Preliminary agenda
Subject to change
7:00 – 8:45 a.m.
Registration open, breakfast served
Sponsorship available
Contact Melissa Smith for more information
8:45 – 8:55 a.m.
Welcome remarks
Gulf Energy Information
8:55 – 9:00 a.m.
Opening remarks: WGLC at 20
Alexandra “Alie” Pruner, Senior Advisor, Perella Weinberg Partners/TPH&Co.
9:00 – 9:30 a.m.
KEYNOTE: Why the right way is your way
In the workplace and at home, we are all confronted with a series of choices, changes and challenges to navigate. Some are expected, others not. But all have a bearing on our careers, especially in our male-dominated industry. With nearly three decades of experience in the energy sector, Amber shares her personal principles on what she’s learned and how they can help all women take ownership of their future.
Amber Russell, Senior Vice President Refining, Terminals and Pipelines, bp
9:30 – 9:50 a.m.
PRESENTATION
Caroline Alting, Senior Vice President of Operational Excellence & Sustainability, Noble Corporation
9:50 – 10:35 a.m.
PANEL: Making the transition to leadership
Transitioning from an individual contributor role to a management or leadership position requires acquiring a diverse set of skills and demonstrating leadership qualities. A successful transition requires intentional effort, continuous learning and a proactive approach to skill development and relationship-building. By cultivating these skills, demonstrating these leadership qualities and building a strong personal brand and network, you can successfully navigate this transition and thrive in a new leadership role.
This panel will discuss what you need to learn and how you can learn it in order to build your personal toolkit. A wide-ranging discussion including how to develop interpersonal skills, cultivate strategic thinking and decision-making abilities, and how to inspire and motivate others to foster collaboration. You will also need to demonstrate these qualities by taking the initiatives in volunteering for opportunities, leading by example by exhibiting integrity, accountability and resilience in your actions and by delegating effectively. Seeking a mentor who can help you prepare for and navigate the transition is important, as is continuous professional development and learning. Most of all, you should understand your own career goals, strengths and areas for development and identify opportunities to grow.
Moderator: Pearl Chu, Director Technical Domains & University Relations, SLB
Panelists:
Dawn Constantin, VP Regulatory Affairs, Partnerships & Low Carbon, bp
Lourdes Cozzitorto, VP Technology Portfolio & Services, KBC A Yokogawa Company
Kristin Keyser, Subsea Services North America Director of Operations, TechnipFMC
Jessica Miller Nock, ESG Engagement Manager, Chevron
10:35 – 11:15 a.m.
NETWORKING BREAK
Sponsored by Coastal Chemical
11:15 – 11:35 a.m.
PRESENTATION: Discover your superpowers to lead in sustainability
Looking to change the world but don’t know where to start? Join us for a three-step plan to identify your unique strengths, build resilience, and create a roadmap for success in technology and innovation. Learn from real experiences in transitioning from oil and gas to leading the energy transition.
Liz Dennett, CEO, Endolith
11:35 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.
PANEL: Uncommon careers
There is no “correct” path to leadership. There are a wealth of transferable skills that organizations should take advantage of from people from all backgrounds, and it’s important to identify and reflect on these skills closely. A career transition doesn’t necessarily mean a step change, lateral movements within the industry or your organization are available and a good leader will look to provide opportunities to retain their workforce and adapt to changing needs.
This panel will uncover valuable lessons learned by those who have undertaken a more “uncommon” career path and offer insight and reflection on both how you can take your next step forward as a professional, and how you as a leader can support your team.
Moderator: Lauren Levicki Courville, President, Dress for Success Houston
Panelists:
Jennifer Kim, VP, Project Director, Fluor
Carolyn Neff, Head of Product Marketing—Industrial Energy, Tesla
Kristin Ruzicka, Senior Vice President CHRO and Sustainability, Weatherford
Ruchira Shah, General Manager Software Product Management, Wärtsilä
BREAKOUT 1
From tech expert to leader: What’s in your toolkit?
What skills do you need to excel in leadership? Key areas include communication, delegation, and problem-solving. But how do you acquire these skills while leveraging your technical foundation? Demonstrating leadership involves volunteering for project leader roles, mentoring junior colleagues, and participating in cross-functional teams. Managing change is crucial; seek mentorship, take leadership development courses, and actively learn from successful leaders around you. Building your leadership toolkit is essential—focus on continual learning and skill development to navigate the challenges of leadership effectively.
Attend this exclusive workshop and join Anna on a journey to discover how the skills that got you here aren’t enough to make you a strong leader. She will guide your transition, equipping you with tools for success. You will leave with actionable steps to enhance your toolkit and thrive when you return to work.
12:20 – 1:50 p.m.
LUNCH
Sponsored by SLB
1:50 – 2:20 p.m.
KEYNOTE
Carol Lloyd, Vice President, Planning and Stewardship, Global Business Solutions, ExxonMobil
2:20 – 2:40 p.m.
PRESENTATION: Embrace AI: Your non-technical guide to joining the AI conversation
Cortney Arenstein, Emerging Technology Project Manager – AI, Data, Legal, Marathon Oil
2:40 – 3.25 p.m.
PANEL: Technology & innovation: AI, automation and digitalization
The oil & gas industry has been increasingly leveraging technology and innovation to improve efficiency, safety and sustainability. This panel will discuss these technologies and explore what they mean for the industry on a personal, professional, organizational and industry level.
How are AI innovations are driving diversity and sustainability? How do you ensure you put people first in the pursuit of digital transformation? This panel will discuss how you can leverage new technologies and innovations for your own and your team’s development.
Moderator: Molly Determan, CEO, Energy Workforce & Technology Council
Panelists:
Lucy Blount, Senior Wells Engineer – Digital & Automation, bp
Deepthi Bollu, Practice Leader and Partner, Data and AI, IBM
More to be announced soon
BREAKOUT 2
Elevate & empower women: Together we rise, together we succeed
Host: Julie Flowers, Founder, CEO & President, Elevate YOU Coaching
Step into the spotlight of empowerment and ignite the fire within you at this dynamic and interactive workshop! Unleash your potential to be an inclusive champion, an ambassador of other women, an inspirer of dreams, and a barrier eliminator extraordinaire.
Join Julie Flowers on a journey of transformation where you’ll champion diversity, amplify voices, spark inspiration, and shatter barriers holding women back, all while growing and thriving in an inclusive community of empowered women and personally finding strength and fulfillment in uplifting one another. Embrace your power to create a supportive and inclusive world where all women elevate & thrive. It’s time to be bold, be fearless, and be the change!
3:25 – 4:00 p.m.
NETWORKING BREAK
Sponsored by Coastal Chemical
4:00 – 4:20 p.m.
PRESENTATION: Is M&A activity back? What it signals for the market
Dive into what the latest M&A numbers mean for companies’ strategies, what boards should be considering, how to get deals done in a challenging regulatory environment, and what your should expect if your organization is undergoing a merger.
Samantha Crispin, Corporate Department Chair and Executive Committee Member, Baker Botts
4:20 – 4:40 p.m.
PRESENTATION: The harmony paradox
There is an expectation for women to nurture, care and perform seamlessly, while maintaining harmony and fulfilling societal roles. How do we rise above cultural expectations and our own limiting beliefs to live our best potential, at the same time create a better future for our children?
Anis Azlinda Abdul Ghani, General Manager, Strategy Downstream Communications, Petronas
4:40 – 5:25 p.m.
PANEL: Addressing hidden challenges in leadership
We often talk about how you can “have it all”, but “all” means different things to different people. One regular admission from those that have it all – in their words – is that they can’t do it alone. Beyond a healthy support system, it is important for leaders to help their teams define what success means to them, identify self-care practices that enhance overall well-being, and foster a culture that encourages open discussion and a sense of community.
This panel aims to demonstrate the complexities of balancing personal and professional responsibilities and focuses on (re)defining success. You will gain valuable insights and practical strategies to address the hidden challenges of leadership, ultimately creating a thriving and inclusive professional environment.
Join us for an engaging discussion that will equip you with the tools to support your team effectively and foster a workplace culture where everyone can flourish.
Moderator: Jessica Oler, Channel Owner – Strategic Events, Siemens Energy
Panelists:
Brenda Corcoran, Vice President Human Resources, ChampionX
Jennie Howard, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, Noble Corporation
Isabel Mogstad, Business Advisor, Gulf of Mexico and Canada, bp
Divya Parambi, US – Advisory, PwC
Cheryl Washburn, HSE Director, Training & Records Management, Plains
BREAKOUT 3
Building trusting teams: A workshop on fostering collaboration and success
Host: Nina Sadighi, Founder, Eradeh Power Consulting
Trust is the cornerstone of any successful team, creating a space where members feel safe to express ideas without fear of criticism, take risks without worrying about being reprimanded for mistakes, and collaborate effectively without the concern of judgment. When team members feel respected and valued, they show their true self which allows them to get to know each other’s skills, abilities, and expertise better. This collective sense of security and confidence not only boosts individual performance but also strengthens the team’s cohesion, leading to improved decision-making, problem-solving, innovation, and resilience in the face of challenges.
Join this workshop to learn why trust matters; how to build trust step-by-step; how to measure trust; and the impact & benefits of creating trusting, and trusted, teams.
5:25 – 5:30 p.m.
CLOSING REMARKS
Gulf Energy Information
5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
NETWORKING RECEPTION
Sponsorship available
Contact Melissa Smith for more information
Preliminary agenda
Subject to change
7:00 – 8:45 a.m.
Registration open, breakfast served
Sponsorship available
Contact Melissa Smith for more information
8:45 – 8:50 a.m.
Welcome remarks
Gulf Energy Information
8:50 – 9:20 a.m.
KEYNOTE: How to lead with intent to build and empower high performance teams
There are five core leadership behaviors for effective leaders. In this keynote, Kelley will discuss how to set clear expectations, remove barriers, observe performance, coach and give and receive feedback, and how she has successfully employed these behaviors in her role to mentor, lead and communicate effectively – creating empowered and high performing teams.
Kelley Henderson, GM Category Management and Projects, Chevron
9:20 – 9:35 a.m.
KEYNOTE
Melody Meyer, Non-Executive Director, bp; President, Melody Meyer Energy LLC; President, Women with Energy LLC
9:35 – 9:55 a.m.
PRESENTATION
Overcoming challenges towards scaling of emission reduction technologies
Join Uma for an insightful discussion on the challenges in scaling emission reduction technologies, including technical, financial, regulatory hurdles, and societal acceptance, as well as explore strategies to overcome these obstacles through innovation, partnerships and business models.
Uma Ranganathan, Head of Strategy and Early Phase, New Business and Investments, Equinor
9:55 – 10:40 a.m.
PANEL: Emissions reduction strategies
Emissions reduction strategies are critical in addressing climate change and mitigating the environmental impact of the hydrocarbons industry. Effective emissions reduction strategies require a holistic approach that combines technological innovation, policy support and industry collaboration. By leveraging advanced technologies, integrating renewable energy, implementing energy efficiency measures and adopting sustainable practices, the energy industry can play a significant role in mitigating climate change and transitioning to a low-carbon future. This panel will welcome industry experts to discuss the implications for the future of the hydrocarbons and wider energy industry, successes seen to date across the world and how organizations can work to achieve long term savings.
Moderator: Cristina Kessel, Director of Sustainability, Sempra Infrastructure
Panelists:
Sophia Cunningham, Vice President, Houston Energy Transition Initiative, Greater Houston Partnership
Irene Gabler, Product Development Manager, Sustainability, SLB
Ania Oldakowska, Low Carbon Solutions Planning Manager, ExxonMobil
More to be announced soon
11:10 – 11:30 a.m.
PRESENTATION: Empowering male allyship for transformative change
Bryan Wesley, Upstream Operations Vice President, ExxonMobil
11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
PANEL: Male allyship
Diversity and inclusion are collective responsibilities. It’s important to encourage a culture where everyone actively participates in promoting diversity. Leaders – men and women – need to be seen to be driving a culture of inclusion and as well as supporting it at an organizational level. Allyship involves education about the challenges faced by marginalized groups and is a journey of continuous improvement. This panel will discuss how men can advocate for the advancement of women within their organizations at a micro as well as macro level, and what women want from their male allies.
Moderator: Jess Aberle, General Manager Operations, Well Ops, Helix Energy Solutions
Panelists:
Roy Lira, Talent Management & Business Partner, MODEC
Johnny Palmer,Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Manager, bp
Simon Seaton, CEO, Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)
Miranda Valdez, Associate Counsel, Blade Energy Partners
12:15 – 12:35 p.m.
PRESENTATION: Boosting your career–with your compensation leading the way!
In this presentation, you will learn how to maximize your own compensation through understanding your company’s guidelines for job leveling, merit and promotions, cash incentives and equity programs. You will learn strategies for pay discussions, and how to be on the radar for opportunities tied to higher compensation.
Jenny Midyat, Vice President Total Rewards, ChampionX
2:00 – 2:30 p.m.
KEYNOTE
Karen Rugaard Ward, Director, Government & Public Affairs, Plains All American
2:30 – 3.15 p.m.
PANEL: Communication strategies
Navigating personal, professional and organizational dynamics requires careful preparation, empathy and a conducive environment for open and respectful communication. Learning to be a better communicator is not just about conveying information—it’s about fostering understanding, collaboration and meaningful connections that contribute to individual and organizational success. This panel discussion will explore how to have difficult conversations around sensitive topics including salary negotiations, asking for promotion, challenges in achieving diversity, equity & inclusion (DE&I) and other topics that may be challenging to address.
What skills do you need to be an effective communicator and how do you learn them? Strong communication skills are key to effective leadership, developing these skills enables you to inspire and motivate others, driving organizational success.
Moderator: Jesse Stanley, President Operations Americas, Wood
Panelists:
Robin Evans, Project Director, Worley
Nnennia Eze, Global Customer Performance Manager, SLB
Toni Fleming, Vice President, DEKRA
Selby Lilley, Regional Vice President for Communications and External Affairs, Sempra Infrastructure
3:15 – 3:45 p.m.
FIRESIDE CHAT: New energies infrastructure
4:30 – 4:50 p.m.
PRESENTATION: From tech titan to legendary leader
This session is for technical professionals stepping into leadership. We will discuss the shift from technical go-to to collaborative leader, emphasizing relationship-building while driving for results. You will explore your current and future skills needed for leadership success, and discuss the additional challenges women face in a predominantly male industry and the value of a network.
Pepper Wilson, Executive Director, Valero Energy
4:50 – 5:35 p.m.
PANEL: Mentorship, sponsorship and leadership
Mentoring provides an opportunity to enhance leadership abilities by guiding and inspiring others. We all know the benefits of working with a great mentor, but why should you position yourself as a mentor? And how does this benefit your leadership and leadership ambitions? Mentors actively work to develop skills such as communication, empathy and coaching and it offers a channel for personal growth and self-reflection as well as enhanced networking opportunities. Becoming a mentor is not only beneficial for the mentee but also for the mentor’s own professional development.
This panel will discuss how and why you should develop your skills as a mentor, focusing on cultivating the required qualities and actively engaging in mentoring relationships. What makes a good mentor? We will hear from some experienced mentors and mentees on how to create a valuable and often long-term relationship.
Moderator: Megan Mahon, Head of Sales Enablement, Premier Truck Rental
Panelists:
Melody Kelleher, OFSE Global Talent Management & Development Director, Baker Hughes
Kelly Jackson, Chief People Officer, Archaea Energy, a bp company
Serena Rwejuna, Partner, White & Case
Don Victory, Founder, Energy Mentors
5:35 – 5:40 p.m.
CLOSING REMARKS
Gulf Energy Information
Bonus presentations will be released on November 18, 2024 and will be available to view for 3 months.
Insights to soaring to new heights when transitioning from a technical to a leadership role
Alisa Allen, Senior Consultant, Global Calcined Petroleum Coke Services Lead, Worley
Spanning the diversity chasm
Rod Austin, Director – Human Capital, Endeavor Management
Bots and Business: No you can’t outsource your due diligence
Laura Bowlt, Legal Counsel, bp
The Leader’s Role in Culture – 3 Principles to Help Mindset
Ceallach Cameron, RD&E Group Leader, ChampionX
Resource planning: You’re a people planner, right?
Baili Connors, Power Market Consultant, 1898 & Co, part of Burns & McDonnell
Conversational skills to open possibilities
Sarah Cove, Partner and Managing Director, The Taligens Group
Prepare to stand up and stand out: Skills to master communications
Andrea Davis, Director of Employee Experience, Communications Consultant, Endeavor Management
Changing career paths and how mentoring can support you along the way
Evgenia Efimova,VP Commercial and Governance, NOJV Solutions, bp
Letting go of personal competence to step into leadership
Kekeli Ekoue-Kovi, R&D Manager, Baker Hughes
From individual success to team excellence
Hind Farag, Executive Coach, Transform Business Coaching and Consulting
Competing with YouTube and streaming
Laura Hunter, Procurement Innovation Advisor, bp
Communication & expectation-setting in the workplace
Alicia Lockhart, Manager, Lifecycle Sales & Offer Management, Wärtsilä
Growing while lifting others
Sacha Luces, Development Manager, Shell
Breaking barriers through male allyship
Mildred Mabirizi, President, and Dr. Victoria Okotie, Vice President, TorchPoint Inc.
Driving your career in a world of unlimited potential
Maria Carolina Mendoza Gil, Digital Services Hubs Manager, SLB
How to create psychological safety
Heather Milligan, TAR Operations Strategy, Oversight, and Onboarding Manager, bp
From technical expert to strategic leader: The essential shift
Archana Patel, Technology Marketing Manager, SLB
Driving innovation to enhance sustainable industrial operation
Dr. Amalia Pantazidis, President, Lummus Consultants
The “painfully millennial” leader redefining leadership
Syazwani Raja Khairuddin, Techno-Digital Strategy & Portfolio, Group Technology & Commercialisation, Petronas
Communication in a complex world
Shrividya Sridharan, Digital Development Manager – Enabling Technologies, SLB
Navigating difficult conversations
Maegan Toups, Vice President of Marketing, Airswift
DE&I and innovation
Noemie Turner, VP Technology Development & Commercialisation, bp
How to build a brand in the hybrid workplace
Steliana van de Rijt-Economu, Executive Coach, Mothers as Leaders
From invisibility to influence: Strategies to leading with soft power
Eryka T. Wellborn, Creator of The Unforgettable Engineer™️ Community, Reset Your Business & Life Int’l LLC
Women’s leadership development programs: Conform or transform?
Caroline Wilkinson, Digital & Integration | Product & Project Manager, SLB
Latest EV infrastructure investment and expansion
Kristina Zemskova, EV Charging Business Development Manager, bp