Leadership Beyond Bias | Curiosity, Humility and The Making of Leaders

In this episode of Oil & Gas: Breaking Bias, Anand Jha speaks with Simon Ross, Senior Vice President of Global Supply at SLB, about leadership, curiosity, and long-term growth in the energy industry. Simon reflects on career evolution, industry bias, diversity, and why humility, self-awareness, and enjoying the work you do are essential for sustainable leadership.

Key Takeaways

• Curiosity and humility are core leadership traits

• Enjoying your work is critical for long-term success

• Diversity leads to better decisions and innovation

• Growth often comes from stepping outside comfort zones

• Mentorship plays a key role in career development

• The energy industry is evolving toward sustainability and technology

• Self-awareness helps leaders recognize and overcome bias

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Simon Ross and His Journey

02:20 Early Life and Education

08:53 Career Path and Key Experiences

15:59 Self-Bias and Career Progression

18:30 The Future of the Energy Industry

22:09 Diversity and Opportunities in Oil and Gas

23:58 Reflections on Career and Personal Growth

25:44 The Importance of Mentorship and Guidance

27:10 Exciting Experiences in Global Energy Hubs

28:06 Transformative Technologies in Supply Chain Management

30:30 Fueling Creativity: Coffee and Leadership Insights

31:01 Books That Shape Leadership Perspectives

32:27 Curiosity and Humility in Leadership

34:28 Key Takeaways for Success

35:10 Challenging Industry Biases and Sustainability

Keywords

leadership, energy industry, supply chain, diversity, personal growth, career development, oil and gas, transformation, mentorship, innovation