Susan Hart
Some people, like Susan Hart, seem to have been born into the oil and gas industry.
“Growing up in Aberdeen, which is an oil city, the constant presence of the industry shaped my upbringing,” she said. “My parents both worked in the industry. My father was an engineer and had been involved in the startup of the Brent field.”
The technical and engineering accomplishments of the time captured her imagination. At school, chemistry became her forte, driving a passion for science, and the combination of these influences gave her a natural path to follow.
She has followed it far from Scotland to Dubai, UAE.
“Running the Middle East and Africa regions is a huge career milestone for me,” Hart said. “First, there are not many women in these types of roles in our industry, especially in the Middle East, so it’s quite unique to be in this position. It’s a very dynamic business—operating in over 20 countries and managing 500 employees—so there’s a wide scope to keep growing and learning. We are a part of multiple joint ventures, and every country has their own rules and regulations, plus there are a lot of local content requirements, so the work remains challenging.”
It’s those challenges that keep her passionate about oil and gas.
“I have always loved the dynamic nature of the industry and ChampionX’s focus on continuous improvement means you are always learning and adapting,” she said. “No day is the same, and there are always new opportunities that arise for us to find greater efficiencies, internally and for our customers.”
Hart has taken on multiple roles in her career which have been important for her development as an executive.
“Working in different countries and cultures has helped broaden my knowledge, and I believe this has made me a more versatile and well-rounded business leader,” she said. “Not everyone thinks in the same way, and this wide scope of work has really opened my eyes to a whole different side of working. Equally, I think you can learn a lot about being a leader from negative experiences. We have all had these.”
Some of those negative experiences have related to her gender.
“Looking back at the start of my career, things were sometimes difficult for women, but it wasn’t really talked about and you just accepted it as the way things were,” Hart said. “There were not many women in senior positions in the oil and gas industry, and the absence of female role models made it difficult to envision oneself in higher-ranking roles.
“Recognizing the difficulty of aspiring without visible role models, I’ve been conscientious about forging my own path. I’ve diligently worked to establish a career in areas and roles where female representation is limited, aiming to help pave the way for others in similar positions and regions.”
Hart advises young professionals to find a mentor or coach.
“Having someone who has experienced the workplace for a longer period than you have can help you avoid some of the pitfalls,” she said. “Networking is a great way to meet people like this, who can help you develop. If your organization has any [employee resource groups], I would always encourage young professionals to join these, too.”
Hart’s first senior female mentor left a lasting impact on her.
“She always emphasized the significance of using your voice and ensuring it was heard,” Hart said. “Her words highlighted the purpose of being at the table—to contribute my perspective. Even in situations where discomfort may arise, her counsel echoes: have the confidence to speak up, share your opinions, and make your presence felt.”
Check out the rest of Hart Energy's 2024 Women in Energy here.
1. While I chose to initially pursue a career as a chemist when I completed university in the late 1990s, I had a chance to contribute to the foundational establishment of networks and data management systems within the company for two to three years before returning to my roots in chemistry.
2. When I find the time, I love drawing. I usually sketch animals and everyday objects. It’s incredible how your mind can relax and unwind when you’re immersed in this kind of focused creativity.
3. Several years back, I embarked on a volunteering journey centered around lion conservation in Zimbabwe, a project that supported not only the majestic creatures, but also the local communities. It was an amazing experience and immersed the volunteers in understanding the intricate ecosystems pivotal to sustaining such initiatives.