We're sharing an interview from our partner Shell with Mo Afshari, senior IT engineering manager at Shell. He discusses his work, his commitment to diversity and inclusion, and the collaboration with the Refugee Talent Hub.
Mo is originally from Iran, but moved abroad at a young age. "Growing up, I saw Shell stations everywhere. First in Canada where I went to high school, then in Malaysia where I studied. When I saw an opportunity to work there, I just went for it. After completing Shell's Graduate Program, I started working in IT, my passion."
Diversity of thought
The diversity at Shell is enriching, says Mo: “This also includes diversity of thought. You need outliers, different perspectives, to challenge your opinions. That's how you get stronger teams and better results.”
Since 2008, Mo has been an ambassador for diversity, equality, and inclusion (DE&I) at Shell. He also leads Shell's Middle East and North African Employee Resource Group (ERG) in the Netherlands. An ERG is a group of employees who advocate for the interests of their members, but also functions as a "club" within the company.
A time of learning, growing and giving back.
Mo Afshari
Senior IT engineering manager at Shell in The Hague
Dozens of refugees find a place at our company
We raise awareness and promote our communities, bring people together, and emphasize the positive impact of Shell and its businesses in the countries in the region. Shell Netherlands has also reached out to the refugee community in the country. We have opened up vacancies, and together with the Refugee Talent Hub, we have succeeded in offering dozens of refugees positions at our company, in various disciplines.
More time together
Mo: "That's what Shell is all about: supporting opportunities. When my wife and I were trying to have a child, we needed more time together. I asked for a sabbatical. A difficult professional decision, as my career was booming. I received Shell's full support, and the stress was lifted from my shoulders. Now my wife and I have a beautiful seven-year-old son."
There is still so much to do
After nearly twenty years at Shell, Mo reflects. "It was a time of learning, growing, and giving back. In my job, I indirectly and continuously support the development of delivering the energy of today and tomorrow. And there's still so much to do. I'm thrilled to be a part of that."
This is a shortened version. Read the full articleon the Shell website, written by Steve Rowland and Jessica Baxter.
