I’ve always been drawn to new challenges, especially ones that don’t fit neatly inside a job description. I’ve found some of the most meaningful work often lives in that space, where you raise your hand not because you have to, but because you care.

So, in 2022, when I was asked to help SLB put on the Future Energy Experience (FEX) event in Quito, Ecuador, my natural response was “yes”. And I wasn’t the only one. A handful of us joined the initiative, never imagining that it would be as successful as it was.

FEX wasn't about selling our products or technology. It was about education and inspiration, especially for university students fresh out of school.

As we emerged from the pandemic, FEX brought students together for the first time in two years, signifying a return to normality. Even the first two letters of the event, “FE”—which means “faith” in Spanish—were chosen purposefully. (We all thought that was fitting, given the task at hand.)

The backdrop of the event was also significant. Ecuador's government was aiming to double hydrocarbon production within five years, and they turned to SLB to support this initiative. The message was nuanced and critical: underserved communities across the country need energy to power development, help businesses function, and enable cities to grow.

While renewables have an important role to play, much of the energy needed to achieve these goals will come from oil and gas. And that’s okay, so long as we produce the hydrocarbons responsibly, considering water circularity and the environment at every step.

And let’s not forget the people and businesses that are positively impacted by the energy industry. I still remember one of the sessions highlighting the women who craft the coveralls worn by workers in the oilfield—easy to overlook, but majorly significant to those involved.

FEX was a truly rewarding experience. It showed me what happens when people choose purpose over convenience—when they say yes to making things happen, to having an impact, regardless of whether it appears on a scorecard.

You'll find countless stories like mine sprinkled throughout SLB’s 100-year history because, as a global tech company, we feel responsible for empowering talented people to innovate for the benefit of others. And we strive to always inspire the next generation to do the same, no matter how daunting the challenges ahead may be.

That’s the lesson I keep coming back to: If you lead with purpose and surround yourself with people who do the same, you can achieve some pretty remarkable things.

Which is why I send special thanks to the ECP team, along with my partners Tony, John, and Carlos, for not only making that first FEX happen, but for starting an initiative that may well outlive our careers.