Exclusive Trusted Magazine Q&A with Carole Nakhle, Chief Executive Officer @ Crystol Energy
How could you describe your career path in few words?
I was born when the civil war was raging in Lebanon, and I grew up in war-torn Beirut where I managed to pursue my education until I completed my bachelors’ degree (in Economics) – all under the French system. Then I wanted to explore a new venture, so I decided to go to the UK originally for one year to do a Masters’ degree in Finance. Little did I know how decisive that year was going to be for me. Instead of returning to Lebanon, I enrolled in a PhD programme in Energy Economics, self-funded by part-time teaching which gave me the greater benefit of improving my English and communication skills – a benefit which I continue to recoup even today. I also used the time to interact closely not only with the academic community and presenting papers at conferences, but also with the industry – which gave me great insights into the practical aspects of the energy sector. As soon as I completed my studies, I worked in academia for a few years and at the same time I was acting as Special Parliamentary Advisor on Energy and the Middle East in the House of Lords, which gave me a truly unique exposure to the world of policy making and politics. After that, I joined major energy companies, worked with international organisations such as the IMF and the Commonwealth Secretariat. Each of these experiences was an eye opener and equipped me for my next big, exciting adventure. In 2012, I decided to start my own business, and from a simple sketch on my kitchen table in London, Crystol Energy was established as an advisory, research and training company that services the diverse group of stakeholders in the global energy industry. Ten years later, we have built an internationally recognised brand name and have won twice Best Independent Energy Consultancy Firm in the UK (2018 and 2021).
What was your most challenging experience and it has changed your mindset?
At different stages of my life I faced different challenges, which shaped my mindset and personality. Perhaps on a personal level, the biggest challenge I faced was growing up during the war. You have no other choice but to learn how to survive. You learn how to ‘deal’ with the unknown, with the fact that at any time your life can be cut short and yet you don’t allow it to stop you from dreaming. You appreciate the value of community, collaboration and support as neighbours come together to build shelters, share scarce food and water, and try to distract you from the petrifying sound of the bombs with a smile or funny grimace. You also develop some kind of risk assessment skills for instance when having to decide promptly when to go and where to go. But above all, you learn how precious life is.
When you get surprised by unusual or uncertain context, what do you think?
Uncertainty is part of our day-to-day life so you have to expect it but you should also be prepared for it. Of course, no one can be fully prepared. Think of the Covid-19 pandemic which took everyone, the world over, by surprise. But you have to be psychologically prepared that your plans may well get distorted and suddenly need to be revised. You therefore need to adopt a flexible mindset – some things can be tackled and corrected if needed, others become given and should be accepted and adapted to, but most importantly try to capitalise on the situation. For instance, before the pandemic hit, we delivered some of the training we did at Crystol Energy online – for different reasons (difficult travel schedule, cutting costs or simply personal circumstances). I recall some clients, at first, resisted that option saying that online training didn’t work. Luckily, we proved them wrong. Then when the pandemic hit the global economy like a tsunami, we were able to quickly adjust to the virtual lifestyle at a minimum cost.
What’s the key success factor for a female entrepreneur /leader in cross cultural context based on your experience?
It is difficult to single out one key factor. I believe tenacity, determination, clear thinking, and tolerance all play an important role. Then there is the all-important people’s angle - being a good listener and a good communicator. Recognise and respect the influence you will have on other people’s life and decisions. And above all, reject and oppose discrimination.