There are some paths you wander into with purpose, and others you realize you have been walking all along. My entrance into the oil and gas industry was a little of both.
When I first chose to join the oil and gas industry, it wasn’t just about technology or engineering. It was also about stories — like the ones drillers and wildcatters told about the challenges of drilling and risks that would lead to major discoveries. The global discoveries of petroleum resources, from the Permian Basin in Texas to Papua New Guinea, piqued my sense of cultural diversity and global politics due to the geopolitics that affect the oil and gas industry. I saw a world where solving complex problems and understanding varied perspectives would go hand in hand.
As a petroleum engineering student, the thought of adventure, discovery, and the chance to learn from different cultures lingered quietly at the back of my mind. In time, that quiet pull became a clear path, leading me to join Schlumberger (now SLB) sixteen years ago—a decision driven as much by curiosity as by purpose.
The pioneering story of the Schlumberger brothers captured my interest early. That same spirit of exploration lives on in the community I joined at SLB: a tapestry of over 140 nations where brilliant minds come together to share, collaborate, and innovate. Through this remarkable environment, my hopes—to leverage world-class technology to solve complex problems, discover, grow, and learn from the rich assortment of people and ideas—have been fully realized.
In my first fourteen years, I worked as a production technologist in the Gulf of Mexico. Then, I transitioned through other roles—software tester, customer support engineer, technical sales lead, marketing manager, and corporate strategist. Each role sharpened a different instinct; each move added new dimensions to how I understood people, processes, and possibilities, widening my exposure to all aspects of the oil and gas business.
Houston, a curious blend of energy capital, cultural crossroads, and platform for my professional growth, was my home base—until it wasn’t. At the time, I was not planning an international relocation, but I did keep in the back of my mind that should a good opportunity arise in another country, I would welcome it.
In June 2023, an idea settled firmly in my mind while visiting Santa Fe with my family. My complex role in corporate strategy, sprawling across divisions and regions, demanded a steady compass. To navigate these complexities effectively, I needed something to ground me, so I created a personal mission and summarized it with the following goals:
- Connect: Deepen relationships with God, myself, and others.
- Grow: Fulfill my potential and support the growth of others.
- Build: Create value broadly—people, organizations, and the natural world.
- Enrich: Share gifts to make life more joyful.
My wife, Larisa, a remarkable professional, had developed a successful career with Chevron. We were fortunate to share our careers and help each other grow. Before this trip, we’d always debated what would happen should one of us get an opportunity that would make the other give up their job. During that same trip, Larisa and I decided that if life offered one of us an extraordinary opportunity, we would both leap at it. Soon after, life certainly did present such an opportunity. Upon our return, an offer to relocate to Nigeria awaited us. We barely hesitated; sometimes, decisions make themselves when you already know what matters.
Embarking on this adventure as a family, settling in, and thriving as individuals, as a family unit, and professionally has taught me a lot. Here are some insights I’d like to share:
1. Know Thyself.
Growth begins with self-awareness. I always seek to understand what drives me—my needs, hopes, wishes, worries, and even fears. I’ve found that keeping a journal helps me reflect on these.
2. Prepare for Paths That May or Never Appear.
Though I always wanted an international experience, I hadn’t planned on moving abroad. However, regular visits to Cameroon with my family prepared us for what was to come. When Nigeria called, we knew we could meet it.
3. Seek Counsel.
Once we accepted the offer, we consulted various mentors, who guided us in asking the right questions without deciding for us. Some crucial questions included: How will you protect your marriage? How will you help your children thrive? What integrity will you guard? One mentor shared three essential principles he follows whenever he goes to a new place: (1) Give trust when actions match words, (2) Maintain integrity—don’t get involved in anything that might cause regret, and (3) Always go with your family. I still treasure these words today.
4. Build a Well-being Routine.
In Lagos, I stitched together a new rhythm: running, cycling, boxing, and lifting. In Houston, I ran four times daily, and when I arrived in Lagos, it first seemed challenging to continue the routine. But I kept at it, found a running community, and remained committed to my well-being. Physical movement became my mental anchor, and I’ve found that these physical routines help destress and bring perspective. I have gained some essential insights from applying sports performance and team sports to my work.
5. Prioritize Time with Family.
A mentor reminded me that more work is often the reward for good work—work begets work. Planning, asking for help, and learning to say “no” or “not now” are necessities for keeping family time at the center.
6. Recognize Everyone’s Growth Curve.
At the beginning of our move to Nigeria, all the emotional and physical resources seemed geared toward supporting me to succeed, sometimes leading to imbalance and resentment. But I learned that true success meant ensuring Larisa and our children also thrived. Patience, support, and shared planning made the difference. I had to practice being supportive and willing to invest in their transition process. This change was significant to my wife, who had left an illustrious career to support our new adventure.
7. Choose How You See the World.
Nigeria revealed its “superhumans”—ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Their warmth, the generosity I have encountered, and what these “superhumans” do have been significantly inspirational. I have learned that one must insist on finding the positive in everything. Choosing to focus on the good reveals strength you might otherwise miss.
8. Pause for Gratitude.
The adventure continues, made richer by each moment spent reflecting, being thankful, and recognizing the quiet courage required to begin again.
These experiences have shaped my journey and reinforced the importance of growth, connection, and resilience. I hope that in your own story, you can learn to embrace the unknown and step boldly into your journey. Courage and curiosity might lead you to extraordinary growth and fulfillment.
GHISLAIN FAI-YENGO 