Sofia Edwards
Key Account Manager
Nouryon
Sofia Edwards, Key Account Manager at Nouryon, has built a robust career in global sales and relationship management over more than a decade in the oil and gas industry. Starting young, Sofia transformed her early experiences into a journey marked by resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous growth. Here, she shares insights into her career path, lessons learned, and advice for others in the chemical industry.
A Career that Started Young: At just 16, Sofia took her first steps into the industry through logistics, working in oil and gas before even graduating high school. Reflecting on this early experience, she shares, “Starting young in a professional environment taught me invaluable lessons in discipline and adaptability; it made me more mature and prepared me for future roles.” The experience, although unexpected, was formative and helped Sofia build strong time management skills and workplace maturity well beyond her years. This early exposure also sparked her interest in following her father’s footsteps in the industry, eventually setting her on a path toward sales and client management.
Transitioning from Logistics to Sales: Sofia’s career evolved when she shifted from logistics to sales, joining Schlumberger (SLB) as an account representative. This transition marked a pivotal change, helping her develop key skills in customer relations and trend analysis. Mentorship played a significant role in her growth, as she learned from seasoned professionals and received guidance on refining her negotiation skills. “Building trust with customers is essential in sales,” Sofia explains. “I was fortunate to have mentors who helped shape my approach and encouraged a focus on building strong, lasting relationships.” Her drive for strong client relationships, influenced by her father’s own approach to business, became a cornerstone of her success.
The Global Perspective: Growing up in Singapore, Sofia experienced diverse cultures from a young age—a foundation that has influenced her global mindset. Today, she is pursuing an MBA at the Singapore Business School, valuing the international perspectives and strategic skills it provides. “The diversity of the Singapore Business School brings such a wealth of perspectives,” Sofia notes. “It complements my global outlook and has been a tremendous benefit to my career development.” Her goal is to leverage these insights in a senior management role, focusing on high-level, customer-facing interactions that she thrives in.
Balancing Confidence and Constructive Feedback: Now as a Global Account Manager, Sofia navigates high-stakes situations daily, which has developed her resilience and ability to handle rejection. Her willingness to ask for feedback and continuously improve has been instrumental to her personal and professional growth. She emphasizes the importance of constructive criticism, highlighting her strong support system of colleagues and managers. “Constructive feedback is crucial. I always make a point to ask for it because it helps me understand where I can improve,” she shares. “Being direct and open to feedback has strengthened my performance and confidence.”
Advice for the Women in Chemicals Community: Sofia’s experience has shaped her commitment to mentorship and continuous learning. She emphasizes that challenges are an opportunity for growth and encourages others to pursue self-advocacy in their careers. A firm believer in the value of resilience, she offers sage advice for women navigating the chemical industry: “Don’t be afraid to network, seek mentors, and embrace challenges. Every setback is a chance to learn and come back stronger.”
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