TribesAndHistory: What’s your name, and how would you like to be addressed?
Marina: My full name is Marina Araceli Nlang Ondo, but you can simply call me Marina.
TribesAndHistory: Where are you from?
Marina: I’m originally from Equatorial Guinea in Africa.
TribesAndHistory: What do you do?
Marina: I work as an IT advisor at Shell.
TribesAndHistory: What inspired you to pursue a career as an IT advisor?
Marina: Great question! My journey into IT advising began when I joined Shell and had the opportunity to shadow IT Advisors. I quickly fell in love with the role because it’s all about enabling the business to evaluate, implement, and deploy IT solutions that deliver real value. It gave me a clear sense of purpose, which is something I prioritize in everything I do.
I’m extremely purpose-driven, and having a clear answer to the “why” behind my work and life choices is essential for me. I initially studied electrical engineering because I excelled in math, physics, and science in high school. But as I advanced, it started to feel like I was solving problems without a meaningful reason. That’s when I shifted to Computer Information Systems (CIS), which allowed me to merge technical skills with business subjects to solve real-world challenges. This highly resonated with me and continues to guide my career.
TribesAndHistory: Can you walk us through your career journey?
Marina:
My career began with an internship at Shell in 2018, which led to a full-time role. Since then, I’ve held various positions across different divisions, enabling digital solutions from Research & Development, to Upstream Unconventionals, Exploration, Mobility, and now Shell Energy Americas as the Digital Marketing IT Advisor.
Each role has offered unique challenges and growth opportunities, and the mentorship I’ve received along the way has been a significant highlight. For anyone interested in a detailed overview of my career history and to connect, feel free to reach out on Linkedin!
TribesAndHistory: Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that shaped the leader you are today?
Marina: Early in my career at Shell, I was fortunate to have leaders and managers who placed a great deal of trust in me right from the start. They gave me the ownership and responsibility to lead both local and global initiatives, which was incredibly empowering. The sense of psychological safety and supportive coaching I received motivated me to step up with confidence.
This experience played a key role in shaping my proactive and diligent approach to work. By consistently taking initiative and delivering results, I’ve not only built a strong reputation for reliability but also created valuable visibility for myself. That foundation has been instrumental in my growth as a leader.
TribesAndHistory: How has your African heritage shaped your leadership and career journey?
Marina: Growing up as the firstborn in my culture meant shouldering significant responsibilities from an early age. This upbringing instilled a deep sense of accountability and a natural inclination to take charge. I’ve come to appreciate how even small actions—like stepping up and taking initiative—can unexpectedly position you as a leader and open doors to greater opportunities.
TribesAndHistory: What legacy do you hope to leave for the next generation of Africans?
Marina: I want to encourage my fellow Africans and anyone who reads this to embrace their authentic selves. In my career, being true to myself has allowed me to contribute meaningfully and even challenge the status quo for the better. Authenticity is powerful, and I hope to inspire others to lead with confidence and integrity. Surround yourself with people and situations that not only value but also nurture your authenticity.
TribesAndHistory: What about your heritage makes you proud?
Marina: The women in my family, especially my grandmother and mother, inspire me. They showed me the value of education, independence, and leadership. Growing up around strong, intelligent women paved the way for my own journey.
TribesAndHistory: Any last words of wisdom?
Marina:
Nobody has it all figured out, and that’s okay. Life is about learning, taking risks, and growing from mistakes. Don’t let fear of failure or looking foolish hold you back—embrace the journey, make mistakes, and keep moving forward.
Adopting a learner’s mindset has been key for me. It’s pushed me to continually invest time and resources into upskilling through training, education, and networking. Continuous learning doesn’t have to be expensive—it just needs to be chosen thoughtfully, with a clear “why” in mind. Even a free online course can often make a difference. This mindset has helped me effectively adapt to new challenges and stay prepared for what’s ahead.
