Who is the hottest woman working in the Russian nuclear industry? According to voters, it’s 25-year-old Yekaterina Bulgakova, who recently won first place in the 2009 Miss Atom beauty contest.
The online contest, now in its sixth year, is open only to women employed by Russian nuclear energy organizations. More than 300 entrants vied for the 2009 title, with the winner selected by the highest number of votes from the public.
The reason for the contest? Russia’s nuclear industry is trying to change its image. The contest hopes to show that the nuclear industry is not a menacing ogre, but rather an ordinary trade made up of ordinary people who do not have multiple heads and glowing skin. The bevy of beautiful women supposedly helps to put a welcoming, friendly face on the industry. Hmm. Based on the photos, it seems they are displaying more than just a face...
Photos of the first place winner and other top entrants are shown in the gallery. All the contestants’ photos can be viewed at the pageant’s website.
Brainy Beauty Pageants
Nuclear Energy Hotties Enter Russia's "Miss Atom" Contest
Trend Themes
1. Beauty in Unconventional Industries - The trend of beauty pageants in industries typically associated with masculinity presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation by challenging industry stereotypes and changing perceptions.
2. Humanizing Technical Trades - The trend of showcasing attractive individuals in technical trades offers a disruptive innovation opportunity to humanize industries, such as the nuclear sector, and create a more approachable image.
3. Online Beauty Contests in Niche Industries - The trend of online beauty contests targeted at specific industries provides an opportunity for disruptive innovation in marketing and branding by leveraging the power of social media and public voting.
Industry Implications
1. Nuclear Energy - The nuclear energy industry can seize the disruptive innovation opportunity to rebrand itself by showcasing the diversity and attractiveness of its workforce, challenging traditional perceptions.
2. Technical Trades - Industries in technical trades, like engineering or construction, can leverage the trend of beauty contests to attract a wider audience and inspire new talent, disrupting traditional notions of who belongs in these fields.
3. Marketing and Branding - The marketing and branding industry can innovate by capitalizing on the trend of online beauty contests in niche industries, offering new strategies to create engaging campaigns and leverage the power of social media.