“Passion for the technical side of things drives innovation.”
Nisha Lathif’s journey in the upstream oil and gas sector began with a deep passion for understanding the “how” and “why” behind operations. Her love for learning about new technologies and innovations that support customers led her to this critical part of the energy industry. The complexity of the sector, spanning different segments of production and process parameters, intrigued her. Her journey has been one of continuous learning and evolving with the industry. Today, she leads the Global Upstream Energy Business at Honeywell, collaborating with customers across different regions to develop innovative solutions that improve operations, enhance workforce efficiency, and make production more sustainable.
Her role at Honeywell has allowed her to witness firsthand the transformative power of technology in the energy sector. She has been instrumental in driving initiatives that not only enhance operational efficiency but also promote sustainability. Her leadership is characterized by a commitment to fostering innovation and a deep understanding of the industry’s challenges and opportunities. Through her work, she has contributed significantly to Honeywell’s reputation as a leader in the upstream oil and gas sector, continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Her journey is a testament to the impact of passion, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Technical Passion
Nisha has always been passionate about the technical aspects of the upstream oil and gas sector. Her curiosity about the “how” and “why” behind operations drives her to learn about new technologies and innovations that can support customers. The complexity of the sector, spanning different segments of production and process parameters, intrigued her. Her journey has been about continuous learning and evolving with the industry, collaborating with customers across different regions to develop innovative solutions that improve operations, enhance workforce efficiency, and make production more sustainable.
Global Experience
As a General Manager, Nisha finds the global experience offered by the company to be one of the most rewarding aspects of her role. “Interacting with diverse cultures, understanding different regional challenges, and tailoring solutions to meet specific customer needs are integral parts of my job. Recognition is a core part, and working for a company that actively acknowledges employees at all levels is incredibly motivating for me.” However, the energy industry, especially the industrial and upstream sectors, can be demanding. Navigating tough site conditions, complex challenges, and dynamic market shifts has made Nisha adaptable, resilient, and capable of handling any situation.
Regional Strategies
Nisha ensures that her strategies align with diverse country- specific standards and regulations by understanding each customer’s unique challenges and aligning with regional requirements. Honeywell does not take a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, they develop region-specific strategies to ensure sustainable growth. For example, when consultants design a system, they consider not only global standards but also regional regulations and industry-specific needs. This careful analysis ensures that Honeywell’s offerings are tailored to the specific operational and regulatory landscape of each customer.
Empowerment and Mentorship
Nisha’s active role in women’s empowerment and mentorship is inspiring. She leads the Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) Council for Honeywell in the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa (META) region and has been an active mentor for the Women in Technology forums for several years.
Nisha is passionate about fostering diverse talent in the industrial sector and believes that inclusion drives innovation and success. “Being involved in the I&D council has given me a platform to bring in fresh perspectives and ideas, creating an environment where everyone can thrive.” It has also shaped her leadership style, making her more empathetic, open to diverse viewpoints, and a better listener.
Work-Life Balance
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for Nisha. She tries to keep a positive mindset and go with the flow, which is her daily mantra. With frequent global travel, different time zones, and varied cuisines, maintaining balance can be challenging. However, she has learned that small, consistent habits make a big difference. Recently, she has been prioritizing a consistent sleep routine and incorporating indoor workouts that she can do anywhere, even in her hotel room. Mental well-being is just as important as physical health, so she makes it a point to remind herself, “You’re doing great, and your health matters.” A positive mindset can work wonders.
Staying Ahead
To stay ahead of emerging trends and technologies in the upstream oil and gas industry, Honeywell constantly monitors market trends and evolving customer needs through various channels. Customer feedback sessions, technology forums, roadshows, and industry trade events provide valuable insights that are integrated into Honeywell’s innovation roadmap. This ongoing cycle of ideation, discovery, and development ensures that Honeywell’s solutions remain relevant and ahead of industry shifts. Continuous learning, collaboration, and a commitment to bridging industry gaps with innovative solutions are key to staying ahead.
Advice for Aspiring Leaders
Nisha advises aspiring oil and gas industry leaders, particularly women, to be flexible, embrace challenges, and not let self-doubt hold them back. “Leadership is not about having all the answers; it is about being adaptable, open- minded, and ready to take on new opportunities. Success will follow if one sets their mind to if. The biggest barriers are often the ones created in our own minds. The upstream energy industry can seem intimidating, but with passion and a willingness to learn, there is nothing that cannot be achieved.”
Long-Term Goals
Nisha’s long-term goals for Honeywell’s upstream oil and gas vertical include making the upstream energy sector more autonomous. This involves driving production optimization, improving energy efficiency, and providing operators with predictive insights. “Honeywell aims to enable end-to-end optimization across the entire energy value chain while ensuring sustainable and responsible production. As the industry evolves, the goal is to help customers transition toward safer, more efficient operations without compromising performance or profitability.”
