witnessed that we should all be celebrating?

 

We need to celebrate the “ME TOO” Movement. Excessive inequality was counterproductive to sustainable growth. In addition, everyone wants sustainable, strong, balanced growth. Well, if we are logical about that goal, then we cannot have excessive inequality.

 

6.    When it feels like the world is going crazy, what keeps your vision and passion alive?

My purpose to make a difference in this world and leave it a better place.

7.   Who inspires you and why?

Leaders of our world that I hope to emulate or learn from Angela Merkel, Mary Barra, Marillyn Hewson, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Oprah.

8.    What is the question you wish people would ask you? 

What is your favourite down time activity? Cooking and hosting dinner parties with wine pairings!

Read more about Mona here.