When I first started working with McLean Events in 2013 on events such as erpec, I was surprised by how few female faces I saw – it must have been only a handful.
However, over the past few years, attending exhibitions and travelling to our advertisers’ sites to make films for ENTV, I am pleased to see that the number of females in the industry continues to grow year on year.
Whilst researching this article I found a number of great schemes run by the oil majors to help achieve gender parity in the industry. ExxonMobil’s ‘Introduce a Girl to Engineering’ events across the US are aimed at inspiring young women to take an interest in science, technology, engineering and maths. Similarly BP are one of the official sponsors of International Women’s Day, they run a number of initiatives across the business to recruit, retain and develop female talent.
Today, March 8, marks International Women’s Day, a day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. It also marks a call to action for accelerating gender equality.
This year’s theme is ‘Be Bold for Change’ and I thought what better opportunity to reach out to some of the women in this industry to find out how they came to work in retail petroleum, the challenges they have faced and the successes they have enjoyed along the way.
Lise- Lotte Nordholm
Director, Global Dispenser Products, Wayne Fueling Systems
I’ve seen a few surprised faces when I’ve entered meeting rooms but I feel that I’ve always been respected and listened to.
What is the ‘boldest’ move you made at work?
It's difficult to choose, but a quite recent one must be when we decided to let our Helix dispenser express its personality in a Marilyn Monroe inspired advert with the iconic white swirling skirt. It came with the message “They say beauty is only skin deep, we beg to differ”, and to differ from the expected and traditional is certainly what we did here and what we aspire for in everything we do.
Have you ever experienced challenges based on your gender within the industry?
No one can deny that it is a very male dominated industry, but I have to say that I have been pleasantly surprised on how little challenges I have faced based on my gender. I’ve seen a few surprised faces when I’ve entered meeting rooms but I feel that I’ve always been respected and listened to. I think the important thing is to feel confident about who you are, the products you represent and understand the complexity in the industry, and that will be reflected in the people you meet.
What do you love about working within the oil and petroleum sector?
It is a truly exciting industry to work in. The international scene, dynamic landscape with ever changing regulations, new fuel requirements, and the continuous drive to make the overall fuelling experience a pleasant one all contribute to making sure that you have new opportunities to face every day, so no risk of a boring day at work.
Helene Ziese
Global Accounts Manager Tokheim, Dover Fueling Solutions
...any characteristic which distinguishes you from the common features brings competitive advantages.
What is the ‘boldest’ move you made at work?
Joining the industry 25 years ago I was challenging the established major players in Europe, representing an independent family business, creating alliances with other similar local companies beyond the traditional way of distribution. There were many opponents but also believers and a tremendous support in the team of Shell backing our approach.
Have you ever experienced challenges based on your gender within the industry?
Yes, mainly at a younger age. Though tiresome, sexist remarks were never really the problem but when men indicated that the reason of success was female charm rather than my competences it was with the aim to downgrade the achievement. Being a woman in a predominantly male environment, and vice versa, is an advantage overall because you are different. I’m convinced that any characteristic which distinguishes you from the common features brings competitive advantages. Personally I believe that the uniqueness of each personality has stronger impact than the gender.
What do you love about working within the oil and petroleum sector?
I could say the challenging combination of forecourt technology & retail convenience but it’s all about the people - the personal encounters around the globe, the friends you make and the successes you celebrate as a team. There is something special about people once they get oil in their veins!
n.b. Helene has recently announced she will be leaving the industry to pursue other challenges close to her heart.
Mieke van Chastelet
Marketing Manager, Bever Innovations
I am very ambitious and I still wanted the opportunity to grow in my position alongside raising a family.
What is the ‘boldest’ move you made at work?
At Bever Innovations I have started working part-time because I am a mother of small children. I am very ambitious and I still wanted the opportunity to grow in my position alongside raising a family. I received a lot of encouragement and support from my superiors.
Have you ever experienced challenges based on your gender within the industry?
My gender has never been a challenge in this industry. I think that when you work hard with lots of positivity and humour you will be valued in equal measure.
What do you love about working within the oil and petroleum sector?
Working at Bever Innovations means a perfect combination of innovations, technique and marketing. No day is ever the same, and with great growth potential it will continue to provide us with great challenges.
Joyce Rizzo
President, JD2 Environmental
Contrary to what people may think, women are very good at empowering other women.
Tell us about PEI Women's Forum...
Contrary to what people may think, women are very good at empowering other women. The PEI Women's Forum acts as a mechanism for women who work in businesses related to the oil & petroleum industries to get together to network, as well as to receive some expert advice on how to handle various situations that they may have to deal with, as well as to provide some training on skills that they can use.
What is the ‘boldest’ move you made at work?
Leaving our last business and starting up as a new independent company - going without a pay check for 9 months and using loans from our 401K funds to fund the business while we built the business to be self-sustaining.
What do love about working within the oil and petroleum sector?
The broad spectrum of industries rolled up into one "sector" - refining, marketing, oil production, etc. I have primarily worked with the environmental problems facing the industry and that means that you have to have a lot of knowledge about various aspects of the businesses. I am very proud when people ask me and I can say that I grew up in the petroleum industry.
Be bold for change this International Women’s Day and share your stories.
Tag us on Twitter @erpecnewslive and use the hashtags #beboldforchange and #IWD2017
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