Learning together, leading together
Kate Santos, Order to Delivery Manager, Distribution Operations, ManilaBeing a leader doesn’t mean you know everything. It’s about sharing your own experiences, being open to learn, offering your support and moving forward, together.
Trading and Supply: Bringing the Right Energy
When I was studying physiotherapy, I never imagined I’d one day be working in one of the world’s largest energy trading organisations. But I’ve always believed, “There’s always something new to learn.” That mindset has guided me from day one and led me to Trading and Supply (T&S) at Shell.
T&S is often described as Shell’s central nervous system—a global network that trades and delivers the energy the world needs today and tomorrow. From natural gas and crude oil to biofuels and environmental products, our business thrives on precision and efficiency. Every fuel truck we dispatch is backed by cutting-edge analytics and over a century of trading expertise.
But for me, T&S isn’t just about delivering energy to customers. It’s about bringing the right energy to our work and our teams.
Continuous Improvement, Collective Growth
T&S in the Philippines feels like a close-knit community—united by shared values, a collaborative spirit, and a drive to improve. Since 2008, our team has grown from just 15 people to over 370, supporting markets across the US, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and Southeast Asia in operations, trading, inventory, analysis, and advisory roles.
Growth here means being curious, asking questions, raising your hand and collaborating. We learn from each other—drawing on diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences.
From Mentee to Mentor
From the beginning, I’ve benefited from mentorship and coaching. Formal training also played a big role in my development. I’ve especially enjoyed courses like Powering You and Powering Women, which helped me channel my energy into meaningful outcomes. Now, as a leader, I strive to do the same—building relationships, encouraging others to speak up, and fostering a culture of support.
Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about being authentic, sharing what you’ve learned, continuously learning and growing together.
From physiotherapy to trading, my journey proves that with the right mindset, anything is possible.
