Please tell us about your company and the work you are doing?
The International Gas Union is, effectively, the global voice of gas – it has more than 150 members (associations, national organisations and private entities) across five continents, and it covers the complete gas value chain, from the supply of natural and decarbonised gas, renewable gas and hydrogen, through their transmission and distribution, and all the way to the point of use.
My role is that of advising and supporting the Secretary General and the Union in matters related to the global gas industry’s advocacy, engagement, innovation and transition efforts.
What’s it like working both in the energy sector and in beauty?
No day is the same and, although they are diametrically opposed in terms of absolutely everything, one might say, to me they represent more than just a “job” or a role: they are a passion. Energy (oil and gas) is a sector I’ve been involved with for over 20 years, and skincare is something I’ve always been interested in but never had a chance to pursue it properly; the pandemic turned my second passion into a reality, as both my husband and my sister-in-law are the scientists behind the brand – I am just the “communicator”.
The new energy sector is rapidly evolving, what do you think we can expect to see in the next three, five, and ten years?
The transition I am witnessing is incredible; I absolutely love the fact that more and more traditional operators, supply chain and service companies are slowly opening their doors to innovation and innovators that do not form part of our usual “club”, and here I am talking about highly creative and ambitious start-ups and young people. We will transition, as an industry, we just need to make sure that there will always be an immediately available energy source that we can rely on in constantly changing weather climate.
Mentors and allies are an important part of encouraging diversity across the industry. Who would you say has inspired and supported you in your career so far?
I’ve had both male and females supporters, some local, others global. In no particular order, I would like to honour here some of my female supporters:
- Diane Wood, the current SPE Aberdeen Section Manager
- Eve Sprunt PhD, the former President of American Geoscience Institute and the First Vice President of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists – she is also the first woman to receive a Ph.D. in Geophysics from Stanford University
- Lillian Espinoza-Gala, one of the first women to be given responsibilities in training and supervision of production platforms, fields and hook up of new platforms in the Gulf of Mexico, and one of the founders of Deepwater Horizon Study Group
- Dawn Robertson, the current Director for Exploration & Production, Energy Global Business Line, Bureau Veritas
What advice would you give to those looking to transition to a career in new energy or to those looking to turn their passion into a fully formed business?
The world is changing at a much faster pace than we ever thought possible, and the security, affordability, reliability and sustainability of the “old” energy sources should serve as a launch pad for ensuring the “new” energy can surpass the old – we, as individuals, have to transition much faster in our mindsets than our tools and processes do.
As for those individuals who wish to turn their passion into a fully formed business, my main advice would be for them to answer a fundamental question, and do so with brutal honesty: why do I want to start this business, and do I have what it takes to see it to the finish line?
Discover how The IGU is representing more than 90% of the global gas market: www.igu.org
Dive into the luxury of natural products with Ella’s business, Leon Luxury: www.leon.luxury