11 years after I graduated with distinction from my master's in Petroleum Engineering, I walked through the door of one of the largest oil companies. 11 years ago, just before I completed my studies, I was selected among thousands of students in the United Kingdom for Shell's graduate program. But a few months later, oil prices were so low that every new investment froze, along with all recruitment programs. I worked in any job I could to make a living. From university conducting research to being a waiter and a mathematics teacher. I later returned to Greece and worked for a large Greek shipping company in Piraeus. There, I experienced the medieval times in the workplace. Insults, shouting, belittlement. From a person high up in the hierarchy but with far less knowledge and ability than me. When I realized that the situations I was living through were sick and that I was at risk of becoming like those who had gotten used to them, I made the decision to resign. I resigned in a way that made an impact. My resignation became a catalyst for many changes, and that toxic person was finally fired six months later. For 13 years, he shattered many souls, but today I owe him a thank you. Due to what I experienced with him, I decided to immigrate to the Netherlands. In the Netherlands, I experienced another world. Respect, opportunities, recognition of value. Until today, I have always had leaders with abilities, knowledge, and above all, immense wisdom in managing people. Managing people through communication according to each person's personality, not through power and fear. In my new position, I was asked to travel to Norway representing my team. I just finished a presentation with representatives from major companies in the field present. Dozens of nationalities. Different backgrounds. But everyone shared the same culture. A culture of collaboration, respect, and safety (mental and physical) at work. I received compliments immediately after the presentation from my team leadership. A leadership that does not hesitate to reward. A leadership that inspires by example and shows genuine interest in the well-being of its team members in practice. As I was leaving the building, I took this photo to remember that it took me 11 years. 11 years after completing my studies in the field, I found myself crossing the threshold of a company in the industry. It's never too late... As long as you make the decision to leave any rotten environment before it starts rotting you too. #Norway #Netherlands (translated)
