That is the sharing of Ms. Vicki Hollub, 64 years old, CEO of Occidental Petroleum, an energy company in the US.
Vicky Hollub began her career in 1981 at Cities Service, an oil and gas company that was acquired by Occidental Petroleum a year later. During her more than 40 years at Occidental, Hollub held a number of positions. Since April 2016, she has served as President and CEO, overseeing the company’s oil and gas, chemicals, and midstream operations.
Hollub was born in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1960. After graduating from McAdory High School in 1977, she studied mineral engineering at the University of Alabama, majoring in fuels and mineral resources. If it weren't for the harsh working conditions of cold temperatures and confined spaces, Hollub would have become a coal miner.
“There was a lot of coal mining around where I grew up, so I was really excited about it,” Hollub said. But her excitement waned after her first field trip to a coal mine, where the cold, damp conditions and claustrophobia made her realize the job wasn’t for her. Then Hollub took another field trip, this time to a drilling rig. Seeing people pulling equipment out of a well sparked a new passion in her.
Mrs. Vicki Hollub
She eventually became CEO of Occidental Petroleum. The Alabama native is best known for orchestrating one of the industry’s biggest deals when Occidental outbid Chevron for Anadarko Petroleum in 2019. Hollub has also been outspoken about some of the issues facing the industry, including operating in the face of climate change. Hollub credits her continued self-improvement as a major contributor to her success as CEO of Occidental Petroleum.
Inspired by Bear Bryant, the famous football coach at the University of Alabama, she emphasized the importance of the will to train and strive to do your best, surpassing your limits.
"I try to connect and try to make someone's day better. Sometimes it's just a smile, sometimes it's talking to them, sometimes it's spending a little time with them."
Vicki Hollub
When asked about the experiences or individuals that played an important role in her career path, Hollub said it was the resonance of many opportunities and people she met during her many years with Occidental.
“There is something you can learn from every person you meet and every job you take on,” Hollub said. Having played both the role of mentor and mentee, Hollub emphasizes the importance of support and guidance for career success. She encourages young professionals to actively seek out mentors, rather than waiting for someone else to guide them. When it comes to the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the oil and gas industry, the leader points to the need to look for critical thinkers with an innovative approach. At Occidental, the company values people who are willing to learn, contribute, and continually challenge themselves and their colleagues to improve their performance.
Hollub personally maintains the qualities that have brought her success, delivering a message of being true to yourself. Hollub encourages individuals, especially women, to adopt their own approaches, pointing out that success does not necessarily come from stereotypes.
“You have to do it your way. You have to do it in a way that makes sense to you and a way that got you where you are. Some things you have to leave behind, but you have to be yourself no matter what.” One trait that sticks with Hollub is her commitment to bringing joy to people’s days. “What I noticed about my mom when I talked to my friends was that she had the ability to brighten people’s days,” Hollub says. And she brings that positive energy to Occidental.
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