Pilipinas Shell Corporation President and CEO Lorelie Quiambao-Osial shared the key strategies that helped the company navigate the pandemic at the recent Philippine Digicon 2022, one of the most prestigious digital thought leadership events in APAC. She discussed Shell’s nation-building measures ranging from the reduction of carbon emissions while tapping renewable energy sources; customer-centered products that encourage community growth and prosperity; to equipping employees digitally for remote work.
Discussing sustainability, Osial spoke of Innovation and the “need to dare to reimagine the future.” At the same time, she also mentioned the importance of adaptability in a prolonged crisis. “Our biggest challenge is that we were going through a crisis of uncertainty in all aspects,” Osial continued. “As a woman and a leader, I anchor on the different roles I play as a mother, a daughter, and a wife to address various challenges and adapt to different situations.”
The Philippine Digicon 2022 hosted global thought leaders and technology experts from across all industries in a gathering that “discussed new technologies, evolving strategies, and novel ways of doing business.” Osial shared the “Women Leaders Panel” with three other women who have made significant contributions within their industries through their daring leadership: Cecilia Borromeo of Landbank, Lisa Gokongwei-Cheng of the Gokongwei Group, and Secretary Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Sustainability at the heart
One of the ways Shell has responded to global changes is implementing a plan towards decarbonization called “Powering Progress” by providing cleaner energy through which the company hopes to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
“At the heart of the strategy is sustainability. Locally, we zoned in on our operations and real estate and adjusted them so that they are ready for the future by greening our offices and our communities,” said Osial.
Osial also shared that the company has entered joint ventures with other renewable energy companies to raise the renewable energy capacity and maintain onshore renewable energy projects in the Philippines.
“Globally and nationally, businesses and technologies are evolving and becoming keener in tapping alternative or renewable energies. Through Shell Energy Philippines (SEPH), we have been providing wholesale renewable energy while offering cleaner, flexible, and competitive energy solutions for businesses,” said Osial.
One of Shell’s recent projects, Shell Recharge is an electric vehicle charging service that was launched in Shell Mobility Station Malamplasan to further decarbonize mobility and establish the infrastructure and interest for electric vehicles.
Other nature-friendly solutions found in Shell’s Mobility Stations across the country include biker-friendly spaces, rain-catchers for irrigation, and usage of eco-bricks made from recycled plastics.
Employee care
On their remote work strategies employed during the lockdown restrictions, Osial said Shell focused on “the 3 C’s: care, continuity, and cash. We pivoted our healthcare arrangements to ensure that our employees are safe whether they are at home or on-site. Second, we safeguarded our business continuity by ensuring we make a valuable impact on the industries we support by providing them with quality goods and services. And of course, we made sure that the company is financially resilient by adapting our marketing strategies on what is happening, as well as experimenting with different ways of working.”
Osial also highlighted the importance of taking care of the people that make up the organization: “At Pilipinas Shell we continue to create paths for talented and hardworking individuals towards empowering them in the workplace and their communities so they may grow and prosper. We ensure equal opportunities for everyone and have people succeed based on their merits, as we nurture them to be the best version of themselves.”
Pilipinas Shell’s efforts were recognized by consumer data company Statista when it included the company in the top 50 bracket of the “Philippines’ Best Employers 2023” list. The results came after a survey was done on over 11,000 employees of more than 2,000 companies with at least 250 employees in the country. The respondents rated their companies based on salaries, job growth, work-life balance, work culture, and company reputation, among others.