At last year’s Offshore Energy Exhibition & Conference (OEEC), the very first Offshore Energy Young Professional Award – created and presented by Coco Kossmann from Navingo – was awarded to Mónica Yus Santana, Sub Project Lead at TenneT. Recognized for her passion, leadership, and commitment to the energy transition, Mónica recently started Crest’s Personal Leadership Program to further develop her skills and network. We spoke with her about her first insights.
What did winning the Young Professional Award mean to you?
It was a great honour, and I am very grateful for this opportunity. I’ve always wanted to grow my leadership skills, but traditional models often didn’t align with the leader I aspire to be. Crest’s human-centered approach felt like a turning point – offering practical tools to grow authentically throughout my career.
Which qualities are you most eager to develop?
I want to strengthen confidence and active listening – essential for building trust and leading with empathy. The program’s focus on open communication and feedback already helps me express ideas more clearly and create safe spaces for dialogue.
What has surprised you most so far?
The program’s flexibility. Each session adapts to the group’s needs, making the experience highly relevant. A key insight has been the link between values and decision-making. Understanding how values shape behaviour has helped me collaborate more effectively, even with people who think differently.
How has learning with peers influenced you?
Sharing perspectives has been one of the most enriching parts. We all work in the offshore and maritime industry, but our different backgrounds bring valuable insights. Exchanging feedback has helped me see my own leadership style more clearly and recognize the positive influence I can have – professionally and personally.
What would you say to those considering applying for the next Young Professional Award?
Go for it! It’s more than recognition – it’s an investment in yourself. The award opens doors to a transformative journey, connecting you with like-minded professionals and tools to lead in a way that feels true to who you are. If you are curious, motivated and ready to challenge yourself, this is the perfect opportunity!
Apply for the Young Professional Award for this year’s edition: Offshore Energy Young Professional Award | Navingo
