January 2023- my final "Reflections"

Colleagues,

Well, that’s it, my final “Reflections”.

First, I want to introduce my successor, Steve Norton. He is also seconded to IOGP from Shell. He started his career in the Wells function and have made the move to a fully fledged HSSE professional. Our paths last crossed in Qatar in 2013, as he assumed the role of VP HSSE for the Pearl GTL project. He arrives to IOGP from Pittsburgh US where he led Shell’s safety efforts during construction of the Pennsylvania Chemicals plant. Suffice to say, I am absolutely delighted with my successor. He will continue building on foundations carefully constructed by his team and all of his IOGP predecessors. I know he looks forward to the task.

Over the last few years, it has been my absolute privilege to engage a vast ecosystem of people. People, YOU, who share the goal of eliminating fatalities, permanent impairments and Major Accident Hazard releases. I have endeavoured to do so in an engaging and personal way, hopefully offered some new insights in a fun way. Those who read my Reflections in full, may have noticed it has formed a drum-beat of cadence as well.

Our goals are important. We need to maintain steely-eyed determination, cadence and at the same time there are no reasons we should not enjoy the efforts. I hope my monthly scribblings have provided a small highlight to that end. I have certainly enjoyed writing them as I have enjoyed every engagement -far and wide- in the safety universe we share.

Then to the thanks.

Thank you for your insights, without which we would not learn and develop.

Thank you for your dedication, effort and time, without which our progress would dwindle.

Thank you for your passion and energy, without which we would lose ours.?

Thank you for your feedback, steer and counsel, without which we would be rudderless.

Thank you for your empathy and understanding, without which we would not amplify each other.

Thank you for including me in your world, I have done my best to include you in mine.

I will leave IOGP and Shell with a smile, in control of my destiny, a better and more informed person. I am proud of my unique dent in the safety world. You have provided endless highlights and inspiration. I am currently exploring what the next steps in my working life may look like, and you will be a hard act to follow, the bar is set high. Having said that, my purpose is clear, and I look forward to find something which aligns with that, then apply myself fully, the only way I know how.

Steve and myself have just started our handover which will include direct introductions with many of you, many meetings and a visit to Qatar. My last day is 28th Feb. We all have our unique styles of communication, and Steve will need to decide where and how he can best and most efficiently continue to reach out.

Onwards and upwards, new opportunities and -most of all- a heartfelt and personal thank you to each and every one of you. The reason you never saw me sad and depressed is that YOU made me happy!

Kind regards

Olav

#safety #humanperformance