FLIPPING THE BARREL

When Life Hands You an Opportunity, Say Yes

5 snips
Apr 29, 2025
Carolyn Comer, President of Shell Energy North America, shares her inspiring journey from a large Irish family to a leadership role in the energy sector. She discusses the tough decisions surrounding personal happiness and career obligations, emphasizing authenticity. Carolyn also highlights the value of taking meaningful career breaks for personal harmony, particularly for women, and offers insights on balancing career growth with family responsibilities. Her experiences underscore the transformative power of mentorship and self-reflection in shaping a successful career.
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ANECDOTE

Early Career Risk Taking

  • Carolyn took a risk moving to the UK alone to set up a business in her early 20s.
  • She learned invaluable lessons about running a business end-to-end and cash flow management.
ADVICE

Find Flexible Solutions First

  • Before quitting, seek advice and explore company policies like flexible working options.
  • Find ways to say yes and don’t assume the only answer is no.
ANECDOTE

Eureka Moment for Career Focus

  • A brutally honest assessment pushed Carolyn to focus and commit to a clear career direction.
  • This was a major turning point, leading her to be thoughtful and deliberate in career choices.
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