Rising Star Nominee – Katherine John: Transforming the Energy Sector with Innovation
Meet Katherine John, a Shell Canada up-and-coming leader who is passionate about innovation and driving transformational change. She is a 2024 Canadian Fuels Association (CFA) Rising Star Award nominee.
Driven by this passion, Katherine is reshaping processes within Shell but also setting a precedent for the energy sector as a whole. In her current role, she is dedicated to improving the quality and speed of decision-making processes. While her work requires her to be laser-focused on the bottom line, she is also fully committed to enhancing the work-life balance of employees as she recognizes the importance of well-being in a demanding industry.
One of Katherine’s notable projects involved implementing a real-time “margin leakage” system at Shell’s Scotford refinery.
“This system enables operators to optimize operations in real time, ensuring that Shell delivers the right products to the right customers at the right time,” Kathrine says. “By identifying and addressing margin leakage, our team significantly improved the financial performance of the refinery while freeing up valuable time for employees to focus on more creative endeavors.”
Katherine’s journey in the energy sector began right after graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering. Drawn to Shell by the promise of unique challenges and opportunities for growth, Katherine has spent the past several years immersed in the industry. She credits her time at Shell with shaping her perspective and approach to problem-solving, both professionally and personally.
“For me, the energy sector isn’t just a job—it’s a learning experience. Every day presents new challenges and opportunities to innovate,” she says. “Working in such a dynamic environment has not only allowed me to develop my technical skills but also taught me valuable lessons about adaptability, resilience, and leadership.”
Looking ahead, Katherine is focused on making a positive impact, both personally and professionally. She sees herself not only as a leader but as a mentor, guiding and supporting others on their journey in the energy sector. By fostering an environment of collaboration, creativity, and continuous learning, Katherine hopes to inspire the next generation of energy professionals to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
“My success wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my colleagues, mentors and collaborators, the contributions of members of my core team at Shell,” Katherine says. “l also want to thank my leaders for their unwavering support over the years. Their guidance and encouragement have been instrumental in my growth and development and allowed me to thrive in a challenging and dynamic industry.”
Through Katherine’s dedication, passion, and relentless pursuit of excellence, she is not only transforming processes within Shell but also shaping the future of the energy industry. As a rising star, Katherine’s journey serves as an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the power of innovation, collaboration, and perseverance in driving meaningful change.
