Shelisa Sattaur didn’t plan to build a career in human resources, and certainly not in one of the most technical industries in the world. But what began as a curiosity about people and workplace culture has grown into a dynamic career spanning countries, disciplines, and purpose.
“My responsibilities in administration and entrepreneurship often intersected with human resources,” she recalled. “That sparked a lasting interest in people development and organizational culture.”
In 2019, El Dorado Offshore (EDO) gave her the opportunity to step fully into Human Resources (HR). “At EDO, I held progressive roles including Crewing Coordinator, HR Specialist, Senior HR & Client Relations Specialist, and Acting HR Director, which propelled me into more strategic HR leadership.”
Her work at EDO brought her into close partnership with Expro. “One of my key clients was Expro, where I played a pivotal role in recruiting much of the Guyanese workforce that supports the company today.” That partnership soon evolved into a personal milestone. “I initially came on board as the Human Resource Business Partner, and within six months, I was promoted to HR Manager.” Today, Sattaur serves as Expro’s Area HR Supervisor for Mexico and the Caribbean, a role that allows her to drive people strategies and support diverse teams across the region.
She never expected her path to lead to such a global and technical space, but the challenge proved transformative. “I didn’t always envision myself in HR within such a technical and global industry,” she said. “Stepping into this space was both unexpected and exciting. It stretched me in ways I hadn’t anticipated, from navigating diverse cultures and complex systems to adapting to the pace of innovation.”
Managing HR operations across multiple countries has deepened her understanding of leadership. “Each location has its own labour laws, workplace norms, and employee expectations,” she explained. “Effective leadership is rooted in empathy, clear communication, and the ability to pivot quickly. Adaptability isn’t just a skill, it’s a mindset.”
For Sattaur, one of the most fulfilling parts of her journey has been contributing to Guyana’s talent development in the oil and gas sector. Her work has helped strengthen Expro’s local presence. “Expro has achieved a 70% nationalization rate in Guyana, meaning our local workforce now outnumbers non-nationals at our base.” She’s proud to have supported policies that prioritize regional hiring, partnerships with local training institutions, and initiatives that emphasize employee wellbeing. “I’ve been intentional in reminding leadership of the importance of taking a pause and encouraging a culture where mental wellness is seen as essential to performance.”
Looking back, Sattaur credits her journey with shaping her both as a leader and as a person. “Coming into the industry from a non-technical background, I’ve had to stretch myself while staying grounded in people-centered leadership,” she reflected. “Supporting Guyanese talent and contributing to national development through workforce empowerment has become one of the most meaningful aspects of my journey.”
