LNG Mexico and Latin America magazine invites us to look beyond what meets the eye, because in the end, we are more than just a LinkedIn profile. We are what people don’t see: our families, our dreams, and the hope we hold for our own growth. In that spirit, Marcela Gastélum shares her perspective with us.
- Tell us, how did your journey in the industry begin?
It began by breaking away from the traditional corporate model.
Twenty years ago, there were not many people with experience in the sector, and it was hard to find anyone; so, the director of Igasamex said, “It doesn’t matter that you don’t have experience—we’ll teach you here.”
It was a great learning experience. The more I learned, the more passionate I became, and the more I wanted to know about the impact the company’s projects had on society. Later, I moved into the self-use sector with Engie and Sempra, working on bids for the Federal Electricity Commission in Mexico (CFE) to build gas pipelines and thermal power plants. I had the opportunity to enter the world of LNG with Énestas and, later, electricity generation with CapWatt.
- What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a woman?
Negotiating only with men is challenging. I felt nervous, since we are hard on ourselves and can end up doubting our abilities, our leadership, and our ability to achieve goals. In my opinion, you are not born a leader; you learn it, and you learn it by practicing. It also involves being patient enough to learn, and I think that part is challenging for everyone.
On a personal level, living in France meant starting from scratch: learning the language and adapting to the culture. We had no problem with the food because it’s delicious. The hard part was living far from my support network and the pandemic because me, my husband and daughters went through it over there.
Balancing time between family and work means coming home and saying, “Work stays there; here I come to rest and enjoy my family.” Because when you’re passionate about your work, it’s hard to disconnect; but we can always do better and spend more quality time with our family.
But when people ask me, “You have three daughters—do you want to keep working?” my immediate, unhesitating answer is yes. It sets a notable example for them to see me grow as a professional. It gives them the tools to be self-reliant and to want to be that way: to be passionate about their lives and what they do to make them happy, and for them to see me happy. In addition to being a mother, I am a professional, I am a woman; I have dreams and I have goals.
- How do you see Mexico’s future?
That’s a critical issue you’re bringing up, and I can offer two perspectives: the optimistic one and the realistic one. The optimistic side, obviously, is that it’s possible as long as there’s coordination between the private sector and the government. We’re seeing the ‘Plan México,’ investments in CFE are being announced, and the authorities are engaging with us, opening their doors, and listening to us; they’re even inviting us to their working groups.
On the realistic side, one of the most critical points is the urgent need to expand Mexico’s energy infrastructure, both for natural gas and electricity. We need to stop politicizing this issue. We need to truly come together to move forward and achieve that energy justice.
Marcela reinforces the idea that energy is an issue that concerns all of society. The public must understand its impact and participate in the discussion, turning this concern into a priority. Her story is the perfect example of how female and multidisciplinary talent is leading the conversation on energy security in the region.
Marcela Gastélum’s journey reminds us that energy is not only measured in millions of cubic feet, but in the vision of those who, with resilience and preparation, transform technical challenges into social well-being. Her story is an invitation to lead with authenticity, reminding us that the future of the sector is built on talent, but above all, on purpose.
