At the heart of ConocoPhillips, where SPIRIT Values lead the way, stands Aizad Abu Bakar, senior geologist, ConocoPhillips Malaysia. Aizad received a 2024 DEI Advocate Award in recognition of his unwavering commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).

Family comes first

Aizad’s story begins with family. His wife, Syakirah, and two young children, Hud and Hannah, are at the core of his being. “We’re a tight-knit unit,” he said. “Our life together thrives on the values of open communication, unconditional love and prioritizing what truly matters in life.

“I grew up with parents in separate households, and I admired their ability to co-parent beautifully in the name of their children.”

His father, Abu Bakar, a soft-spoken HSE professional, taught Aizad the importance of humility and unwavering support. His mother, Amirah, a stay-at-home mom, who also ran a small business, practiced kindness, generosity and a relentless advocacy for the underprivileged. She taught Aizad to support others, even if it meant taking from his own plate to help those in need.

Growing up, Aizad watched his older brother, Adel Mikhael, always a playful spirit, grow into a commendable father. “Watching his example taught me how to weave joy into responsibility and helped me become a nurturing parent.”

The untimely death of Aizad’s younger sister, Andrea Syairah, in a 2017 car crash had a profound impact on him. Seeing his mother’s sorrow filled Aizad with a deep appreciation for the value of relationships and the preciousness of time.

Lessons from hardship and Oprah

Aizad and his family faced many hardships during the Asian financial crisis of the late 1990s. He recalls the looming threat of car repossession, and his mother setting up a roadside food stall to supplement family income.

“These were humbling reminders that fortunes can change in an instant,” Aizad said. “They ingrained in me the importance of gratitude and the value of staying grounded, irrespective of one's successes.”

Another early influence came from hours spent watching The Oprah Winfrey Show with his mother.

“The show opened my eyes to the myriad struggles of people and strengthened my empathetic perspective.”

Passion for DEI

Aizad’s volunteered for the ConocoPhillips Malaysia DEI Committee in 2020, motivated by the company's commitment to create an inclusive and supportive workplace.

“My goal was to help to make the company a safe space where everyone, especially those afraid to speak up, could feel valued and heard,” he said.

But working in the DEI space comes with its own set of challenges.

“One of the biggest hurdles is combating the perception that there is no progress,” he said. “DEI work is inherently long-term and complex, requiring persistent effort and nuanced approaches tailored to different communities.”

Aizad finds motivation in the trust and gratitude of his colleagues. He treasures the moments when colleagues confide in him or thank him for addressing concerns they were afraid to voice.

A sought-after event moderator, he demonstrates excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Invited to moderate a Women's Network event on Men Advocating Gender Equality & Equity, he demonstrated his commitment to challenging norms and supporting gender equity.

“Aizad's contributions to our workplace's DEI culture are immeasurable,” said former Malaysia DEI Committee sponsor Georgina Scorer. “He is not just advocating for change; he is the change”

At the 2024 SPIRIT Awards Chief Diversity Officer Natacha Buchanan said: “He leads by example, encourages participation, and ensures the success of many DEI initiatives … his open-door policy, kindness and gentle approach make him the go-to person for anyone needing advice or just a listening ear.”

A message of empathy and action

Aizad’s message to those looking to make a difference is rooted in a Malaysian saying his mother taught him: “ingat orang belakang,” which translates to “always think of those behind you.”

For Aizad, making a difference starts with conscious efforts to understand and support others. He believes even the smallest acts of empathy can have a significant impact. His journey is a powerful reminder of the positive influence one individual can have when driven by a genuine desire to uplift others.

“DEI advocacy at ConocoPhillips is not just about policies and initiatives,” he said. “It’s about creating a culture of inclusivity and respect where every individual feels seen and valued.”