ERG Council Mastermind: Your Story of GRIT
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ERG Council Mastermind: Your Story of GRIT
(90 mins, 10am Houston time 20th June).
Discover the art of bouncing back from setbacks with strength and grace, through real life stories. Hear personal journeys of overcoming significant challenges - and have the opportunity to share your own.
Participants will gain insights into the practical application of grit in the face of adversity and engage with their own stories to unearth the strategies, mindsets, and principles that guide us through our darkest hours.
Laura Aiken, a Resilience Specialist and Coach, will share key tools to enhance your ability to withstand stress, adapt to change, and emerge from challenges, and tell your story.
Through interactive discussion, you'll discover the strength you already have to hand, learn new tools to build a resilient mindset, and be able to tell a compelling story of GRIT that inspires others.
Speakers
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Laura Aiken
Managing Consultant & ALLY Faculty in Residence
ALLY Energy
Laura Aiken founded Thrive Leadership after a ten-year career in engineering and construction to help companies help their people thrive. She’s worked and led teams on several multibillion-dollar engineering and construction projects in the energy industry has led DEI programming including strategic planning, inclusive leadership, ally engagement, and business resource groups for over 50,000 employees, and has facilitated resiliency training for a construction workforce of over 6,000 people. Laura is a part of the team delivering our member programming. She graduated from the University of Bath in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Materials and Biomedical Engineering.
ALLY Energy
Laura Aiken founded Thrive Leadership after a ten-year career in engineering and construction to help companies help their people thrive. She’s worked and led teams on several multibillion-dollar engineering and construction projects in the energy industry has led DEI programming including strategic planning, inclusive leadership, ally engagement, and business resource groups for over 50,000 employees, and has facilitated resiliency training for a construction workforce of over 6,000 people. Laura is a part of the team delivering our member programming. She graduated from the University of Bath in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Materials and Biomedical Engineering.
Starlee Sykes
CEO
Archaea Energy, a BP company
Starlee Sykes is the chief executive officer for Archaea Energy, a BP company. Archaea is a US-based bioenergy company which was acquired by BP in 2022 and will accelerate growth of BP’s strategic bioenergy business.
Starlee previously served as BP’s senior vice president for the Gulf of Mexico and Canada, one of the world’s largest deep-water businesses. With over 25 years of leadership experience in the energy sector, Starlee led the creation of the first global subsea solutions business and is a strong proponent of standardized industry practices and improving collaboration. Starlee has also led diverse international teams solving some of the industry’s most complex challenges. Starlee has held an active leadership role on several boards, including BP, NOIA, API, Greater Houston Partnership, Spindletop Community Impact Partners and Texas A&M University Engineering.
Starlee was named ‘2021 International Citizen of the Year’ by the World Affairs Council of Greater Houston, one of the top 25 most influential women in energy by Oil and Gas Investor and one of the most influential women executives by Women Inc.
Starlee earned her Mechanical Engineering degree from Texas A&M University. She lives in Houston with her husband, Al Vickers, and 3 sons (Jack, Cade, and Ethan). She enjoys traveling with family, great food, and the outdoors.
Alistair Vickers
COO
Grid United
Al Vickers is the COO of Grid United where he is developing long distance interregional transmission projects across North America. Al has 25 years of industry experience and was most recently the CEO of BP’s US renewables business. Prior to this, Al held numerous executive leadership positions in the oil and gas industry and numerous board positions including the world’s second largest biofuels company. Al has led a range of energy industry efforts, most recently as an Executive Committee member of American Clean Power. Al has a passion for people and the development of diverse talent and was named Executive of the Year by the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers. Al holds a master’s degree in chemical engineering from Manchester and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chemical Engineers. He lives in Houston with his wife Starlee, and their sons, Jack, Cade and Ethan. He enjoys outdoor activities and travelling. He is an enthusiastic but average chef.
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Dr. Madhuri Kumar
VP & Head of Talent
ChampionX
Dr. Madhuri Kumar is the Vice President and Global Head of Talent Management at ChampionX Corporation, where she leads the global center of excellence in talent processes and solutions. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Kumar has delivered innovative people solutions to enhance organizational health, growth, and results across multiple industries, including Fortune 500 companies, mid-market firms, public and private equity firms, not-for-profits, and higher education.
Dr. Kumar has a distinguished record of transforming talent and culture functions, implementing learning and development programs, and leading organizational change initiatives. Since 2020, she has spearheaded DEI efforts with a firm belief that true organizational success is rooted in getting inclusion right. Known for her compassion, courage, and resilience, she is a dedicated advocate for advancing workplace diversity and fostering inclusive cultures.
Prior to her current role, Dr. Kumar held leadership positions at Signify Health, Information Builders, JDRF International, Halliburton, and GE Oil & Gas. She holds a PhD in Human Performance Improvement from Capella University and a Global C-Suite Officer Program certificate from the Wharton School of Business. Dr. Kumar continues to be a perpetual student of organizational cultures and is committed to making work environments more human and inclusive.
Dr. Kumar enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures, enriching both her professional and personal life.
Dr. Kumar has a distinguished record of transforming talent and culture functions, implementing learning and development programs, and leading organizational change initiatives. Since 2020, she has spearheaded DEI efforts with a firm belief that true organizational success is rooted in getting inclusion right. Known for her compassion, courage, and resilience, she is a dedicated advocate for advancing workplace diversity and fostering inclusive cultures.
Prior to her current role, Dr. Kumar held leadership positions at Signify Health, Information Builders, JDRF International, Halliburton, and GE Oil & Gas. She holds a PhD in Human Performance Improvement from Capella University and a Global C-Suite Officer Program certificate from the Wharton School of Business. Dr. Kumar continues to be a perpetual student of organizational cultures and is committed to making work environments more human and inclusive.
Dr. Kumar enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures, enriching both her professional and personal life.