Felix Sops Ideriah:
Empowering leadership and growth for impact.
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My Mission: Empower purposeful leadership and personal growth.
Have you ever felt a deep desire to make a real difference, a yearning to leave your mark on the world? I have.
My journey, from the vibrant streets of Lagos to leading global initiatives at SLB (formerly Schlumberger), has been a testament to the transformative power of purpose-driven leadership and a growth mindset. It’s a journey marked by resilience, global experiences, and a deep belief in the potential within each of us.
I’m Felix, also known as Sops, a global leader, mentor, and advocate for leadership and personal growth. For over 20 years, I’ve led, lived, and learned globally. My mission is simple:
To empower people through purposeful leadership and personal growth to drive positive change and create a better world.
Source: Felix Ideriah Mission Statement
Driven by my desire to give back, passion for unlocking potential, and vision for a better future, I’m passionate about sharing the lessons life has taught me through this platform by providing:
Connect with Me: Let’s inspire each other for impact.
My journey is ongoing, and I believe that true growth happens when we connect with others. Connect with me, and then read my story below for more details.
My Story: A journey of resilience and global impact.
My journey hasn’t been a straight line; it’s been a winding path filled with unexpected turns, valuable lessons, and a constant drive to grow and contribute. It’s a story I’m eager to share because within it lies insights that can help you on your path.
Pre-2000s: A foundation of values.
Imagine a bustling city, alive with energy and possibility. That was Port Harcourt, my initial childhood home. However, my parents’ values shaped my early years more than the city.
Integrity wasn’t just talked about; it was lived. Resilience wasn’t optional; it was necessary. And Compassion? That was the heartbeat of every decision.
With their quiet strength and unwavering principles, my parents taught me something profound:
“Your life is measured not by what you accumulate but by the lives you touch and the difference you make.”
This foundation ignited a fire within me, a desire to live a good life and make an impact.
2000-2004: A leap into the unknown.
Lagos was my next childhood home, and graduating with first-class honors in Civil Engineering from the University of Lagos in 2000 felt like reaching the summit of a mountain. It was just the beginning of a much larger climb. By 2004, I faced a pivotal moment: a leap into the unknown.
I left behind the familiarity of home, family, and culture to begin my career as an Engineer with SLB in Turkmenistan, a world away from Lagos. The challenges were immense: navigating a new culture and language, adapting to harsh desert environments and temperature changes, and managing high expectations.
But it was in those challenging sands that I learned two of the most valuable lessons of my life:
- Adaptability anchors growth. Thriving in unfamiliar conditions taught me that resilience isn’t just about surviving but embracing change with curiosity and courage.
- Balance defines success. Getting married and starting my family while pursuing an international career taught me that true success lies in harmonizing professional goals with personal fulfillment.
Every day tested my character, but each challenge made me stronger, more resourceful, and more committed to becoming a leader who uplifts others.
2005-2024: Leading across continents and cultures.
The next two decades were a whirlwind of global experiences. During my career at SLB, I visited more than 100 countries and lived on four continents: Africa, Europe, South America, and North America.
I led teams in high-pressure environments, managed complex operations in diverse regions, and spearheaded initiatives that demanded innovation, collaboration, and a clear vision.
I learned three more valuable lessons along the way:
- Failures propel growth. Every misstep was an opportunity to learn, pivot, and come back stronger.
- Leadership is service. Real leaders don’t command; they empower others to reach their full potential.
- Diversity is strength. Collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds revealed the power of inclusion in overcoming complex challenges.
By 2014, I had moved my home residence to Houston, Texas, a city that became a foundation for my continued growth and global contributions.
By 2017, I had graduated from Heriot-Watt University in the UK with a master’s degree in energy industry management, continuing my lifelong learning and broadening my perspectives.
Today: Amplifying impact on a global stage.
My journey continued to evolve, leading to roles with greater responsibility and broader impact. After serving as a Regional Managing Director, I am now the Global Facility Director at SLB.
My current role requires me to balance strategic vision and operational excellence. I lead business goals while promoting environmental responsibility and employee well-being.
Through my journey, I’ve been privileged to contribute to impactful work with leading organizations globally. Especially pleasing was ringing the bell at Nasdaq.
Leading US-Africa business partnerships.
Led business leaders across industries as President of the American Business Council.
Leading energy industry sustainability thought.
Wrote SLB articles on solutions and the right balance on climate and social impact.
Inspiring the next generation of leaders.
Worked with governments and organizations, like STEMCAFE, to invest in future generations.
Championing AI and digital for energy solutions.
Featured on CNBC to advocate advanced technology usage for energy transition solutions.
These defining experiences have shaped my career and core beliefs about leadership and self-improvement, which I carry into every endeavor and my journey through the 5 levels of leadership.
My Leadership Philosophy: Purpose, People, Growth, Impact.
My leadership philosophy is grounded in my vision:
A world where every individual leads with purpose, grows with passion, and inspires meaningful change for the good of all.
Source: Felix Ideriah Vision Statement
Guided by four core values, I aim to build a legacy of leadership and growth in many lives:
1. Purpose: Igniting the spark within.
Succeeding in life and leadership starts with understanding your ‘why.’ Purpose-driven leadership involves aligning your actions with your deepest values and using your influence to ignite the spark within yourself and others. It’s about bringing clarity and intention to everything you do.
2. People: The heart of meaning in life.
At the heart of everything I do are people. Leadership is not about command; it’s about connection. I believe in building meaningful relationships that foster trust, collaboration, and mutual growth. By prioritizing people, we create environments where individuals feel inspired to contribute their best.
3. Growth: A lifelong commitment to learning.
For me, growth is both personal and collective. It’s about empowering others to grow while continually seeking ways to enhance my understanding and capabilities. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, we enable individuals and teams to thrive, adapt, and innovate in the face of change.
4. Impact: Creating a legacy of positive change.
Leadership is ultimately about your impact. It’s not just about achieving results; it’s about creating positive change that resonates long after you’ve left. I strive to leave a legacy of empowerment, innovation, and sustainable solutions for future generations.
Let’s create a movement.
Together, we can inspire a community of individuals who embrace growth, lead purposefully, overcome challenges, and create positive change in the world.
Explore my insights, get in touch, and let’s make the world a better place.
With all my best,
Felix Sops Ideriah
Lead with purpose and thrive with growth.