In Good Company with Nicolai Tangen

Shell CEO: Energy, security, transition, and Leadership

23 snips
Apr 24, 2024
Wael Sawan, the Lebanese Canadian CEO of Shell, shares his insights on navigating the complex energy landscape. He discusses the stark disparity of energy access, connecting personal stories to broader issues faced by billions. Sawan highlights his leadership journey within Shell, emphasizing trust and transformative strategies. He explores the multifaceted transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, the need for corporate transparency, and the cultural evolution at Shell. Drawing on his childhood in Lebanon, Sawan reflects on resilience and the importance of family.
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ANECDOTE

Lebanese Resilience

  • Wael Sawan, CEO of Shell, hasn't lived in Lebanon, his parents' home country, but visits often with his children.
  • These visits help his children appreciate the luxuries they have, like reliable electricity, by experiencing Lebanon's power challenges.
INSIGHT

Systems Thinking

  • Sawan's chemical engineering background helps him understand the energy system's interconnectedness.
  • His 26 years at Shell, working across various departments, give him a holistic company view.
ANECDOTE

Leading in Qatar

  • Sawan considers leading Shell's Qatari business a defining period, initially feeling overwhelmed by the role's magnitude.
  • He prioritized building trust by working long hours to connect with his 1,600 employees individually.
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