Vanessa Sutherland
EVP Government Affairs, GC & Corporate Secretary
Phillips 66
While Vanessa’s professional journey is impressive, Vanessa believes that her family is the most vital aspect of her life. She proudly identifies as an older mom with a ninth grader, offering a playful plea for luck in navigating the challenges of raising a teenage girl. Vanessa's interests are as diverse as her career, encompassing art, motorcycle riding, and rock climbing. She humorously describes herself as a "recovering physics major" who still revels in the joys of science and occasionally "geeks out." This love for science has been a driving force behind her career trajectory through various technical and highly capital-intensive organizations. Her career began in corporate America, and she made a brief stop at a law firm before embarking on a path that led her to organizations where she could see her impact firsthand. Vanessa's professional odyssey includes roles at MCI Worldcom, Altria, and a fascinating detour into the federal government. It was there that she explored how government regulations affect corporations—a journey that led her to positions at the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and later the Chemical Safety Board, where she served as Chair and CEO, addressing catastrophic incidents in the chemical industry. Her career continued to evolve when she joined Norfolk Southern, a national freight railroad. Here, Vanessa played a pivotal role during the pandemic, ensuring the transportation of critical medical supplies and essential goods. This experience deeply moved her, highlighting the significance of her contributions.
A phone call brought Vanessa to Phillips 66, marking her return to the energy sector, an industry she was already familiar with. Her one and a half years with Phillips 66 have seen her embrace equally challenging roles, including one in corporate communications, recognizing the importance of raising awareness about the industry. However, Vanessa's story isn't just about her professional journey; it's also about the values instilled in her from her upbringing. As the youngest in a family of highly successful siblings, she felt driven to keep up. Her parents, originally from the South, placed great importance on education and travel. They fostered a spirit of exploration and growth. Vanessa's siblings set high standards, with accomplishments ranging from engineering to medicine and a focus on well-roundedness. In the world of business, Vanessa has thrived by embracing the power of peer relationships at all levels. She firmly believes in the importance of cultivating connections with colleagues both above and below her in the organizational hierarchy. This dynamic support network not only empowers her but also uplifts those around her. Additionally, she champions the practice of providing honest and constructive feedback, seeing it as a vital aspect of mentorship that should never be withheld, even when it's challenging.
One of her guiding principles is the notion that calculated risks are the path to growth and success. She advises against letting the fear of not having all the skills or qualifications upfront hold you back. Instead, she encourages seizing opportunities, accepting roles, and then learning and evolving as you go. Raised to believe that smart women collaborate rather than compete, she actively fosters a culture of unity among women in her professional circles. Her commitment to celebrating and mentoring other women has become a cornerstone of her career, further enriching her journey in the world of business.
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