Tell us about your career journey at TotalEnergies.
I joined the TotalEnergies Marketing UK family in May 2021. One of my primary reasons for joining such a great business and brand was the honest message from company to public on the topic of “fossil fuels & transition to clean energy”. Our message was quite different and realistic compared to what the other large oil majors were communicating. Integrity is my highest value when deciding on a company to work for. Secondly the big challenge of making a real difference in a newly formed sales channel was enough to feed my appetite for ‘change’ and ‘high growth’. I have always been drawn to roles, demanding tenacity and results orientation. My background originated in ‘consumer packaging goods’ with migration through Retail into Lubricants, but always firmly based in new business channel entry, new geographies and or new categories.
What do you do in your Sales Manager role? What do you love most about your job?
As a Sales Manager, I operate within a small team to deliver strategic long-term, rich business partnerships that bring high value to our business. I open my ‘pilot’ office, almost always going straight to the sales numbers and checking if I am ready for the daily schedule. Ensure I am comprehensively prepared to tackle any possible unexpected surprises that may come up from customer-planned engagements. I allow enough time for multiple daily tasks rather than fixating on one activity and not meet other deadlines. I’m always focused on what next.
I have 2 loves. (1) Negotiating and completing customer requirements that bring high mutual value. (2) Ensuring the team is’ fighting fit’, spending time sharing and developing the team and our younger colleagues.
Why did you choose a career in the energy industry?
I fell into it by chance when another operator decided to enter the high street channel by opening a new channel in South Africa, which proved successful and then decided to replicate it in other countries. I was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time and worked in a few different countries. The energy industry offers anyone who is seeking opportunity, learning and self- development a great future. Yet sadly, is still short on so many great skilled folk, especially individuals that are willing to put in the effort.
Do you feel like you’re making a difference in your job?
I hope that together with the team and other functional members, we are continuing to make an impact. The initial stages of any converted prospect to customer do cost time, energy, and sometimes anxiety. I wouldn’t have it any other way. When it comes to harvest time, everyone receives some value.
What is a particular career highlight when you look back at your time in the company?
Not sure I have a single career highlight at TotalEnergies or before. If I can achieve something, someone else hasn’t accomplished, that brings satisfaction. And more importantly if I can have influenced one or more persons in our team to doing something better or being stronger at a work activity, I will consider that as personal progress.
How has TotalEnergies supported you with your ongoing training and career development?
The great thing about our company is that one is given loads of elbow room (within reason) to make a team difference and grow as an individual. I am thoroughly enjoying my role and remit. I also know I have management support at all times, in the good times & during the difficult times. That makes a massive difference when needing to take planned risks. With all the personal studies one can accomplish, often the best learning comes from ‘on-the-job training’ with a business that supports you.
What is the best piece of career advice you’ve ever been given?
“Get up, dress up, show up”. That means wake up with the right attitude, dress appropriately for the situation, and showing up on time and being ‘in the moment’. If you do those things in the right order, you are halfway to anywhere.
What advice would you give yourself if you were just starting at TotalEnergies?
Be yourself always & don’t be afraid to show your vulnerabilities. You are an individual with value; that’s why you were chosen for the role. While remembering you are part of a team and a culture. So be true to yourself and honour your duty to your team.
What do you think differentiates TotalEnergies as a company to work for?
We listen, we are humble without arrogance, and most importantly, we are responsive with integrity.
That makes me proud to work for TotalEnergies and deliver on these values to our customers.