Marion de Wet from Oudtshoorn has recently been appointed PetroSA's commercial manager for new ventures. Meriza La Key spoke to the up-and-coming executive and found an ambitious persona unwilling to step aside for any man.

What will people be surprised to know about you?

That I am a homebody who enjoys cooking.

What are your personal goals for the next five years?

Finish my PhD. Position myself as a figure of authority in the industry in an attempt to influence transformation.

What sort of challenges have you faced being a woman in a male-dominated industry?

In life, my own insecurities earlier in my career. In my adult life, maintaining a healthy balance between motherhood, further studies and my career.

In my career - female stereotyping in a male dominated environment that led to limited opportunities. Not fitting the traditional mould of what’s considered appropriate positions for women.

How did you overcome these challenges?

In life - Self Mastery and self-acknowledgement of my personal achievements. Building a good support system.

In my career - Through determination and by working smarter and harder than most of my male counterparts I ended up being accepted for my competence and earning respect from my male colleagues. Through my executive career coach I acknowledged the fact that it is in order for me not to always 'fit the normal mould' and to pursue my dreams and aspirations.

How do you balance work and family?

Balancing a career and family will always be challenging. That is why a good and reliable support system is so important. I am very fortunate to have a good nanny and housekeeper and be able to rely on my family’s support for particularly when I have to travel.

I see you come from a small town, Oudtshoorn. Do you think it was a disadvantage in comparison to urbanites?

Although Oudtshoorn is a small town, it has produced many professionals that ventured into the global arena and I’d like to contribute it to the high value the community has traditionally placed on higher education. In my case, I come from a typical middle-class Oudshoorn family full of teachers and school principles, which invariably shaped my thinking and choices in life.

I can’t speak for other small towns, but in my case I more benefited from the influence of my immediate community and family than the geographical location of my former home town. The values I learned at home as a kid that contributed towards my successes are the same ones I try to teach my children and it doesn’t matter whether we live in Cape Town, Johannesburg or New York.

Are there vast opportunities for women in the chemical, oil and gas industry?

Yes, for the younger generation just entering the industry, career growth opportunities are plenty. It is up to the individual how far she wants to take her career.

Do you run any activities that involve or introduce the youth to the industry?

Not formally. However, through my association with WOESA (Women in Oil & Energy South Africa), I would like to introduce a mentoring programme for young women and students in the industry.

Are you (PetroSA) contributing to small and medium-sized (SME’s) businesses? If so, how?

Yes. PetroSA spearheads an initiative called the Supplier Development Programme, to assist historically disadvantaged individuals in gaining entry into the oil and gas sector. Launched in 2004, the initiative provides much-sought-after support to black service providers. Support provided includes business skills training, mentoring and coaching, technical support, as well as feasibility and viability study support. The programme has led to the establishment of five black owned, controlled and managed businesses.

Is PetroSA making any contributions toward alleviating poverty within the region?

Yes. In 2007/2008 the company contributed a total of R44.8-million to various programmes such as Education & Training, Health Community Development. Some of these projects saw the building of a high-tech school in the Eastern Cape, science and computer laboratories at various schools as well as building of additional classrooms for various other schools.