Griselda - External Affairs & Government Relations Lead

You started your career in Mexico, where you were born. Tell us about your career journey so far and how you came to work at TotalEnergies.

After studying Electrical Engineering at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), I worked as a Field Engineer for an oilfield service company in Mexico and Venezuela.

I’d heard stories about how it was to work in the UK; the professionalism, the safety mindset, the lovely weather… For me it seemed like moving to the big leagues.

So I came to Scotland and studied an MSc in Sustainable Energy Systems at the University of Edinburgh. I then became a Drilling Engineer for a super major in the North Sea, followed by various roles in performance, business planning and contract management.

It was here that I saw many people putting boundaries between their work and life, which contrasted starkly with my experiences in Mexico, where all is sacrificed for work. I decided to work on setting boundaries and learning to take better care of my mind and body. This has been a life-long struggle because I like to get things done, but I’ve learned that I need to choose to prioritise my work-life balance.

After six years there, I moved to TotalEnergies as an Economist and have since worked as Commercial Lead for the West of Shetland asset and in stakeholder relations for North Sea projects. These roles have involved dealing with partners, infrastructure providers, authorities as well as other operators.

This summer I started a new role in the External Affairs and Government relations team. My role is concentrating on compliance regarding our obligations with the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA).

What do you believe are important characteristics and values to have at work?

I am someone who strives to be authentic and true to myself. To me, this means speaking up, having difficult conversations, challenging behaviours, having the confidence to disagree, and giving feedback to others while trying to receive feedback graciously.

Within life and work, I believe strongly in diversity and equality. It’s good for business and is a win-win for everyone. My dream workplace is one where we can all thrive; where we recognise the value everyone brings to the table. Realising that the attributes which make us who we are – including but not limited to your origin, race, nationality, age, class, gender, sexual orientation, parents, being a carer, activist, volunteer, pet owner, etc – are what makes us all different and valuable.

At TotalEnergies, one of our values is Respect For Each Other and I really think we have to be intentional about our interactions and the way we show up. Be curious about the people you work with beyond the transactional relations. That is the only way to connect and realise our common humanity, seeing us in the other. 

Do you have a role model?

I was raised in Mexico by a single mother who, as well as being the most generous person I have ever met, was a true leader – someone who looks out for people and achieved the rank of Major in the Mexican Army Nursing Corps.

My daughter has also shown me what true resilience looks like. She was born with some health issues and just takes things in her stride, one day at time and enjoying life regardless.

What piece of career advice would you share with your colleagues?

Throughout my career so far, I’ve learned that you make your own path; there is no growth without some pain; and you cannot be a leader if you’re not willing to lead your own life.