Grit-Powered Success with Vicki Hollub

In our latest feature, we had the privilege of interviewing Vicki Hollub, the 2024 GRIT Lifetime Achievement Award winner and the first woman to serve as President and CEO of Occidental Petroleum. Vicki's groundbreaking leadership and trailblazing career offer invaluable insights into the evolution of the energy sector and the strength required to break new ground.

What part of grit resonates with you most personally and professionally, and why? 

Personally? Strength of character. Professionally? Passion and Perseverance. I think the personal and professional aspects of grit can’t really be separated but if forced, the above is what I would say. Passion and perseverance are important to achieve a tough goal but without strength of character the path to that goal could go awry.

At ALLY, we believe role models are important. Who in your work and life have been role models of GRIT? Can you tell us who they are and what you learned from them?

My mother was my life’s role model.  After being kicked out of the house by her mother at only 4 years old, and being taken in by a family that wasn’t even a relative, my mother put it all behind her and was one of the most positive and happy people I have ever known.  And she strove to make those around her happy as well.

I have had too many work role models to just name one so I would say, collectively, the people of OXY.  They have demonstrated passion, perseverance and strength of character as we are transforming OXY.

The energy transition is the single most significant challenge of our lifetime. As a lifetime achievement award winner, if you look at the end of your career when you retire, what will you be most proud of in your quest for a lower carbon future? What does that look like for the industry? What does that look like for you? 

I will be most proud of the way we (OXY) stood our ground to do the right thing in the right way for our company, shareholders, industry and world. What does that look like for the industry? A pathway to provide carbon neutral oil to the world in a carbon neutral way that leaves nobody behind. For me? A happy retirement.

Rapid Round / Getting to Know You 

Favorite Band or Song and why?

The Circle of Life by Elton John because it best describes our journey on earth.

The cost of gasoline when you got your first car. 

45 cents per gallon

A person you would be keen to have dinner with (dead or alive) and why?

Bear Bryant – To find out why he treated everyone he met, even strangers, with so much respect and how he motivated his players to be their best.

Vicki Hollub’s receipt of the GRIT Lifetime Achievement Award highlights her transformative leadership and enduring influence in the energy industry. Her pioneering role at Occidental Petroleum not only redefines industry standards but also inspires future leaders with a legacy of innovation and resilience.