An Explorer reflection from the Expedition for Women Leading Broader Change
About the Author
Michelle Obatoyinbo is an international business leader with over 30 years of experience leading operations and strategic change across Chevron’s global upstream business, where she is currently General Manager of Integrated Operations. A Chemical Engineering graduate of the University of Lagos, she has held roles in Nigeria and the USA and has mentored and sponsored many women along the way. Married with two sons, she is now focused on the next phase of her journey: using her experience and values to create meaningful social impact.
As I reflected on my Essence, what makes me who I am and shapes how I lead, I initially believed there was one defining element at the centre of it all: Sacred.
Sacred is one of the seven pieces of Essence described in If That’s Leading, I’m In, and it resonated deeply with me because it reflects my Christian faith. At my core is the belief that I am powered by a Higher Force and called to live a life of purpose. My faith grounds my values, guides my choices and gives me strength, particularly in moments of uncertainty.
More Than One Thread
But the more I reflected, the more I realised that my Essence cannot be defined by one element alone. Who I am is an interwoven tapestry of faith, ancestry, mothering, experience and career, with each thread shaping the others.
Ancestors
“Ancestors” are a foundational part of that tapestry. I grew up in a home filled with faith, love and high achievement. These were not simply values that were taught; they were lived. I was surrounded by such a strong sense of possibility that it never occurred to me that I would not aspire to embody them. Those early influences gave me confidence, resilience, pursuit of excellence and a deep sense of responsibility towards others.
Mothering
“Mothering” has perhaps had one of the most practical influences on how I lead. It is the piece of Essence Julia Middleton’s book describes as Motherness. It has strengthened my almost instinctive ability to anticipate, continually plan, consider multiple scenarios and adapt quickly when circumstances change. More importantly, it deepened my empathy and resilience. It taught me that leadership is not just about delivering outcomes; it is about understanding people, creating the conditions for them to succeed, and knowing when to steer, when to challenge and when simply to listen.
Career
Then there is “Career”. More than three decades across different roles and locations have challenged, tested and refined me. Experience has strengthened my judgment while teaching me to remain curious and open to new perspectives. Yet the decisions I have made throughout that journey have never been separate from the other pieces of my Essence. My faith, upbringing, family and life experiences have influenced the opportunities I pursued, the risks I took, the choices I made and, ultimately, the leader I became.
The Intersection of Them All
So, my Essence is not Sacred or Ancestors or Mothering or Career. It is the intersection of them all. My faith gives me purpose. My ancestors gave me roots. Mothering strengthened my empathy, foresight and resilience. My career gave me experience, perspective, judgment and the opportunity to translate my values into impact.
Together, these threads form the tapestry of who I am and why I lead the way I do.
