Kokila Duraisamy Shah, a seasoned Pipeline Integrity Engineer and PMP®-certified professional, is featured in an exclusive interview on Women in Pipeline Business. She shares insights on the challenges she has faced in the industry, the importance of diversity and inclusivity, and valuable tips for the next generation of engineers. Don't miss her inspiring journey!

1. Can you describe your journey and key milestones in the pipeline industry, and what motivated you to specialize in pipeline integrity and cathodic protection?

After graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering, I was inspired by my father, an accomplished engineer who rose to vice chairman of a regulatory board. His dedication motivated me to pursue a career in core engineering disciplines, specifically steering away from software-related roles. I began my journey in the pipeline industry with a downstream gas distribution company, initially as a Cathodic Protection Engineer. This role immersed me in field activities and site visits, where I played a pivotal role in the installation and commissioning of pipeline projects. These experiences fuelled my passion for pipeline integrity and cathodic protection, solidifying my specialization in this critical area.

2.  What are the main barriers women face when entering and progressing in the pipeline industry, and how can companies create a more inclusive environment to attract and retain female talent?

When I first entered the pipeline industry, women faced significant barriers such as lack of dedicated facilities, and appropriate safety gear. However, positive changes have emerged since then. Organizations are creating inclusive environment and offering challenging roles to women. To further support female employees, it's crucial for companies to provide flexible work arrangements, acknowledging the multiple responsibilities women often manage; especially when they take on caregiver roles. 

3. How do you stay updated with the latest advancements and technologies in the pipeline sector, and what skills do you believe are essential for success in this industry?

To stay updated with the latest advancements and technologies in the pipeline sector, I regularly subscribe to technical newsletters and actively network at industry conferences. For women in the field, it’s crucial to proactively showcase your technical expertise and contributions. Making your work visible is essential for overcoming industry barriers and advancing in your career. Essential skills for success in this industry include staying informed about new technologies, effective networking, technical certifications and demonstrating your technical capabilities.

4. Can you share a challenging project you worked on and how you overcame the obstacles, particularly in the context of maintaining and improving pipeline safety and reliability?

One particularly challenging project I worked on involved the installation of internal electrical resistivity probes in natural gas pipelines. This was a pioneering effort, as it was the first time such technology was being implemented within a complex downstream network.

The main obstacle included navigating the technical intricacies of integrating the new probes into an existing infrastructure and ensuring minimal disruption to ongoing operations. To overcome these challenges, I conducted thorough research and collaborated closely with experts to develop a detailed implementation plan including extensive pre-installation testing and real-time monitoring during the installation process to address any issues promptly. 

By leveraging cross-functional collaboration and maintaining strong focus on safety protocols, we successfully completed the project, enhancing pipeline safety and reliability. This experience not only advanced my technical skills but also underscored the importance of innovation and meticulous planning in maintaining and improving pipeline systems.

5. What innovative technologies or methodologies are emerging to enhance pipeline integrity, and how can the industry address the issue of aging infrastructure to ensure safety and reliability?

Emerging technologies and methodologies are significantly advancing pipeline integrity. Digitalization is at the forefront, offering real-time data and enhanced monitoring capabilities. Predictive maintenance tools are increasingly being used to anticipate and address potential issues before they become critical. Additionally, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are playing a crucial role in performing detailed analyses and identifying patterns that might be missed by traditional methods.

To address the issue of aging infrastructure, the industry should adopt these innovative technologies to proactively manage and mitigate risks. By integrating digital tools and predictive analytics, we can improve the accuracy of inspections and the effectiveness of maintenance strategies. Embracing AI and ML can further enhance our ability to forecast potential failures and optimize maintenance schedules, ensuring both safety and reliability in pipeline operations.

6. What initiatives or programs have you found effective in supporting women in the pipeline industry, and how can mentorship and networking opportunities be improved for female professionals in this field?

I feel blessed to be a part of an organization that is truly at the helm when it comes to supporting women in the pipeline industry. Pipeline Infrastructure Limited (PIL) has launched various initiatives like “Veerangana” which was a 9-month long journey for grooming women leaders in topics like -Leading with emotional intelligence, how to overcome the superwoman syndrome, managing finances, Driving the culture of inclusion etc. PIL also has focussed group discussions on DEI with both men and women colleagues to understand and fill in gaps; so that women feel heard and supported. That said, corporates are really stepping up to support the changing needs. However, like Sheryl Sandberg quotes in Lean in “the most important career choice you will make is who you marry” we also need more men supporting the women in their personal lives reach their professional aspirations by supporting them wholeheartedly. 

To further enhance mentorship and networking opportunities for female professionals, the industry could benefit from structured programs including coaching & mentoring, women networking events; internal & external, and industry specific women association. Additionally, provide platforms and resources for women to connect with industry stalwarts and peers, share experiences, and collaborate on projects to enable their career growth.