To coincide with International Women in Engineering day, we speak with our Global Supply Chain Director here at Lubmarine – Mariane Axt – about her career and her role as a chemical engineer.
1) Can you tell us about your background as an engineer. Where did your interest stem from, where did you study, what qualifications/degree have you studied?
I’m a chemical engineer with a background in research and a PhD. I did most of my studies in Brazil where I come from, but my PhD was partially carried out in France and partially in Brazil.
From a very young age I had an interest in modifying and creating new things, so for me, chemistry was something magic where we could mix different components to create another completely different one. I liked the variety that chemistry and engineering offered me, the research allowing me to be creative, switching regularly to new projects and giving me this sense of fluidity.
2) How long have you been with TotalEnergies and what is your current role?
I started my career with TotalEnergies in 2003 in the Refining Research Centre in France. From there I enjoyed a number of roles within the Refining but also in product development within the Marketing & Service branch.
Finally, I left the research role to take a position as Operations Director of Lubricants in Brazil where I was in charge of the blending, supply chain and the logistics. I wanted to see the other side of the picture, getting closer to the field and the market. Recently I came back to France to take up my current position as Global Supply Chain Director in Lubmarine.
With TotalEnergies we have the opportunity to move through the organization to different positions and jobs. That’s great and fits well with my interest to develop my career!
3) How do you use your engineering knowledge and background in your daily work?
In many ways. My team is in charge of the quality and industrialization of products and we work closely with suppliers of raw materials, blending plants, transport compagnies, etc… so engineering is all over these activities and my background helps me to be comfortable with such different topics.
4) What do you enjoy most about your role and can you let us know the main activities you are involved in on a day-to-day basis?
I enjoy working in a multicultural company and environment. Lubmarine is a global business and every day I meet and work with people from different parts of the world. I learn a lot about different cultures!
The activities of my team are very eclectic. We are in charge of the export activity of additives and finished products but also of safety, product quality and we ensure the relationship with our partners and affiliates when it comes to supply. It means that every day is very varied and very dynamic. On one hand I have very operational topics with fast paced days and on the other hand I need to work on strategy or planning for which I need calm to work.
5) The shipping industry is an industry predominantly employing men - what do you feel can or should be done to attract more women?
If we can show good examples of women having succeeded in this environment then that is probably going to raise interest and awareness in others. Good companies like TotalEnergies are also setting great examples with a strong diversity policy and real opportunities for diverse roles for women.
It’s a win-win strategy because the diversity brings different ways of thinking, different ways to manage, to negotiate, to work… and enables things to move sometimes in a different way, that may never have been thought of if we only took one perspective. That’s true for all kind of diversity and genre is just one of them.
6) What would your advice be to any woman looking at a career in engineering?
For me passion is essential. If it is something you want to do, do it and do not be discouraged. Do what do you like, do your best, work hard to overcome the difficulties and one day the recognition arrives. Another point is also to have legitimacy, if you don’t know something, learn about it.