Samita Mehta
Managing Counsel
ConocoPhillips China Inc.
1. What motivated you to join the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors? Theresa Einhorn invited me to attend an annual meeting of the GHWCC and I was greatly impressed by the caliber of speakers and attendees. I was so pleased that my employer, ConocoPhillips, agreed that it was important to support GHWCC as a corporate sponsor.
2. In your opinion, what sets the Chamber apart from other organizations? The energy and commitment of its members to serve and support women makes it unique.
3. 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? As a new member I am continually impressed by all of the initiatives, but one that stands out is seeing the critical role the GHWCC plays in partnering businesses with banks/lending institutions to help those businesses thrive.
4. What do you see as the most significant challenges that women and girls face in the business world today, and how does the Chamber address those challenges? I think the GHWCC has done a tremendous job in supporting young women at both the elementary and secondary school levels by showing them that there are women out there with experience, wisdom, and skills who want to see them succeed and have a bright future.
5. In your experience, what are the key benefits that members of the Chamber receive, and how does the organization support their professional and personal growth? I think the networking opportunities are amazing!
6. Lastly, can you share a memorable success story of a woman who has been positively impacted by the Chamber’s programs and services, or how the Chamber has personally impacted you? I am both personally and professionally motivated by the leadership of GHWCC. I am a person who is now in the “later stage” of their career, but seeing Suzan in action has shown me that I can contribute to other women through the skills and experiences I have acquired.
7. Can you provide a brief overview of your career journey and the path that led you to your current position? I have spent most of my career as a corporate lawyer and have acquired a broad set of skills through several overseas assignments. My first job as a lawyer was in environmental law so my new role in my company’s renewable energies group is a rewarding amalgamation of my environmental, transactional, international, and regulatory experiences.
8. Looking back on your career, what are some of the most valuable lessons you have learned? I learned that it’s critical to my happiness that I not only like what I do for a living, but that I work with people I genuinely like. Life is too short to be miserable at work.
9. 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? It’s important to build relationships that help you grow in your career, but it’s equally important that you help others as well during your path to success. Networking is a two-way street.
10. Who has been a source of inspiration for you, both personally and professionally? My father passed away years ago, but I always recall how he unfailingly served as a mentor to future teachers and principals in his role as a dean of education. It gives me joy when people tell me stories of how he helped them achieve success; he remains a personal beacon of inspiration.
11. As a leader in the business community, what legacy do you aspire to leave behind? I hope that I have learned to be a good mentor to others. I feel that each of us has something to offer others and I hope my journey can help make the road smoother for someone else.