Jaime Howard has been at Wood for 11 years and in the industry for over twenty, starting out as one of a small number of women in her mechanical engineering class at university. Based in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Jaime was recently promoted to Project Lead for one of our Newfoundland office offshore clients, part of the Operations Americas team.
It is clear speaking to Jaime that she is a passionate advocate for those in her team and around her, believing in and championing the one wood mantra and creating space for people’s voices to be heard.
After several years exposure to the offshore oil and gas sector supply chain, I moved back into a project engineering and project management role which I had previously held before joining Wood, straight out of university. Being a part of the Wood team for 11 years has allowed me the exciting opportunity to see the company grow and develop and increase the number of female leaders in the business.
At the onset of the global pandemic, I was approached by Shawn Combden, our Operations Americas President, to step in to lead the supply chain team in Trinidad and Tobago and support the Shell contract portfolio with demanding schedules in a world of uncertainty, all while virtual and never meeting my team in person. My challenge was to ensure that the entire team trusted my approach and guidance to lead the schedules and deliverables to a successful place. Strong communication and continuous virtual interaction were vital to remain consistent with our approach and instil trust in one another.
Prior to my role in Trinidad and Tobago, I led the supply chain team for approx. 6 years on the Cenovus West White Rose Project which held team members in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Houston, Texas and Bogotá, Colombia.
This experience taught me how to manage people across countries and the different dynamics and challenges that presented. It involved a huge amount of collaboration and one that I count as one of my personal successes. These projects were led jointly across borders and oceans, between Houston, St John’s, Newfoundland, Trinidad and Tobago and Bogota– leading to another huge passion of mine – the one Wood approach. One of the biggest reasons I have remained a long-time team member of Wood, like many others, is the company’s extensive portfolio. I have learned the most from cross-country and border relationships, projects and clients, continually encouraging growth and development.
I am proud to champion women in leadership positions and encourage them to have their voices heard. I believe this is critical in predominately male-dominated industries like energy and materials. I strive to ensure that everyone has a place at the table and that everyone’s inputs are valued. My advice to others would be to clearly communicate your value, your contribution to the scope and how this diversity of ingenuity will enhance the collective goals. Never take no as a finite answer and always put your hand up when you want to be involved. Push hard against any obstacles and believe in yourself!
It is important to continue encouraging young people, and girls in particular, that a career in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) is far-reaching. The career path choices are far greater than I ever imagined.
Wood is a great place to work – we have an exciting future ahead of us. The world is ever-changing, and I am happy to be part of a diverse company profile which allows for change.
I have invested a great deal of my career in Wood and in turn, the company has invested in me to become a leader and say yes to the opportunities available. There are clear benefits to staying with a company that excites and supports you - the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, it’s greener where you water it.
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