March 8, 2025
With more than 20 years of experience at Welltec®, Murielle Frost-Knudsen has been part of the company’s evolution, contributing to its growth while seeing firsthand how wider industry and workplace culture have transformed.
In recognition of International Women’s Day 2025, we sat down with Murielle to hear her perspectives on career growth, industry change, and the power of mentorship.
The oil and gas industry has traditionally been male dominated, but over the years, we’ve seen a shift. More women are stepping into engineering and leadership roles, and companies are recognizing the value of diversity.
When I first started, there were very few women involved, whereas today in Global Operations we have an equal balance of men and women.
Seeing women take on roles as Field Engineers and Maintenance Technicians is also a clear sign of progress, and this is something I have seen firsthand through my involvement in our Global Operations Academy where we deliver training to all our engineers.
More women are stepping into engineering and leadership roles
Challenges are part of any role. There have definitely been times when I put pressure on myself to prove what I could do – but those situations are also what motivate me.
The opportunity to grow and continuously learn has been a major driving force, and there is a close connection between this personal level and the global expansion of Welltec over the years. Every new challenge in Global Operations has helped me expand my skill set and deepen my understanding of the industry.
On defining moments
When I joined Welltec in 2004, the company was still relatively small but growing fast, which meant taking on a wide range of tasks. As we expanded, I had the opportunity to help shape the Global Operations function, contributing to the development of processes that define how we do things, strengthening our international field teams.
A defining moment isn’t always a split second – it can unfold over a slightly longer period of time. In many ways, my own journey has mirrored the company’s growth. One of the most significant aspects of the journey has been transitioning into more specialized roles, which allowed me to be deeply involved in developing the Global Operations Academy. Implementing structured training to support the professional development of Field Engineers has been incredibly rewarding.
Working closely with our field staff and their management gave me invaluable global exposure, shaping my own professional growth and direction.
I had the opportunity to help shape the Global Operations function
Having been with the company for 20 years, I’ve gained a lot of experience that I’m happy to share, especially with newer colleagues just starting their journey at Welltec. I believe fostering a culture of mentorship not only helps individuals grow but also strengthens the overall success of a team.
For me, International Women’s Day is about celebrating progress while recognizing that there’s still work to do. It’s a reminder of how important representation, mentorship, and support are in the workplace. I hope that the next generation of women in this industry will feel free to follow their interests in any segment, and have even more opportunities to thrive.
For those just starting their careers – my advice is to stay curious, be open to learning, and embrace the opportunities that come your way.
International Women’s Day is about celebrating progress while recognizing there’s still work to do
Welltec is a company that is constantly evolving, and being adaptable will help you grow. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek guidance from colleagues; teamwork and collaboration are key here.
And most importantly, be patient and persistent — the path may not always be straightforward, but every experience will contribute to your growth.