Mervin Azeta
From a very early age, Mervin knew what she wanted to do – to solve problems as an engineer and make sure everyone has quality access to energy. She’s passionate about the next generation of female STEM professionals and is committed to shaping a low-carbon, sustainable energy future.
People that know Mervin describe her as smart, energetic, tenacious, and resourceful. She says she’s an engineer by nature and profession, a future energy leader, public speaker, tech junkie, an unapologetic geek and a world-changer.
As a business line product and service delivery manager at Schlumberger, she has blazed the trails, executing oil and gas well completion projects, in a mix of operating environments – land, creek, swamp, shallow-water and deep-water fields in Congo, Nigeria and the USA.
Ambitious from an early age
When Mervin was eight years old, she went to spend Christmas with one of her aunts, who was pregnant. While Mervin was there, her aunt went into hospital to have the baby, but died giving birth due to a power outage. Naturally, Mervin was heartbroken, but it also started to stir something inside of her and she began to ask questions.
Mervin with her parents and some of her siblings
Mervin with her parents and some of her siblings
Mervin wanted to know the causes of power outages, and started to explore the challenges around generating, transmitting and distributing energy. She knew she had to do something to make sure everyone had access to power and end the outages affecting people’s livelihoods and causing deaths. Mervin knew this problem wasn’t unique to Nigeria. It affected the whole of Africa – and other parts of the world.
A natural problem solver
Mervin’s studies in chemical engineering at the University of Benin in Nigeria allowed her to explore different parts of the energy industry.
While doing her thesis, she also started to explore climate change. “I looked at solar energy and storing that energy without using a lot of land. This piqued people’s interest as I was studying for a chemical engineering degree, but I wanted to explore how we could maximise our resources – energy and others – and derive benefits for as many people as possible.”
When it came to picking what I wanted to study at university, I was quick to opt for engineering as I knew engineers were the people solving problems and the challenges faced by society.
Expanding her knowledge
Mervin went out into the field, as a completions field engineer with Schlumberger, to see the technology in action, and understand how it can drive sustainable energy development. However, she knew she needed to develop her knowledge further, so she decided to study at Imperial. “Imperial offered exactly what I wanted – the course, the exposure to innovative technologies, the policy and business side of things,” she explains.
I wanted more. I wanted to know how to drive innovation to help power our world and reduce our environmental footprint.
Mervin spent time at Imperial expanding her knowledge base about global energy systems, and what is required to influence change in today’s world. She explains, “At Imperial, we had exposure to collaboration, industry networks and stakeholders. We also engaged with different people from different parts of the world with different perspectives.”
Mervin with some of her Imperial classmates
Mervin with some of her Imperial classmates
While at Imperial, she was also co-chair of the Imperial College Nigerian Society. This allowed her to further develop her leadership skills and understand what it takes to run a successful event.
Mervin’s current role
Since completing her study at Imperial, Mervin has been working at Schlumberger, the leading provider of technology and services to the energy industry across the world. Throughout her time in the company, she has received recognition for her achievements, and numerous promotions.
Mervin is now working in Nigeria, as a business line product and service delivery manager for Surface and Midstream Production Systems. Her role involves looking after these two lines of business across Nigeria and West Africa, as well as developing new talents, making sure customers are happy, and increasing profits.
Mervin in a Schlumberger overall
Mervin in a Schlumberger overall
Going the extra mile
You would think her role would keep her busy, but she’s also involved in many other projects. She advocates for gender balance within the company and unites STEM women in the company. Mervin has created a safe space where her female colleagues can ask her questions without the fear of judgement. She encourages them to have real conversations and helps them climb up the ladder within the organisation.
And it’s no surprise that Mervin refers to herself as a “serial volunteer.” She serves on top-tier boards and committees at the World Energy Council, Society of Petroleum Engineers, African Union and more, to shape a better, brighter, healthier and safer future for all.
Mervin in October 2016 at the 23rd World Energy Congress in Istanbul where she chaired a panel discussion
Mervin in October 2016 at the 23rd World Energy Congress in Istanbul where she chaired a panel discussion
Mervin has been involved with many mentorship programmes, inspiring thousands of younger professionals – especially girls following in her footsteps. She has also helped at Imperial alumni events and supports the Sustainable Energy Futures program and the Nigerian Society.
Overcoming hurdles
Mervin has faced a range of hurdles in her career. When she first moved to the Congo, she admits, “There were things going on that made my role at the time difficult. Being a female in a male-dominated industry is challenging.” However, despite these challenges, she received a promotion within less than a year. Her manager said he was impressed by her grit and resilience.
Another proud moment was in her second year at Schlumberger. She had been brought on to a high-profile project where she was the youngest team member and the only female. There were a lot of teething problems, but it was one of the most successfully executed projects and earned her a number of recognitions.
Mervin’s mindset
“How do you manage to balance everything?” is a question Mervin gets asked a lot – even by her bosses. Mervin believes that many people would have given up when faced with similar challenges, but she says she sees every challenge as an opportunity to learn, grow and make impact.
I check whether projects align with my core values. And I’m not afraid to say no. I’m very comfortable telling someone I can’t do something, and I prioritise what is important.
Where you’re meant to be
When facing challenges, Mervin explains that her faith helps her a lot – she understands her purpose and how she can achieve it. She tells her friends, “You are where God wants you to be. Whatever you’re experiencing is a set up for your progress. You’ll be surprised what comes along and the support you receive from people around you, when you embrace challenges with a positive mindset.”
I want to be a better version of myself. I want to be a leader influencing change at a global scale, bringing value to economies and communities.
What will she be doing in ten years’ time? Mervin says, “The world changes really fast, so what you have in mind now for the future might change.” Nonetheless, a top priority for her is making sure we all have access to energy wherever we are. But she also wants to be a leader that people look up to and a role model for the younger generation.
Advice to the next generation
When it comes to picking a piece of career advice, she says it’s hard to pick just one thing. “My parents have always told me that I can do anything I want as long as I’m focused, know my direction and have the grace of God,” she shares.
There is no such thing as failure. My dad would always say, ‘Let your failure fuel your next success... and never, ever, focus on the negatives.’
Mervin's parents
Mervin's parents
Her advice to students is – know who you are, embrace your uniqueness and keep learning. She says, “Put your talent to work so it doesn’t go to waste – people won’t always push you. Also, attend events and meet people. We need other people. We need to find our tribe.”
Mervin believes younger people should speak up and not hold back. “Speak up for yourself and speak up for others. If you see something that isn’t right, speak up. If you see a fellow female being mistreated, speak up - otherwise it will happen to others.”
Mini United Nations
Mervin is grateful for the support system she had at Imperial and the friends she made. “We used to call ourselves the mini–United Nations as we were all from different countries and continents,” she shares. “When we went to social events or on field trips, we always looked out for each other.”
Mervin with her mini-United Nations friends
Mervin with her mini-United Nations friends
I was delighted to hear that my work is being recognised with this alumni award. It inspires me to keep doing what I do. I want to make as much impact as possible.
Mervin hopes that this recognition will also help connect her with more people who she can work together with to make a lasting, positive impact in the world.
Final thoughts
When it comes to the conversation around climate change, Mervin says, “COP26 has been a momentous occasion and I really hope the leaders take action. Sadly, I’ve had my own experience of being in a room having high-level conversations, but then you leave the room, and nothing happens.”
Mervin says, “If we can do more to implement plans, then we’ll make progress. Enough of the talk.” As an emerging leader, Mervin is at the forefront of driving change and taking proactive steps towards creating a more sustainable future.
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