KU grad named one of 50 most powerful businesswomen in world

Shawnee native Linda Zarda Cook started at KU but now works on the world stage.

As CEO of Shell Gas & Power, Cook, a 1980 petroleum engineering graduate from the University of Kansas, lives in London and travels the world. Her post with Royal Dutch/Shell Group led Fortune magazine's international edition to name Cook one of the 50 most powerful businesswomen outside the United States.

As head of Shell's $16.5 billion gas and power business, Cook runs one of the oil company's fastest-growing businesses and is one rung below the corporation's top elite of managing directors, Fortune wrote.

Cook didn't find out she'd made the list until that day before it was published in fall 2001.

"I have to say I laughed. I often find myself thinking, 'If they could only see me.' My family gets a big kick out of it," Cook said in a phone interview from London.

Her humble deportment disguises the effort and abilities that have led her from Saturday afternoons in the fall spent rooting on the Jayhawks in Memorial Stadium to a spot on the Fortune list. She was first drawn to the energy field by following her interests as a high school student and being offered an academic scholarship through the KU School of Engineering.

"I have always enjoyed math and sciences. ... It wasn't until I was at the university that I was exposed to engineering and geology. It was there that I could put them together for a career I enjoyed."

Cook stands out in an industry traditionally dominated by men. Despite being well-prepared by excellent faculty, including professors Paul Willhite and Don Green in the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, and a challenging curriculum in geology and engineering that has proved itself to be practical at almost every turn, Cook said there have been times when the career path was difficult.

"I would say that it's always been a challenge, especially in the early years. Often I was the first woman doing things -- the first woman working on a rig, the first woman in charge of operations in the field. Because of that there's often a spotlight on you, and you stand out for better or worse. But I found that if you work hard and work toward good results and try to be a team player with the guys, you generally get a good result.

"Whenever I was faced with people suggesting that I should lower my aspirations, that made me want to work harder and achieve it even more."

Carl E. Locke Jr., dean of the School of Engineering praised Cook for her achievements.

"We are extremely proud of Linda and all that she has accomplished," said Dean Locke. "Enrollments of women in the School of Engineering are about 18 to 19 percent, which is much higher than when Linda was here. Her accomplishments serve as a role model for the young women now studying engineering at KU. I know her success will be an inspiration for many of our students."
All Cook's hard work has been rewarded with advancement within Shell, where she started as a reservoir engineer.

"The people are great at Shell, without that I never would have stuck it out for 20 years," Cook said. The sheer size of the corporation has led to a wealth of opportunities. "That's made it interesting and challenging."

In discussing her success, Cook is quick to give credit to others.

"The only way I've actually been able to get where I am today, is because I have a very supportive husband. Steve has been a tremendous help." Both Linda -- a 21-year veteran with Shell -- and Steve worked until Linda was called to take a post in Holland in 1998. The couple has three children, ages 15, 13 and 10. "It's only because Steve has been home with the kids that I've been able to pursue the position that I have here."

She was appointed CEO of Shell Gas & Power in January, 2000. The position involves an extensive amount of travel to all parts of the world. It's an aspect of her job that she treasures and one that also has made her appreciate life's gifts. She advises future graduates to consider taking international assignments.

"The opportunity to live outside the U.S. is a valuable experience. ... I've traveled to I don't know how many countries and each has its own culture." Living and working abroad has been enriching on several levels, Cook said. "It makes me realize how lucky we are to be citizens of the United States." Yet, "I see in my own children the value of living abroad and the change in perspective it brings."

- Story by Jill Hummels, School of Engineering

#top#