Introduction:
In a captivating seminar hosted by the Global South Law Research Network on August 21st, 2024, attendees had the privilege of hearing from Ms. Wendelyn Chijioke-Ibekwe, a seasoned professional in the energy industry. As the Global Policy and Advocacy Adviser for Upstream Decarbonisation at Shell International, Wendelyn shared her insights on the dynamic and ever-changing field of decarbonisation and the potential career pathways it presents.
Wendelyn's journey has been nothing short of remarkable. After completing her bachelor’s degree in law from the London School of Economics and a master's in Intellectual Property and Antitrust law from the University of California, Berkeley - as the youngest in her class, aged 21!- she joined Shell in 2014. Her diverse experience has spanned various roles, from working on international merger and acquisition transactions to arguing cases in dispute resolution as a lawyer with Olaniwun Ajayi, a leading law firm in Nigeria. She has also been involved in social development, corporate relations, and strategy advisory roles, showcasing her versatility and adaptability in the complex industry.
Wendelyn’s commitment to fostering sustainable change and building resilient communities is a driving force behind her work. She has played a crucial role in initiatives to improve energy access for displaced populations. She has engaged with various stakeholders, including the United Nations and local communities in Nigeria’s Niger Delta. Her experiences underscore the critical importance of stakeholder engagement and the need to understand the complexities of the communities in which one operates.
Important Takeaways:
For those aspiring to enter the energy sector, Wendelyn offered several invaluable pieces of advice:
i) “Stay on Your Feet”
During this seminar, Wendelyn highlighted the importance of staying agile in the rapidly changing energy sector. The energy sector constantly evolves alongside technological advancements, regulatory frameworks, and societal expectations. She emphasised the need for professionals to keep abreast of these developments and be proactive in seeking knowledge and opportunities. Her career path exemplifies this thinking, as she has seamlessly transitioned between different roles and departments within Shell, taking on new challenges that push her out of her comfort zone.
ii) “Remain Steadfast to Your Values”
A particularly poignant aspect of Wendelyn's presentation was her discussion of personal values and integrity in the workplace. She stressed the importance of aligning one’s career with individual values, which can often serve as a compass in navigating complex industry landscapes. Wendelyn shared her belief that “it takes significantly more effort to build and maintain a good reputation than it does to lose it”. This reminds professionals to remain steadfast in their principles, especially in high-stakes environments where the pressure to conform can be immense.
iii) “Give Them Reasons to Champion You”
Wendelyn encouraged attendees to embrace continuous learning and seek out challenging assignments that may initially seem intimidating. She urged them to view rejections or stalls as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks. She emphasised that even short-term assignments can be extended or lead to permanent reassignments if one demonstrates value—“don’t give anyone a reason to excuse you, rather give them reasons to champion you.”
Wendelyn shared her experience working on a team with limited visibility while pregnant, which taught her that no job is a dead end and that EVERY position offers the potential to grow and engage. She urged attendees to be willing to go the extra mile, whether taking on additional responsibilities or finding innovative ways to contribute. “You need to understand what the teams are trying to achieve and find common ground in discussions,” she said, highlighting the importance of building rapport and collaboration. She noted that the path to success is rarely linear in a field as competitive as the energy industry. Therefore, you must remain resilient.
iv) She started on a “Corporate Relations and Social Development” team at Shell
Wendelyn also touched on the versatility of a law degree, highlighting how legal education can open doors to various opportunities beyond traditional legal roles like policy, CSR, strategy, engagement, and public relations, among many others. Drawing from her career journey, she emphasised that the skills acquired through a legal education—critical thinking, negotiation, and problem-solving—are highly transferable and can be applied in numerous contexts within the energy sector and beyond.
v) “Strive to be Seated at the Table”
From a gendered perspective, Wendelyn shared three key lessons she has learned throughout her career:
- “If you're not at the table, you're most likely on the menu” – underscoring the importance of being proactive in seeking opportunities and asserting oneself. She encourages women to apply for everything and do what it takes to get to the table.
- Build your competence consistently” – Pointing out that women often count themselves out for not having 100%, she emphasised that self-doubt can be a significant barrier, and it is only by continuously improving skills and knowledge that one can combat feelings of inadequacy.
- “Be the person who makes others feel genuinely good about themselves” – cultivating positive relationships can lead to advocacy and support from colleagues and mentors, emphasising the importance of sincerity, good intentions and respect.
vi) “Problem Solve at All Times”
In her role, Wendelyn has encountered numerous challenges, including navigating complex stakeholder dynamics and addressing issues related to militancy and environmental concerns in Nigeria. She shared her approach to problem-solving, which involves reviewing regulations from a practical standpoint and identifying potential commercial and technical barriers. She advised attendees to “think about whether you are enabling progress or putting up blockers,” as engaging with regulations not just as rules but as tools for facilitating positive change can empower professionals to play a pivotal role in their organisations.
vii) “Identify the Thread”
Wendelyn's insights on strategy and community engagement within the energy sector were also enlightening. She explained the importance of anticipating challenges and being proactive in planning. She advised, “There is always a method to the madness; identify the thread and follow it”, reminding attendees that while plans may not always unfold as expected, being prepared can provide a sense of control in turbulent situations.
Conclusion
Throughout the seminar and the subsequent career chat, Wendelyn's passion for her work and her commitment to sustainable change was palpable. Her career journey is a testament to the boundless possibilities available within the energy industry, and her insights on navigating the energy industry, problem-solving, aligning one’s work with personal values, and fostering strong stakeholder relationships, provided invaluable guidance to the attendees, myself included. I speak for everyone when I say we left the event feeling inspired and better aware of the opportunities available and our role in navigating them.
