As the chairman and CEO of ExxonMobil, an international oil and gas company, Darren Woods ’87 leads over 60,000 employees across countless countries and navigates some of the world’s toughest energy challenges. Before being the leader of one of the world’s biggest companies, he was a Texas A&M electrical engineering student with a passion for problem-solving and a deep appreciation for the Aggie spirit.
At a recent fireside chat hosted by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Texas A&M University, Woods shared a candid and inspiring look at his journey, leadership philosophy and his career navigating the complex future of energy, while reaffirming how his Aggie roots have shaped his approach to business and life.
Developing leaders
Woods joined ExxonMobil 33 years ago and thrived through 19 different roles and 11 moves around the world.
It’s part of a deliberate talent development strategy, Woods explained, which is why ExxonMobil gives its employees many responsibilities and sends them overseas early on in their careers.
“Everyone who walks in the door has the potential to be the next CEO,” Woods said. “And our job in the company is to help you reach that potential or whatever aspirations you have as an individual.”
Woods said that ExxonMobil operates as a meritocracy, where what you accomplish matters more than your background, degree, or alma mater. He credits his time at Texas A&M with shaping the skills he relies on in his role today, particularly the mindset he developed through his engineering education.
“Engineering teaches you how to think,” he said. “It’s hard, it requires discipline and problem-solving, and those qualities lend themselves well to what we do, so we like hiring engineers.”
Engineering teaches you how to think. It’s hard, it requires discipline and problem-solving, and those qualities lend themselves well to what we do, so we like hiring engineers.
Advice for Future Leaders
For students entering a fast-changing world, Woods emphasized the importance of self-awareness, intellectual curiosity and broad thinking.
“To thy own self be true,” Woods said. “You need to understand what motivates you and what you're passionate about. That clarity will help guide you when new opportunities arise.”
He shared how, as a young engineer, he made the mistake of focusing too narrowly on technical coursework.
“I was really angry with myself later for not taking a more holistic approach to my education,” he said. That realization led him to pursue a Master of Business Administration and expand his thinking.
Woods said he is still driven by seeing people in the field excited about their work, trying new things and solving challenging problems.
“That’s my favorite part of the job,” he said. “Seeing our people push the envelope and succeed.”
Aggie Spirit
Despite leading one of the largest U.S.-based oil and gas companies, Woods hasn’t forgotten his roots.
As an Aggie engineer, he learned how to persevere and lead. Today, he channels those lessons into shaping the future of energy and developing the next generation of talent, some of whom may come from the same classrooms he once sat in.
His message to students was clear: Find your passion, pursue it relentlessly and never underestimate where it can take you.
“Don’t chase the title or the money,” Woods said. “Chase what gives you satisfaction, and success will follow.”
Woods may run one of the world’s largest companies, but he’s still an Aggie at heart.