Pearl Chu
Director Technical Domains & University of SLB
2023 GHWCC Chair of the Board
1. Can you provide a brief overview of your career journey and the path that led you to your current position?
I began my SLB career as a mechanical engineer in Sugar Land and Houston, Texas and spent over 33 years working overseas in Paris, Beijing and Kuala Lumpur. Throughout my career, I have held several leadership roles, including Human Resource Director for the Technology organization and most recently, Technology Center Manager, leading one of the largest SLB engineering and manufacturing centers.
Today, as the Director Technical Domains & University Relations, I am responsible for strategic development of the 15,000+ people in the SLB global technical community as well as university collaboration.
2. As a successful leader in your field, what advice do you have for the next generation of aspiring professionals, particularly women, who are striving to make an impact in their industry?
As I advanced into my career, I was often driven by a fear of not performing, but don’t allow fear to hold you back from trying new things. One of the biggest lessons to learn is to take on new challenges which may involve making mistakes. So, learn and practice how to quickly process the difficult emotions around failure, and move on. These are the gems that help you grow!
3. As a leader in the business community, what legacy do you aspire to leave behind?
After evolving and progressing through my career chapters, what inspires me the most now is the ability to impact and support other women STEM professionals. Becoming a true advocate for women in technical domains and being able to influence other leaders (all genders) to do the same will be a primary theme in all that I do going forward.
4. What motivated you to join the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors?
During a discussion with a wonderful friend and colleague (Lees Rodionov, who was at the time SLB VP of Sustainability), told me about GHWCC and recommended that I become more engaged with the organization. I’ll never forget that she said it was “one of the most inclusive groups she’s ever encountered.” And this is so true! It’s an amazing inclusive culture that GHWCC leadership (Suzan Deison!) has always nurtured and strengthened even as the organization has grown over the years.
5. Can you describe a specific program or initiative led by the Chamber that has made a significant difference in the lives of women and girls in Houston?
My goal is to lead a network of women across all industries during her tenure, with some extra attention given to women in technology. I have long supported and participated in GHWCC. Since I come from a technical background, I have a genuine love for fostering the leadership and growth of other technical women. One of my first initiatives was to start the Houston-based SLB-sponsored first Women in IT Summit. I did this by serving on a panel of speakers who discussed leadership and innovation in the IT industry.