Diversity Champion: Novera Khan, Founder and CEO of EmBER Advisory LLC and co-founder of HC Group’s Thought Partners

In the latest instalment of HC Insider’s Diversity Champion series, we sat down with Novera Khan, Founder and CEO of EmBER Advisory LLC and co-founder of HC Group’s Thought Partners, a new advisory business offering a unique model of thought partnership to support senior executives and leaders from across the energy and commodities markets globally.

In this interview, Novera reflects on her 23-year career journey in the energy industry, from navigating the aftermath of the Enron era to shaping best practices in the electricity, gas, oil, and LNG markets. With a focus on courage, humor, and resilience, Novera delves into the challenges of succeeding in the corporate world and how she advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion through an active role in multiple platforms, such as the Women's Energy Network and WeQual, a membership programme connecting women leaders across the world's top companies.

HC Insider: Can you tell us about your career path that led to you starting your own commodities advisory firm and serving as co-founder of HC Group’s Thought Partner initiative?

Novera Khan: My journey in the energy industry spans 23 years, with the initial decade coinciding with the aftermath of the Enron era. My entry into the energy sector was somewhat serendipitous. I had initially considered joining Enron, but circumstances led me to explore other options, ultimately landing me a role at Duke Energy. Entering the industry during a tumultuous period required a learner mindset, adapting quickly and developing resilience. Navigating complex relationships and technical content became essential skills.

I later transitioned to roles within BG Group, which provided exposure to the gas, oil, and LNG business during a pivotal phase of its evolution from logistics to a global/traded commodity market. This shift presented opportunities to shape best practices and commercial strategies. Around thirteen years into my career, I received an opportunity to move to the UK, where I delved into corporate matters, including investment economics, financial planning, treasury, and risk management. While I missed the excitement of the trading floor, this transition allowed for a broader perspective and engagement with senior leadership, ultimately enhancing my impact on decision-making and corporate governance.

Throughout my career, I've held various leadership roles, primarily focusing on stakeholder management, strategic decision-making, and risk management. The journey took me from the US to the UK and Germany. Each experience contributed to my personal and professional growth. I've been fortunate to lead diverse teams and have a significant impact on crucial industry matters. This includes playing a key role in crisis management within the energy sector during the aftermath of the Russian-Ukraine war.

HC Insider: You spent the first 18 years of your life between Pakistan and the Middle East and have lived and worked in the US and Europe. How do you believe your upbringing, cultural influences, and experiences in different regions have shaped your career?

Novera: My upbringing in Pakistan instilled certain principles and values that have become the foundation of my career. When facing challenges and adversity, I often draw from these treasures. Additionally, I was fortunate to have loving and supportive parents who played significant roles in shaping my confidence and ambition. My dad instilled courage in me, and my mom, a strong career woman herself, came from a self-made background having lost her father at a young age. Both my parents believed that education was essential for navigating life's uncertainties and acquiring the skills needed to succeed. This perspective has greatly influenced my own views on education and the importance of continuous learning and skill development in achieving success.

Growing up in a large community setting in Pakistan also provided me with early exposure to managing relationships, navigating politics, and understanding differing opinions. These experiences have been invaluable in my career, especially in working environments where interpersonal skills are highly valued. Living and working in different regions have also broadened my perspective and enhanced my ability to authentically empathize with people from diverse backgrounds and build bridges.

HC Insider: Have there been instances in your career where you felt the need to conform to fit in?

Novera: Yes, throughout my career, I've encountered situations where I've felt the pressure to conform, particularly considering my cultural background. Wherever I've lived and worked, I've often found myself an outsider. Because of this, building connections has always been crucial for me.

In certain professional settings, there's often a strong emphasis on shared interests. Certain countries or cultures enjoy a dominant sport, and those commonalities offer bonding moments in the pivotal before and after the "real meeting” moments. For instance, if you hail from a warmer climate, you might frequently find yourself on the outskirts of conversations revolving around skiing enthusiasm, especially when such discussions kick off important meetings. I could hardly say, how about we discuss yoga instead? It can feel like you lose out somehow regardless of anyone actively meaning to exclude you.

Instead, I've had to find other ways to engage and build rapport. I've learned to use humor as a tool to bridge these gaps, creating a more relaxed atmosphere where people feel comfortable opening up. I have also learned to focus on certain global topics that we can all relate and contribute to, especially in boardrooms, to avoid accidentally excluding anyone.

HC Insider: What do you attribute your success to?

Novera: I've thought about this a lot, and I can narrow it down to a few key factors. Firstly, courage has been essential for me. Having the courage to take risks, speak up, and pursue my goals has been instrumental in my journey. Secondly, humor has been a powerful tool for navigating challenges and building relationships. It helps to keep things in perspective and maintain a positive outlook. Thirdly, I attribute much of my success to grace. Conducting myself with professionalism, kindness, and respect in every interaction has opened doors and fostered meaningful connections. Somebody told me early on in my career that I should think of every meeting as though it’s a job interview. Not every interaction you have is a causal meeting, but rather an opportunity for you to learn something and give something back.

Additionally, behind the scenes, grit has played a significant role. The determination to persevere in the face of adversity and keep pushing forward has been crucial, especially during tough times. However, I've also learned that as I've grown in my career, it's important to balance this drive with a sense of relaxation and self-assurance. It's about knowing when to ease off the pedal and trust in my abilities without constantly feeling the need to prove myself.

HC Insider: As an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, you are involved in the Women's Energy Network. How do you use this platform to influence DE&I discussions in the workplace? 

Novera: Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are deeply ingrained in my values and actions. I'm very passionate about this because it's not just a professional interest, it's personal, considering the experiences I've had. However, while I do have personal goals, my primary focus is on championing the agenda itself rather than solely advancing my own position.

In the workplace, especially in industries like ours that are still predominantly male-dominated, there's often a comfort level with pushing for diversity initiatives up to a certain point, typically mid-management. Beyond that, there's often an invisible barrier to entry for women and minorities into higher leadership roles. That's where the concept of pull and push comes into play. We need both the push from the grassroots level and the pull from top leadership to truly effect change.

We also need to make DEI efforts multidimensional. For example, my involvement in the Women's Energy Network provides a platform for networking, learning, and energizing myself. But beyond that, it's about translating those insights and energy into actionable strategies within my workplace.

I believe in leading by example and breaking down barriers. In the past I've championed the promotion of a top performer in my team while she was on maternity leave, sending a clear message that family responsibilities shouldn't hinder career advancement. These actions not only benefit individuals but also contribute to shifting organizational culture towards encouraging precedents for the benefit of bigger picture as opposed to short term thinking.

Male allies also play a crucial role in advancing DEI initiatives. What I experienced is that instead of alienating a particular group of stakeholders, one needs to work collaboratively.  Everyone can relate to the continued call for action in this regard; most have influential women in their lives – moms, wives, sisters, daughters, granddaughters.  I have been particularly fortunate to have had a number of male sponsors and mentors in my career and I attribute a lot of my success to being able to count on those key professional relationships regardless of gender.

HC Insider: Congratulations on winning the WeQual Awards EMEA 2023 in the Finance category. Can you share the story behind this achievement?

Novera: Thank you. The journey to winning the WeQual Awards was certainly an unforgettable one. It all began when I became aware of the mission driven purpose of WeQual to shine a light on individuals poised/ ready for C-suite in order to counter the claim that there are hardly any qualified women for these roles. The process was tough, it was like a rigorous examination, and initially, I felt overwhelmed by the demands of managing work while pursuing this opportunity. But I embraced it as a chance for personal reflection and growth. What I wrote as part of my application was raw, heartfelt, and sincere, reflecting my journey and personal ethos.

The feedback I received highlighted three key qualities: resilience, an elevated brand of leadership, and a strategic mindset that exceeded boundaries. They appreciated individuals who could maintain composure and energize others during crises, while also demonstrating integrity-driven leadership. It was validating to see that my efforts to lead with compassion and strategic foresight were recognized by the judges and a panel of cross industry CEOs.

Moving forward, I intend to use this recognition as a platform to advocate for inclusive leadership and mentorship opportunities for aspiring leaders, particularly women.

HC Insider: Could you share a bit about your experience as a mentor?

Novera: When it comes to mentorship, I've always been open to helping others. I've mentored people from various backgrounds and experiences, and I believe that mentorship plays a crucial role in fostering diversity and inclusion in our industry. Mentorship provides opportunities for individuals from underrepresented groups to access guidance, support, and opportunities for growth in their careers. By offering mentorship, we can create pathways for diverse talent to enter and excel in the energy and commodities sector.

While mentorship involves guidance and advice, sponsorship goes a step further by advocating for and actively supporting an individual's career advancement. Sponsorship is crucial, especially at senior levels, as it can lead to meaningful opportunities and help break down barriers to advancement for diverse professionals.

We need to address systemic issues and actively work to dismantle barriers to diversity and inclusion. This includes promoting diverse representation at all levels of the organization, implementing inclusive policies and practices, and fostering a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected.

HC Insider: What advice do you have for aspiring leaders, particularly in promoting DEI?

Novera: I believe it's crucial for aspiring leaders to remain engaged, vocal, and unwavering in their commitment to promoting DEI. Despite the inevitable setbacks and frustrations that may arise, it's important not to lose sight of the larger goal. I've encountered individuals who initially championed DEI initiatives passionately but later became disheartened by the slow progress or apparent lack of tangible results. However, it's essential to persevere and maintain belief in the cause, even when faced with challenges.

It's natural to feel discouraged at times, especially when real progress seems slow. However, it's crucial to remember that even small efforts can make a difference. I often remind myself and others that the impact of our actions, no matter how incremental, can ripple outward and create positive change. It's about staying focused on the long-term vision and continuing to advocate for equity and inclusion, even in the face of adversity. Every voice that speaks out against injustice, every action taken to promote diversity and inclusion, contributes to a larger movement towards positive change. It's essential to remain engaged, committed, and hopeful, knowing that our collective efforts will ultimately lead to a more equitable and inclusive future.