Shell Boss Wael Sawan on Tough Calls, Regret and Leading Through Uncertainty

Wael Sawan, CEO of Shell, navigates the complexities of leading Europe’s largest oil company through a volatile global energy landscape. Success in this role requires balancing the immediate demands of financial discipline and operational efficiency with the long-term necessity of steering the company through the energy transition. Rather than pursuing growth for its own sake, leadership centers on identifying competitive strengths—such as gas, trading, and marketing—while maintaining a clear, purposeful direction. Decision-making involves a rigorous process of introspection and learning from past outcomes, including divestments like the Permian Basin assets, to build institutional resilience. By shifting from an "all-knowing" to an "all-learning" culture, the organization aims to adapt to rapid technological advancements like AI and shifting geopolitical realities, ensuring it remains a stable, value-generating entity for decades to come.