Women of Shell Powering Progress
At Shell, we know that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion matters. Our Powering Lives goal is to become one of the most diverse and inclusive companies in the country, a place where everyone feels valued, respected, and has a strong sense of belonging. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is a global business priority for Shell. Women of Shell Powering Progress is a series of profiles on the incredible journeys of women in our organisation. Take a moment to hear their captivating stories, as they reveal their experiences and sources of inspiration.
Preesha Nundlall
Tell us about your journey/ experience as a woman working at Shell?
My introduction to Shell started almost 35 years ago. My parents attended a Shell year end function that honoured the partners/wives of employees. This was a proud moment for my mum as it symbolized the role she played as mother, wife and women at that time.
My own journey with Shell started 10 years ago as a Project Manager for Lubricants Macro Distributors in Middle East and Caspian Region based in Dubai. I was proud to work for an organisation that has been a part of my family for so many years, and my new role gave me rapid insight into the world of leadership especially as a woman. Shell is an organisation that rewards performance, encourages diversity of thinking, ensures inclusivity and drives global connectedness.
What mantra/ affirmation/ quote inspires you to be the best version of yourself?
“We lift by rising others.”
This for me is the epitome of what leadership is. I’m a firm believer in coaching colleagues, stretching talent and developing employees to reach their potential.
In your opinion, what role do women play in society?
Women in society play a pivotal role in breaking the proverbial glass ceiling, driving meritocracy, eradicating unconscious biasness’s and displaying positive leadership behaviours for other women to emulate. We need to create this circle of trust, support and advice to other like-minded women and build them up with confidence and resilience. Girls in society need to look up to other women breaking the norms, leaders in C-suite positions, and those excelling in business, sport and say “I want to be just like her” – they need to believe that there are no barriers & no boundaries – these young minds just need to possess the sheer willingness and determination to succeed.
Shahkira Khan
Tell us about your journey/ experience as a woman working at Shell?
I started with Shell South Africa 16 years ago. After my first 2 of 3 interviews, I found out I was pregnant with my son, and I remember my Hiring Manager at the time said, “I would rather have you on maternity leave for 4 months than not have you at all in my Team”. That’s when my HSSE Journey started with Shell. Health, Safety, Security and Environment is one of the foundations that Shell Globally works with, so my HSSE Journey was one that included Leadership commitment and an expectation to bring our contractors and partners along through an HSSE Culture Journey where we all strive for Goal Zero.
As a female within what was once a predominantly male dominated Petrochemical Industry, using soft skills and showing care in all I do, wherever in the world my job takes me has been a key fundamental to my success. I always ask myself, does this add to what I am thinking to build upon for myself? Many male colleagues have also contributed to me allowing myself to “push my own boundaries” but it must come from within oneself – opportunities will come and have come for me, but it is most important the choices that are made and understanding that impact it has on oneself.
In your opinion, what role do women play in society?
Women have such a vital role to play in society, not merely that they are nurturers, care takers and providers, but also a presence in any household or organisation that completes a true direction of diversity and inclusiveness. Multi-tasking and ensuring that we offer our best in all and every sphere of our life somehow comes naturally, but we need to uplift one another and believe that we can do what we put our minds to. and do it as well and sometimes better than our male companions or counterparts. Women contribute to balance – balance of nature and balance within society and although we need to work a bit harder to get to that ambition, the Journey is worth it …… Women are amazing!