Diverse people. Inclusive culture. Unlimited potential.
Seventeen years ago, I sat down for an interview with SLB and felt an unexpected sense of belonging. That feeling has stayed with me throughout my journey from Houston to Lagos to Kuala Lumpur, and through more than a dozen cities across six continents. Different cultures, perspectives, and ways of seeing the world. Yet everywhere I went, I encountered the same spirit – diversity, openness, and respect.
Over the years, I often wondered what shaped the culture I had experienced. A recent visit to The Menil Collection in Houston gave me a new perspective. Dominique de Menil, daughter of Schlumberger (now SLB) co-founder Conrad Schlumberger, and her husband, John de Menil – who held prominent roles in the company – were influential figures whose impact reached far beyond business.
Their museum, still free to the public, was built on a belief that art and knowledge belong to everyone. But what struck me more than the collection was the values behind it: openness, curiosity, human dignity, a commitment to civil rights, and spaces where people from different backgrounds could connect and learn from one another.
Walking through the galleries, I thought about my own journey. The respect and sense of belonging I’d experienced throughout my career suddenly felt connected to something larger. I began to see the culture I had experienced over the years from a different perspective. That culture mirrors my own values of wellbeing, growth, and legacy. I believe in caring for myself, my family, my team, and my customers; helping people grow and reach their potential; and leaving a positive impact wherever I can.
Looking back, the belonging I felt in that first interview was no coincidence. It was part of a culture shaped over generations. As SLB marks its 100th year, we are entering an era of extraordinary technological change. Our opportunity is not only to embrace what technology can do, but to stay grounded in the values that brought us here. Diversity, inclusion, and respect for every individual will help us bring out the best in our people, our technology, and our performance.
Babila Idris, thank you for the beautiful artwork that brings color to this story. https://babilaidris.com/
