WGLC 2018: Living your best life in the oil, gas industry
HOUSTON -- Day One of the Women’s Global Leadership Conference (WGLC) was held at the Royal Sonesta Hotel, in Houston, on Oct. 29, 2018. More than 800 people were in attendance during this annual energy industry, empowerment and networking event. Monday’s topics covered taking charge of your life and career, a technology panel discussion and change agents.
The day started with energized Keynote Speaker Denise Hamilton, founder and CEO of WatchHerWork. Hamilton shared 10 ways mastering yourself will help you master your world. Within her advice, Hamilton encouraged attendees to go out and use their voices to achieve their goals, but cautioned that they can’t do it alone. “Networking is not the same as building a network. Givers have to set limits because takers never do. Test your relationship,” instructed Hamilton.
The second keynote speaker of the day, Tayba Al-Hashemi, CEO of Al Yasat Petroleum Operations Company, presented about female representation in the Middle East oil and gas sector, highlighting how women leaders are pioneering change. “We need to be a role model for young women; be confident, believe in ourselves to advance in our chosen industry,” said Al-Hashemi. As a leader and advocate for women’s rights, Al-Hashemi exemplified a path to excellence.
John Gibson, senior advisor at Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co., compared hierarchy and holacracy, from command and control to aligned purpose. Gibson discussed the best way to create and lead technical, specialized teams. He argued that when creating a uniquely qualified team, the best practice should be to “let them self-select their own leadership, and ask them what needs to be done.” Using this tactic, the company will avoid micro-managing subject matter experts, and help them succeed.
During one of the panel discussions regarding the improvement of upstream and downstream technology efficiencies through innovation, the group weighed-in on topics including digital transformation, artificial intelligence and digital twin. The panel of four consisted of Bill Alashqar, senior V.P., global sales & marketing, JP Global Digital; Doug Kelly, senior V.P., KBR Technology; Michelle Pflueger, general manager, digital innovation and acceleration, Chevron Technology, project and services, and Dr. Ahmed S. Al-Zawawi, chief technologist of computational modeling, Saudi Aramco. This dynamic team shared valuable, and relevant technology trends they are using to advance the industry.
Lyn Beaty, senior V.P., finance, Halliburton began the afternoon session with a presentation encouraging attendees to dare to make a difference in their own lives. She elegantly encouraged attendees to “don’t quit, be bold, and believe in yourself!” Words of wisdom from an oil and gas veteran were well-received by the audience.
