They’ve got GRIT: Four from ConocoPhillips receive coveted award

Leading industry organization announces 2020 GRIT Awards & Best Energy Workplaces

In an Oct. 13 news release, ALLY by Pink Petro, creator of the GRIT Awards, noted the unprecedented 2020 challenge of a global economic meltdown due the COVID-19 pandemic. Declaring that the best leaders know that moving toward a better, stronger era means embracing diversity and inclusion, it recognized the 2020 winners as advocates for equality and innovation in energy.

“This year's winners reflect a growing consciousness that the energy industry must be filled with inclusive cultures that attract and retain the best and brightest people from all sorts of backgrounds," said Katie Mehnert, CEO and founder of ALLY by Pink Petro. "Facing monumental tasks, the awardees have nevertheless shown a commitment to G.R.I.T. – growth, resilience, innovation and transition."

Nick Olds

ConocoPhillips’ Global Operations Senior Vice President Nick Olds, a member of the company’s Executive Leadership Team, was one of eight winners of the 2020 GRIT Executive Award. Out of dozens of nominated leaders, Nick was recognized for his active support of diversity and inclusion in ConocoPhillips’ workforce. During his nearly 30-year career, Nick has held leadership positions in the U.S., Nigeria, Norway, United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan and Canada. He recently served as Executive Sponsor for the Houston Hispanic Employee Network.

He was nominated for the GRIT Award by members of the Hispanic Network, who wrote: “When you think of encouragement, Nick Olds is the perfect image… Nick has proven his boundless commitment and constant support to the ConocoPhillips Hispanic Network initiatives.”

Katie Hulsey

Individual Award winners from ConocoPhillips include Senior Geologist Katie Hulsey, who works in the Lower 48 Great Plains business unit; Development Integration Manager Lorena Van Metre, who supports New Ventures; and contractor Aimee Borders, who supports the company’s social media efforts.

Katie is described by colleagues as one of the most passionate individuals involved in inclusion at ConocoPhillips. While many are just starting to personalize inclusion and discuss how their organizations might make changes to enhance their working environment, Katie has rolled up her sleeves and dived deep into the heart of action. Unafraid to have the tough conversations, she is a quiet influencer with the rare ability to speak about sensitive subjects with empathy while also moving the exchange along in a productive direction.

Lorena Van Metre

As the Lead of the ConocoPhillips Hispanic Network, Lorena has used her emotional intelligence, empathy, and mindfulness to effectively communicate goals and engage other network members and business units to support the Hispanic Network and other ERG initiatives. In 2019, with the help of more than 80 volunteers, Lorena raised over $8,000 and 2.4 tons of supplies to support communities in need in Houston and Latin America.

Aimee Borders

Aimee began her career as a talented copywriter specializing in the energy space. In time, she grew to become a communications strategist who leads by example, lifts others, and has a unique understanding of the energy industry. In her role at ConocoPhillips, she brings humanity and authenticity to social media communications and has applied her experience to help create a safe space for the company to further diversity and inclusion conversations.

This marks the third year of GRIT Awards. ConocoPhillips people have been recognized in each of those years.