Maria das Graças Foster’s Trailblazing Career at Petrobras

Who is Maria das Graças Foster

Maria das Graças Foster is a Brazilian chemical engineer and business executive. She was the CEO of Petrobras, the largest company in Brazil and one of the largest oil and energy companies in the world, from 2012 to 2015. Prior to her role at Petrobras, Foster held various leadership positions in the energy sector in Brazil and abroad.

Maria das Graças Foster was born in 1953 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She received a degree in chemical engineering from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro in 1976 and began her career in the energy sector as a researcher at Petrobras, the state-owned oil and gas company in Brazil. She later held various leadership positions at the company, including chief executive officer of the downstream business unit, executive manager of refining and supply, and executive manager of engineering and technology. In 2012, Foster was appointed CEO of Petrobras, becoming the first woman to hold this position. During her time as CEO, Foster focused on increasing efficiency and expanding the company’s operations internationally. She stepped down from her role at Petrobras in 2015.

A few interesting and fun facts about Maria das Graças Foster‘s personal life

Here are a few interesting and fun facts about Maria das Graças Foster’s personal life:

  1. Foster is known for her love of music and has been known to play the piano and sing in her free time.
  2. She is an avid reader and has a particular interest in literature and poetry.
  3. Foster is a mother of three children and is known for her dedication to her family.
  4. She is fluent in Portuguese, English, and Spanish and has worked and traveled extensively throughout Latin America and around the world.
  5. Foster is known for her philanthropic efforts and has supported a number of charitable causes throughout her career, including education and healthcare initiatives.
  6. Foster is an outdoor enthusiast and enjoys hiking and spending time in nature.
  7. She is an avid cook and enjoys trying out new recipes and experimenting with different cuisines.
  8. Foster is known for her sense of style and has been featured in numerous fashion magazines throughout her career.
  9. She is a fitness enthusiast and enjoys practicing yoga and other forms of exercise.
  10. Foster is a patron of the arts and supports a number of cultural institutions in Brazil and abroad, including museums and theaters.

A few interesting facts about Maria das Graças Foster‘s business life

Here are a few interesting facts about Maria das Graças Foster’s business life:

  1. Foster began her career at Petrobras as a researcher and rose through the ranks to become CEO, the first woman to hold this position in the company’s history.
  2. During her time as CEO of Petrobras, Foster focused on increasing efficiency and expanding the company’s operations internationally.
  3. Under her leadership, Petrobras launched a number of successful projects, including the development of new oil fields and the expansion of the company’s refining and distribution operations.
  4. Foster is known for her strong leadership skills and has received numerous awards and accolades for her contributions to the energy industry.
  5. She is a member of several professional organizations and has served on the boards of a number of companies and institutions in the energy sector.
  6. Foster has been recognized for her expertise in the energy industry and has been invited to speak at a number of conferences and events on topics related to oil and gas, renewable energy, and sustainability.
  7. She has played a key role in shaping the energy policy of Brazil and has worked to promote the development of domestic energy resources while also addressing environmental concerns.
  8. Foster has a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility and has implemented a number of initiatives at Petrobras to support local communities and promote sustainability.
  9. She has a reputation for being a decisive and strategic leader, and has been credited with turning around the performance of Petrobras during her tenure as CEO.
  10. Foster is a role model for women in the energy industry and has been recognized for her contributions to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Lessons that can be learned from Maria das Graças Foster’s life and business career

There are a number of lessons that can be learned from Maria das Graças Foster’s life and business career:

  1. Foster’s rise to the top of Petrobras, the largest company in Brazil, is a testament to her hard work, determination, and leadership skills. She is a role model for anyone looking to succeed in the business world.
  2. Foster’s focus on efficiency and international expansion during her time as CEO of Petrobras highlights the importance of staying ahead of the curve and looking for new opportunities for growth.
  3. Foster’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability demonstrates the importance of considering the long-term impact of business decisions on people and the environment.
  4. Foster’s leadership style, which emphasizes collaboration, communication, and transparency, is a model for effective and ethical leadership.
  5. Foster’s dedication to diversity and inclusion in the workplace is a reminder of the importance of building a culture of inclusivity and respect in organizations.
  6. Foster’s ability to adapt and change with the times is evident in her career progression and the success of Petrobras during her tenure as CEO. This highlights the importance of being flexible and open to new ideas.
  7. Foster’s strong communication skills have played a key role in her ability to lead and inspire others. This is a valuable lesson for anyone looking to build a successful career in business or any other field.
  8. Foster’s philanthropic efforts and support for cultural institutions show the importance of giving back to the community and investing in the future.
  9. Foster’s work in shaping the energy policy of Brazil highlights the role that individuals can play in shaping the direction of their industries and countries.
  10. Foster’s success as a woman in a male-dominated industry demonstrates the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace and the value of having a diverse range of perspectives and experiences at the decision-making table.

Maria das Graças Foster Quotes

Maria das Graças Silva Foster is a Brazilian chemical engineer and businesswoman who was the CEO of Petrobras, the largest company in Latin America by market capitalization. Here are some quotes attributed to her:

  1. “The key to success is to have a clear vision and to consistently work towards achieving it.”
  2. “In order to succeed, you must be willing to take risks and embrace change.”
  3. “The most important thing is to never give up and to always keep pushing forward, even when faced with challenges and setbacks.”
  4. “To succeed, you must have a strong sense of purpose and a clear plan for achieving your goals.”
  5. “Innovation is the key to success in business. You must constantly be looking for new ways to improve and evolve.”
  6. “The key to success is to always be learning and to never stop adapting to the changing market.”
  7. “To succeed in business, you must be constantly adapting to the changing market and customer needs.”
  8. “The future belongs to those who can sense change and respond to it.”

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Maria das Graças Foster's Trailblazing Career at Petrobras. Behind the Scenes: Fun Facts About Iconic Entrepreneurs. Subprofit Book