Celebrating Women in Business: Part 1

In honor of International Women’s Day, we’re launching a multipart series celebrating women in business. In the series opener, host Lubna Salim speaks with Natalie Kiser, vice president of Refining Technologies for KBR’s Sustainable Technology Solutions business, about her career experience, the importance of inclusion and diversity, and the strides KBR and the business world are making with regard to opportunities for advancement and parity for women.

 New episodes in this miniseries will continue for the next few weeks.

Transcript

IN ORBIT: A KBR PODCAST

Season 2, Episode 3

Celebrating Women in Business: Part 1

INTRODUCTION

Lubna Salim

Hello, this is Lubna.

John Arnold

And this is John, and this is In Orbit.

Lubna Salim

Hello, and welcome to the podcast. We are glad you are with us.

John Arnold

Though In Orbit is produced by KBR, this is a podcast for everyone inside and outside our business. We talk about what's happening around the world and in our various industries, and hope that we're keeping us all connected and in each other's orbit.

Lubna Salim

So if you're new to the show, welcome, and if you're tuning in again, thank you and welcome back.

John Arnold

How are you, Lubna?

Lubna Salim

I'm very well. Thank you, John. How are things with you? What's happening these days?

John Arnold

Well, today happens to be my birthday, Lubna.

Lubna Salim

Happy birthday John.

John Arnold

Thank you very much. Yeah, no big plans or anything like that. Just going to work and maybe go for a run and then get a good night's sleep. Maybe celebrate over the weekend.

Lubna Salim

Oh, that should be nice. That should be nice.

John Arnold

Yeah. What's new with you?

Lubna Salim

Nothing. I think I'm just warming up to the summer, and then we have Women's Day on March 8th.

John Arnold

Yes.

Lubna Salim

So that's the theme of our podcast.

John Arnold

That's right.

Lubna Salim:

I mean, as everybody's aware, International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. It also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality. The International Women's Day has occurred for well over a century now, with the first gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people.

John Arnold

Oh wow. I had no idea that it was that old.

Lubna Salim

I was looking through the website and this is the information that I've gathered from there. And the International Women's Day belongs to all groups collectively, everywhere. And it's not country, group, or organization specific. This year, as we know this theme is #breakthebias.

John Arnold

That's right. And we thought what better way to celebrate women all over the world, and great women leaders and employees at KBR, than to do a couple episodes where we talked to some of those women leaders. And first off is this excellent conversation between Lubna and Natalie Kiser.

Lubna Salim

Yes. And John, in so many ways, it all ties in together so well because Natalie is one woman who is actually leading the refining sector at KBR. And it is not normally something you would associate with women folk, but she's also breaking the bias. And what I really liked about Natalie is how she touches upon the aspect of being gender fluid. And that, in a sense, is the message of inclusion and diversity that KBR is sending out in such a huge way. I mean, we did get awarded the Most Female Employee Friendly organization by Forbes last year. But I think that in the larger scheme of things, the whole, the concept of inclusion and diversity is what we are moving ... We are there. I mean, I wouldn't say we are moving towards it, but we are already there, and leaders like Natalie prove that. So, yeah.

John Arnold

Yeah, absolutely. Yeah. Inclusion and diversity helps companies. It helps progress thinking, it helps move the needle forward in developing new ideas, in promoting new ideas from the whole company instead of just one group here or there. So I loved this conversation and I'm excited for our listeners to listen to it now.

TRANSITION

Lubna Salim

So today we have with us the very accomplished Natalie Kiser. Natalie is the vice president for Refining Technologies at KBR Sustainable Technologies Solutions business unit. She's responsible for the portfolio of innovative technologies that is critical to the success of our clients in the refining industry, helping them to address current trends and future-proofing their operations in the light of energy transition, decarbonizations and circular economy.

Natalie joined KBR in 2017 and has held various leadership positions in the company since then, including for marketing and communications, strategy, alliances and M&A activities for KBR's STS or Sustainable Technology Solutions business. In addition, Natalie has actively supported KBR's sustainability and diversity and inclusion efforts. Natalie has over 15 years of experience in the energy and chemical industry, and she's held a variety of different leadership positions with Draeger, Glori Energy, BASF, and UOP. She holds a bachelor's degree in business administration in economics and management from Kemerovo State University, a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology, and a master's degree in business administration from Rice University. So a very warm welcome to Natalie. Natalie, welcome to In Orbit.

Natalie Kiser

Thank you Lubna. My pleasure to be here.

Lubna Salim

As you all know, Women's Day is just around the corner. So we thought what better than celebrating the women at KBR, because you lead by example always. So starting, I'll dive right into the questions, Natalie. And the first question to you is tell us about your journey at KBR up to the leadership role that you are currently holding here.

Natalie Kiser

Absolutely. Well, first of all, thank you, Lubna for such a warm introduction. And well, let me tell you about myself. I joined actually KBR in 2017. Initially I joined as a director for strategy marketing communications for the technology business. I have a chemical engineering background and broad experience, especially in the refining and FCC [fluid catalytic cracking] technology. Having spent much time at sites globally and supporting startups and troubleshooting activities.

I have taken increasingly commercial roles over my career, including sales, business development, product management, key account management in strategy development and implementation. For communication role, actually was a new aspect, but one where the technical and the commercial experience was extremely valuable. I don't need to tell you, Lubna, about how important great communications are. So I'm happy to have had that role.

So after that, I took a stronger focus on strategy and also alliance and acquisitions, basically strategic growth for [KBR] Technology. Continued portfolio growth has been a critical contributor to our success, as you know. We now have over 70 technologies that we can offer to our clients, a mix of KBR proprietary technologies that we have developed ourselves and continually improve over the past decade in our alliances.

Lubna Salim

Right

Natalie Kiser

So with that said, that includes alliances like with Mura for plastic recycling and with GM, for ammonia methanol co-production. And also I work with Cummins for green hydrogen and green ammonia. So when KBR reorganized the business and formed the Sustainable Technology division, my responsibilities for strategy and alliance in the positions widened to include integrated solutions consulting in TLIS [KBR Technology-Led Industrial Solutions].

Lubna Salim

Right.

Natalie Kiser

And since, yeah, as you know, since January this year, I'm now leading the Refining Technology business. It's arguably the business where KBR has this longest experience. To 2024, I believe, we will be celebrating our 100-year anniversary, since we brought one of the first modern thermal cracking technologies to the market.

Lubna Salim

Wow.

Natalie Kiser

So it's really fantastic. It's news, and really we should be something to be proud of.

Lubna Salim

Absolutely.

Natalie Kiser

And today we have an attractive portfolio of differentiated refining technologies, of course, and we will continue to grow that portfolio and innovate to address our clients' needs. And trends like energy transition, decarbonization, and circular economy are just as relevant to our refining clients as they are to other industry sector. But of course, our topic today is not so much about the refining industry. It's more about women in leadership. So I'm sure you have a lot of questions …

Lubna Salim

Yes.

Natalie Kiser

… about this. But before we dive into it, I just wanted to say that what got me here has been a long journey. It's been a journey that involved more than one company, but what I found at KBR, more so than 

anywhere else, is that KBR is ready to provide opportunities for professional development and growth in career advancement. And it's driven by capability and potential rather than by gender or ethnicity. So I'm sure you can relate Lubna to that if I say that, I don't want to feel like I have worse opportunities or a low reward because I'm a woman, but I also don't want to feel like I have bad opportunities or high rewards just because I am a woman.

Lubna Salim

Right.

Natalie Kiser

I believe far that we all want to work in an environment where we are valued and appreciated based on our capabilities and contributions and not on our gender and racial profile. And I think, and I actually believe very strongly, that KBR is doing great in creating a professional environment where that is the case.

Lubna Salim:

Absolutely, absolutely, Natalie. And KBR won the Forbes award for the most female-friendly organization. And as you know, we are just going to be celebrating International Women's Day very, very soon. And speaking of women of KBR, therefore, in your understanding and experience, what is it that makes them stand out and really shine?

Natalie Kiser

Well, before I answer that question, let me just say that I am really proud that we received this award. Being among the top hundred companies globally.

Lubna Salim

Yes.

Natalie Kiser

That we are recognized by the foremost female-friendly companies list is a tremendous, absolutely tremendous achievement. Particularly if you consider that the ranking is largely based on feedback of female employees at those companies.

Lubna Salim

Right.

Natalie Kiser

So I think it shows that KBR is very committed to fostering in diversity and inclusive workplace and that the people working here feel like we are succeeding in doing so. So I would say what makes our women at KBR stand out and shine? I think it's that success breeds success sort of to say.

We have strong women in leadership positions. If you look at our board and also at our executive leadership, we have a relatively strong female representation. And I think that is a part where we can say we are walking the talk. They show what is possible. They show that there is a place for us women that is encouraging and motivating to see. At the same time, we have some of the smartest and the best women working for KBR. Attracting the best and the brightest is a clear part of KBR's vision. And looking at the people that I haven't the owner to work with, we do attract the best and the brightest.

Lubna Salim

Right.

Natalie Kiser

And it is the people that have proven themself in the environment that was historically male-dominated. I mean, to be honest here, right? And to some extent continues to be. Still industries are still showing low female participation compared to other industries. But what I want to say is those women that have made it in those industries are amazing individuals. They have proven their competency, they have thrived and they have passion. And then you bring those women into the KBR organization, and they get to be a part of a more inclusive environment. And then you can really see them thrive and perform at their best. And I think that is what really makes them shine more than anything.

Lubna Salim

Absolutely.

Natalie Kiser

I mean, being able to put their energy into their work and into making a difference in using their skills to develop solutions instead of having to fight for their voice or having been heard or having to fight for this seat at the table. Right? And that is really not limited to women in the business or women in the leadership. I think inclusion and diversity truly goes beyond that.

Lubna Salim

Yes. Very, very rightly said, Natalie. Also, I would be curious to know from you, when it comes to women sitting in positions, does the cliche question of balancing the home front with commitment, right, say right now, or do you think we still have work to do there?

Natalie Kiser

Yeah, it's a really good question. I don't think it will ever stop to be relevant, to be frank and honest. Balance is important. It is important to me. It is important to the people around me. What I would hope as the questions become more universal; it's not limited to women.

Lubna Salim

Yes.

Natalie Kiser

I mean the classical background for this question is that women have traditionally taken a greater role and responsibility for family and household and have a shoulder the highest share of the work related to family and home. Right?

Lubna Salim

Right. Right.

Natalie Kiser

And in that, in turn, means less energy and time for work because the day only has unfortunately 24 hours. And then in turn might have impacted career advancement opportunities. I think we are moving away from that, at least at KBR.

Lubna Salim

Mm-hmm.

Natalie Kiser

I have plenty of male colleagues that are taking responsibilities in their families and homes. I know some are taking their kids to school every day. Some are helping them with homework. Some are responsible to put them to bed each night. Some are doing the laundry in their families or the dishes and some are actually the great cooks. And in some cases, it's less of the specialization in more of the general sharing of responsibilities.

Lubna Salim

Yes.

Natalie Kiser

I mean, the point is that if that is becoming more normal, then this stops being something that holds women back in comparison to men, right? It stops them to you to like, okay, well it's a woman's responsibility, or this is a men's responsibility … If we are sharing the responsibility, it's bringing much more equality into this equation. And I think that, at least at KBR, with the people around me, this is normalizing to see shared responsibilities. However, if we look at society as a whole, then I feel like we need to continue to evolve. Really. I mean, it doesn't happen overnight. I mean, to give you an example, sometimes it's happened at schools or childcare institutions.

We always call the mother first even if the instructions clearly say please contact the father, and it does happen the men watching their kids at the playgrounds get met more skepticism. I mean, I would say those examples may be more related to the U.S. or U.S.-centric examples of what I share, but in some other countries around the world, those gender roles are still much more strongly embedded in the culture. And KBR is present as you know in some of those regions as well. But even then, I feel like, within the KBR, it is relatively normalized in that people are not typically forced into classical gender roles, which is very positive to see. And we have a much stronger focus on balancing work and life and on mental and physical wellbeing for everybody.

Lubna Salim

Correct.

Natalie Kiser

Regardless of nationality, ethnicity, age, or gender, or disability, or sexual orientation.

Lubna Salim

Correct. Correct. Very rightly said, Natalie. Also, now I'm going to delve a little into the question of women's roles and responsibilities in the refining in the pet/chem industry. And how do you think have those changed?

Natalie Kiser

Yeah. I find these questions quite interesting. I feel like we often take a lot of what we have today for granted and don't appreciate enough the journey to get where we are today. My personal experience, I was the first woman chemical engineer in many places when I started working. The only woman at the meetings, working at projects at sites that didn't have facilities, even for women.

Lubna Salim

Of course.

Natalie Kiser

Not because they were against women necessarily, they just were not set up for it. So I'm sure that sounds odd from today's perspective for many young engineers, but it was a case. The important thing is that it was never really about capabilities or qualifications. Right? I was in those situations because I was the best person for the job.

Lubna Salim

Oh.

Natalie Kiser

Because I was the right person to take care of it, and for the most part, that was accepted by the people I worked with.

Lubna Salim

Awesome.

Natalie Kiser

And honestly, I feel like most of our rules and procedures need to be color blind and gender blind. It really shouldn't matter whether I'm male or female. That said, I don't believe that people have unique ... I do believe the people actually have unique strengths and perspective, in that diversity/inclusion is needed to develop their optimal solutions and to basically innovate and improve successfully so we have to make sure we foster this.

Lubna Salim

Absolutely, absolutely.

Natalie Kiser

I also think that is really important for the chemical industry and the refining industry, of course. Those industries are transitioning right now. Energy transition, decarbonization, circularity — those trends are causing massive changes and we cannot afford not to change with the market, with the industry. Honestly, topics like hydrogen, carbon capture, carbon utilization, sustainable technology seem a lot more attractive and meaningful to young professionals. We need to be able to attract those talents, to join us and help us to solve the challenges for defining in petrochemical industries.

Diversity and inclusion will only become more critical if, consequently, women's roles and responsibilities will also continue to evolve further. I would like to share with you that I actually saw some statistics recently that showed a significantly higher interest in and motivation for sustainability related topics in women.

Lubna Salim

Oh. Wow.

Natalie Kiser

So I would say, we need to keep building on those passions and interest to be frankly.

Lubna Salim

Right. Well, that's very, very interesting, Natalie. It's very, very interesting. So, I mean, we've spoken about the industry. Now coming to KBR, I mean, how have things improved at KBR, considering that 2021 was such an important year in KBRs inclusion and diversity journey?

Natalie Kiser

No, that's a great question. I think that might need some explanation and background on what we mean by reaching the integrated phase, right? Especially for our listeners outside of KBR. So what we found is that for most companies, at some point in their history, they implemented programs and procedures and guidelines for topics like diversity and inclusion, sustainability, and governance. In most cases, those programs were driven by, they need to be compliant with existing laws and regulations.

Lubna Salim

Right.

Natalie Kiser

So being compliant is basically the first phase for most companies, right? And the most basic phase, I would say. However, being compliant does not mean that the companies believe or companies are believing what they're doing. So it has to do something to avoid legal issues.

Lubna Salim

Okay.

Natalie Kiser

So what is really important is that companies embrace being a good citizen for the right reasons. Not to avoid legal issues, but to do the right thing. So once the reasons for wanting the diversity and inclusion changes, that is when it really starts to make a difference and become part of the culture.

At KBR, we believe that our individual differences and perspectives be enhanced value to our teams and help us to develop solutions for the most challenging problems. We understand that by embracing those differences and working together, we are more innovative, we are more resilient and of course we are safer. We move beyond compliance. We are doing this because we see the value in it and believe it is a critical aspect for our success. But even with that mindset being fully embraced by our leadership team and I mentioned that we have relatively strong female representation on the board …

Lubna Salim

Correct.

Natalie Kiser

And on the executive leadership team and Stuart Bradie [KBR president and CEO] and the leadership team really feel strongly about this topic. Still, that doesn't mean it is carried by the whole organization. Really that is what integrated phase is all about. It's about embracing it across all levels of the organization and aligning all processes to support diversity and inclusion. It's about taking ownership and responsibility for diversity and inclusion and driving measures to further improve and embrace it. Our leadership and managers had goals and objectives related to inclusion and diversity. That included a long list of potential measures.

Training on unconscious bias and working in diverse teams, pay equity reviews, adjusting hiring practice — like making sure to have a diverse interview team — improving our outreach, and of course, many, many more. It's about concrete actions to ensure it is present and understood and integrated in our processes, because it is strategically important to us. Again, it's across all levels.

Our CEO, Stuart signed the CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion Pledge last year. At the same time, we further strengthened our employee resources group by founding “All In,” this umbrella organization for diversity and inclusion. So there is a top-down and there is a bottom-up and it really needs both in order to really develop a culture that fosters diversity and inclusion.

I would say the other important part is that we don't stop there, right? Inclusion and diversity is not one-and-done topic. It will need our continuous effort and attention. We all have developed further action and initiatives for 2022 and beyond to make sure that is actually a case. Ultimately, we wanted to reach a level where our commitment to diversity and inclusion is at the level that is truly seen as a differentiated. We want people to say, I want to work for KBR, right?

Lubna Salim

Yes.

Natalie Kiser

Because they are inclusive and diverse, and that is what we are putting our efforts into. I mean, we also want to make sure that whatever we do is sustainable as well.

Lubna Salim

Well, absolutely, Natalie and circling back to you, we're curious to know what's a day like in the life of the Natalie Kiser?

Natalie Kiser

Well, it's really not that special, I would say to be honest with you. Travel is still restricted. So most of my days, right now, are filled with meetings and calls and emails. Some days are very long. Strategy I would say is very important. Client relations and spending time with clients and business partners is very, very important.

Lubna Salim

Right.

Natalie Kiser

Delivering on our promises to shareholders and clients is crucial. The main focus of my work tends to be much more about the people, I would say. As a leader, I need to ensure that my people can perform at their best and that the actions of individuals are aligned with the objectives and the vision of KBR. I need to help them to succeed. That's my main goal.

And there is that quote, assigned, I would say, to Steve Jobs, about hiring smart people and only telling them what to do, it would make hiring the best and brightest a major waste. So instead, I want to make sure that they can be perform at their best and fully develop their potential. So we want to hire smart people so they can tell us what to do, right? Give them the right tools, give them the right environment so they can flourish and help us to drive our strategy forward.

Lubna Salim

Right.

Natalie Kiser

At the same time, I need to watch out for my people and take care of them. I also need to watch out for myself as well. It is a marathon, it's not a sprint. So whatever routines and practice I adapt, I have to make sure they are sustainable. In my day to day, I guess, tasks and everything — what's to do with work, I need to actually spare some time for myself where I can go for a run or do some meditation or whatever it is, because I need to take care of myself so I can take care of others.

Lubna Salim

Considering that mental health is at the core of our strategies at workplace, especially during the global pandemic, Natalie, curious to know what do you do when you are anxiously overwhelmed?

Natalie Kiser

Now you are really putting me on the spot here, Lubna. I actually think it's natural, to some extent, that we experience stress or exhaustion at times. KBR is a global organization. We are present all over the world. That has a lot of advantages, of course. It is a source of diversity. It also allows projects to progress around the clock. But with the high degree of connectivity, it can sometimes lead to very, very long days and hours. I think it comes down to us, really, it comes down to watching out for ourselves, to not let it go overboard and also to understand how we can react under the stress, because it can change behaviors and it's important to understand how.

I sometimes like to compare it to safety, I would say. You know how important safety is to us at KBR. We have our Zero Harm program. We actually just celebrated our annual global Zero Harm Day a few weeks ago. So I would say in safety, there are certain states that will significantly increase the chance to adopt behaviors that make incidents or accidents more likely. So when you're rushing, or are tired, or are frustrated, you tend to pay less attention to safe behaviors. You might drive faster, you might not look left and right before actually crossing the street. You might take a shortcut or not to look where you are going. You might skip a critical safety procedure. So you get the point — rushing, frustration and fatigue can significantly increase our risk of injury. But if you are aware of it, then you can self-trigger, and if you do, then you can better manage the stressful situation that you cannot avoid. And that will make it easier for you, and myself included, and people around you.

Lubna Salim

That is a very, very unique way of looking at it, Natalie. I mean, I'm very happy to know that. I mean that's a very, very cool way, in fact, to assess situations. And with that, we've come to actually the final question of the podcast, although I would personally love to talk with you through the day.

Natalie Kiser

Yeah.

Lubna Salim

So what would your advice, Natalie, be to women who are aspiring to be future leaders like yourself?

Natalie Kiser

Well, I would say one of my mottos is that you should keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground. I think it is important to have aspirations, and visions, and goals about your future. At the same time, it should never be to extent where you forgot about the present. If you have a job, do your best at that job, be passionate about what you do, because that will help you to succeed. It will unlock your energy and potential. I mean, don't be afraid of taking on new challenges either. Never stop growing, because when you challenge yourself, you will be amazed to even learn about your new capabilities you never knew about. Basically, be the best you can. That's probably the best advice to all of us.

Lubna Salim

Wow, that's very cool advice, Natalie. And I have a little surprise Q&A for you, which is a rapid fire, which I didn't tell you about earlier, but it's fun questions — quick.

Natalie Kiser

Sounds good.

Lubna Salim

In a word, so window seat or aisle for Natalie Kiser?

Natalie Kiser

I would say aisle seat, especially in a long flight. I need to move around.

Lubna Salim

Likewise, I hear you. Okay, and what are you binge watching right now?

Natalie Kiser

No, I don't because of lack of time, I should say. But, for example, if I go for a walk, when we talk about how to manage your stress or you need to take care of yourself, I do love anything what deals with universe or cosmos. That's really, really intriguing for me.

Lubna Salim

Interesting.

Natalie Kiser

Because there is so much unknown and this opportunity to discover new things, it's really inspiring for me. So I'm a little bit jealous of our brothers and sisters in GS [KBR Government Solutions] business because they play quite important role in some of the things what NASA, for example, is doing.

Lubna Salim

Right. And when you're not working, you are?

Natalie Kiser

If I'm not working, I love to learn new things, pick up new hobbies. I always open to challenge myself. Sometimes I pick up and start learning new language, or I will take a pottery class, or I'll pick up the skating. It's very different. I always wanted to see what other interest I have beyond my typical go-to hobbies, I would say.

Lubna Salim

That's amazing, Natalie. That's really nice. I mean thank you so much. I think this has just got us to the end of the show, but like I said, I could go on talking to you.

Natalie Kiser

You can always pick up the phone and call me anytime, Lubna.

Lubna Salim

That is so sweet of you.

Lubna Salim

So thank you so much, Natalie, for your time and your efforts. And I'm sure a lot of women are going to be listening to this episode, this podcast, and going to be learning so much from what you've shared with all of us. So thank you once again, Natalie, and look forward to listening to you again.

Natalie Kiser

Thank you, Lubna. My pleasure. Have a great night.

TRANSITION

Lubna Salim

So that was the episode, and this time I'm going to ask you, John, as the man in the team, how was the kickoff episode for Women's Day for you?

John Arnold

Well, I can look across the organization — I feel honored to get to work with so many strong, intelligent women. And listening to Natalie, obviously someone who is much, much smarter than I am, I loved hearing about her career journey. I loved the encouragement that she offered, the advice that she offered. And I really, really enjoyed hearing about what she had to say about companies in their journey with ESGs — that a lot of times, in the past, companies would really focus so on ESG and I&D [inclusion and diversity] for compliance reasons. And how now companies like KBR and others, they've embraced it, they've internalized it, they've made it a part of their culture, and it's from the leadership and board level all the way through the company. And I really hearing her insight and her take on all that.

Lubna Salim

Right. So I think with this, we will leave our listeners with a lot to ponder on and wish you a very, very happy birthday, John. If I had a voice which was as beautiful as yours, I would actually you a birthday song.

John Arnold

Well, it's the thought that counts and I appreciate it. I appreciate it immensely. We want to tell our listeners that if you have ideas for future shows or anything like that, give us a shout at inorbit@kbr.com. If you're interested in learning more about KBR or employment opportunities, please go visit our cutting-edge website at kbr.com. Lubna, as always, you did a fantastic job. I loved hearing this episode.

Lubna Salim

Thank you so much, John. Thank you. And until next time, keep yourself safe and very, very healthy.

John Arnold

Will do. Thanks everyone.

Lubna Salim

Bye.