Today, as the world celebrates International Women’s Day, we at Sonomatic Limited have another reason to rejoice – it’s our 46th birthday! It’s a double celebration of milestones, achievements, and the incredible contributions of women in our organisation and beyond.
For 46 years, Sonomatic has been at the forefront of NDT Inspections, driven by innovation, excellence, and a commitment to inclusivity. As we mark this special day, we’re reminded of the pivotal role that women have played in shaping our journey. From our talented engineers, to managers, to every woman who has been a part of our team, your passion, dedication, and leadership have been instrumental in our success.
International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.
This International Women’s Day, we not only celebrate the progress we’ve made but also reaffirm our commitment to gender equality, diversity, and empowerment. At Sonomatic, we’re proud to foster an inclusive culture where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute their unique perspectives.
As we look ahead, we’re excited about the possibilities that lie before us. With a diverse and talented team driving us forward, we’re confident in our ability to continue innovating, solving complex challenges, and making a positive impact on the world.
To all the incredible women at Sonomatic and beyond, thank you for your invaluable contributions. Together, let’s continue breaking barriers, challenging norms, and shaping a brighter future for generations to come.
We reached out to one of our longest-serving female employees, Donna Stewart to dive into her experience at Sonomatic over the last 20 years:
DONNA STEWART, PROJECT MANAGER FOR SHELL – ABERDEEN, UNITED KINGDOM
Tell us a bit about yourself, how long you have been with the company, your job roles throughout the years up unto your current role.
I joined the company in December 2003, so it’s been just over 20 years now! I started as a Personal Assistant/Logistics Coordinator when there were just myself and my manager at the time in the small Aberdeen office. My career with Sonomatic has included various operational roles in specialised Topside and Subsea, a Marketing Coordinator, QHSE Field Services Representative and Aberdeen Operations Manager. After a short hiatus in 2018, I returned to work for the Integrity Department as an Integrity and Business Development Coordinator. Now, I’m proud to say I am the Project Manager for the Shell UK Inspection Contract through Sonomatic RAIS.
What made you apply to your first position with Sonomatic?
I wanted to explore working in the oil and gas industry when an opportunity came up at Veritec, as we were then known.
Do you remember your first day?
Yes, I remember coming in and being shown my desk and PC…having never even sent an email before, that was back when fax machines and floppy discs were a thing!
What has been your biggest achievement whilst working for Sonomatic?
There have been a few accomplishments over the past 20 years, including contributing to the successful delivery of large-scale projects and being part of the team that organised many significant exhibition events. However, I would say that being part of the team currently, managing the largest contract in the group has been my proudest achievement so far.
What is your favourite part of the job?
The challenges we face as a team and working together to overcome any issues. Every day is different which suits me very well.
What are some of the biggest lessons you have learnt in your career?
To embrace change. So many things are changing and evolving and it’s easy to push back on change rather than adapt to new ways of working.
How has the industry evolved during the last 20 years?
Hugely. The technology that companies are bringing to the industry is phenomenal. Sonomatic has developed tools that would have seemed impossible just 10 years ago. These tools not only minimise inspection time but also significantly reduce safety risks.
What is your fondest memory to date at Sonomatic?
There have been many fond memories which mainly revolve around the people I have had the pleasure to meet and work with. Meeting my partner whilst working at Sonomatic has to be a highlight too.
Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
It’s an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women and to highlight the work that still needs to be done. We have seen evidence that in the industry, women still do not always receive salary equity.
Which women inspire you the most?
I don’t have anyone specific but I admire all women who put their all into everything they do, have a passion for delivering and take the time to encourage and support others.
We also reached out to some of our other female employees across the globe to provide insight into what it is like working in their field and a male-dominated industry. Read their responses, below:
AGATA SUROWIEC MORGAN, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER – TEXAS, UNITED STATES
- Tell us a bit about yourself and your job role.
I have been in a Business Development role for several years now. I truly enjoy growing the business, however, I never forget my roots. I graduated as a Mechanical Engineer and I started my journey as a Guided Wave L2 technician. I spent several years in the field travelling the world and learning the pros and cons of the pipeline inspection industry. Technical knowledge is my strong point when it comes to providing clients with inspection solutions.
2. Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
It’s an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the achievements of women in various fields such as politics, science, business, arts, and social activism. Highlighting these accomplishments helps to inspire and motivate other women.
3. Which women inspire you the most?
Katherine Johnson: A pioneering mathematician whose calculations were crucial to the success of NASA’s early space missions, including John Glenn’s orbit around the Earth. Her story was featured in the film “Hidden Figures.”
4. Throughout your career, have there been any barriers that you’ve had to face?
Absolutely! Over the course of my career, I’ve encountered various challenges and barriers that have ultimately contributed to my growth and development. These obstacles have provided valuable learning experiences and opportunities for personal and professional advancement. By overcoming these challenges, I’ve become more resilient, adaptable, and determined to pursue my goals. Overall, navigating through these barriers has helped shape me into the individual I am today, and I’m grateful for the lessons they’ve taught me along the way.
SUSAN OSBECK, PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT – ABERDEEN, SCOTLAND
- Tell us a bit about yourself and your job role.
I am responsible for assessing whether pressure vessels can be inspected externally, using non-intrusive inspection, rather than putting a person inside them to insect them internally. If we can do that, we take away the risks involved in confined space entry while still ensuring the safety of the pressure equipment. It’s a combination of detective work, engineering judgement, and data analysis. My role covers all aspects of the work including sales and marketing, liaising with clients, project management, as well as the actual engineering work.
Originally, I studied physics which I believe helped me develop a problem solving mindset which has been particularly useful in this field.
2. Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
I think it’s important we celebrate how far we have come as a society and look to see how much better we can still be.
3. Which women inspire you the most?
I have been most inspired by the other women I have met through my volunteering in #GirlGuiding. At a young age, I was encouraged to achieve more by my leaders. Now as a leader, I am surrounded by practical, capable women who want to make the world a better place.
4. Throughout your career, have there been any barriers that you’ve had to face?
There have been occasional throwaway comments that have affected me, and of course, it’s always difficult to get PPE that fits, but I have been very lucky that most of the people I have worked with have been excellent supporters.
NABILAH AMIR HAMZAH, ASSET INTEGRITY TEAM LEAD – MALAYSIA, SOUTH EAST ASIA
- Tell us a bit about yourself and your job role.
For the past 13 years, I’ve dedicated myself to the subsea pipeline integrity field. Pipeline dynamics and corrosion have been my passion ever since I entered this industry. My decision to pursue a course in Material Technology within Mechanical Engineering during university has significantly shaped my career trajectory.
2. Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
As a mother of two and a team leader in Integrity Services, I adeptly balance the responsibilities of nurturing my family’s growth and steering my team towards success in both the personal and professional realms. Celebrating International Women’s Day holds particular significance for me, as it empowers women and promotes equality in an industry largely dominated by men.
3. Which women inspire you the most?
Inspired by New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, I am dedicated to excelling in both roles. My passion for the technical intricacies of pipelines fuels my commitment to excellence, supported by a strong support system at home and in the office.
4. Throughout your career, have there been any barriers that you’ve had to face?
Throughout my professional journey, managing people has been a significant challenge. Addressing communication breakdowns and navigating diverse expectations have been pivotal in my personal growth, pushing me to learn from past mistakes and continually enhance my skills for the future.
Join us in celebrating the achievements of women everywhere, and let’s continue to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in all that we do. Together, we can create a world where every woman can thrive and succeed.
Happy International Women’s Day and Happy Birthday to us! Here’s to 46 years of excellence, innovation, and empowerment at Sonomatic!
