Lyndal Cissell

Lyndal Cissell doesn’t mind leading the way for women in energy. Or just leading the way, period.

“One of my most memorable experiences dates back to my early years with [SLB], when I was given full responsibility for a rig and project in Northern British Columbia, involving the first wells drilled in the Horn River Basin,” she said. “Drilling novel formations and having my own crew involved responsibilities and provided leadership lessons that have stayed with me throughout my career.”

Cissell, trained in petroleum engineering technology, advises young professionals to head to the field.

“Build a strong technical foundation that you can draw on throughout your career,” she said. “Field experience is critical—it is where you will learn the operation and become an expert in your field while building relationships with your teams. You will use these skills throughout your career. The expertise you gain will give you the confidence to lead and manage others through good times and crises.”

Field work is even something of an equalizer for the sexes in the oil and gas business, in that both men and women share the experience of missing holidays and events with family and friends. And while women are outnumbered by men in this industry, Cissell doesn’t think that’s always a bad thing.

“If anything, being the only woman gives you the advantage of a unique platform,” she said. “People listen when you speak up and remember you from job sites and events. This is a privilege and a responsibility—you can convey a message on behalf of others and be a leader if you so choose.”

Cissell said she has benefitted from support and mentorship throughout her career with SLB.

“The best advice I received was to never say ‘no’ to an assignment, especially if it is in an area or discipline that’s new to me, because I learn just as much as I contribute,” she said. “There are always new perspectives or ideas that help me grow.”

In a global company like SLB, opportunities can take an ambitious worker anywhere.

“I’ve been fortunate to have had the opportunity to work on some amazing projects, from drilling some of the longest laterals in the world in the North Sea and Alaska to delivering 20K subsea systems in the Gulf of Mexico,” she said.

“When I first joined the industry, I wanted to prove that I could do certain roles and run a more profitable operation,” Cissell said. “I’ve been given great opportunities to work all over the world with SLB, and one location changed my mindset.

“I worked in Chad, and seeing real energy poverty firsthand changed how I view both our industry and the purpose behind what we do. Having reliable and affordable energy gives people so much time and opportunity to pursue other activities—learning, innovating or creating instead of looking for firewood, or gathering food and water daily to survive. Today, I’m focused on how we can develop technology to deliver energy to all for a more balanced planet.”

Cissell is a firm believer in the power of technology.

“As an industry, we’ve already entered the energy transformation,” she said. “Culturally, we need better alignment with our communities and governments. What oil and gas has done over the last 100 years in raising our standard of living is nothing short of amazing. Going forward, our industry needs to focus on providing energy that is cleaner, safer, more reliable and accessible to all. Technology is the solution.”

Check out the rest of Hart Energy's 2024 Women in Energy here.