Dalia El Gabry, VP and country chair of Shell Egypt: Each week, My Morning Routine looks at how a successful member of the community starts their day, and then throws in a couple of random business questions just for fun. This week, we’re speaking with Dalia El Gabry (LinkedIn), VP and country chair of Shell Egypt.

I’m Dalia El Gabry, and I have the privilege of leading Shell Egypt as vice president and country chair. My journey in the energy sector spans over two decades, driven by a passion for sustainability and economic development. Every day, my focus is on strengthening Egypt’s energy sector, while pushing for social and economic progress. It’s a role that not only challenges me, but also allows me to create meaningful change for our partners, customers, and the communities we engage with.

In simple terms, I make sure Shell Egypt is running smoothly and playing a key role in shaping the future of energy in the country. Whether it’s aligning with Shell’s global vision for energy transition or working on local energy needs, my job involves balancing strategic planning with real-world impact. I collaborate with our teams and engage with stakeholders to ensure that we’re always moving forward, contributing to Egypt’s energy transition goals while delivering value for everyone involved.

Shell’s story in Egypt goes back more than 100 years, which is something I take great pride in. Our mission has always been to provide reliable and accessible energy, but it’s evolved to meet today’s challenges. We’re not just focusing on oil and gas anymore. We’re also investing heavily in cutting-edge renewable technologies to meet the growing demand for cleaner energy solutions, both globally and here in Egypt. Our goal is to help the country transition to a more sustainable future, while ensuring energy remains affordable and reliable for everyone.

I’m an early riser. After waking up, I make sure to kick-start my day with a small snack and a much-needed cup of coffee. I’ll do a quick check of my emails to get a sense of what the day looks like, and then I head to work. On my way to the office, I make the most of my time by reading EnterpriseAM Egypt — it has become a daily ritual for me to catch up on the latest news and updates before the day picks up speed.

My typical workday usually runs from 9am to 6pm, and it’s a mix of meetings, calls, and strategic discussions. I’m often moving from one thing to the next, so it’s always dynamic. Lately, my schedule also includes attending panels and after-work networking events, which is a refreshing change and helps me stay connected with others in the industry. It’s definitely busier than my previous routine, but I enjoy the variety it brings to my day.

The one thing I never compromise on is taking the first 15 minutes of my morning to map out the day ahead. It’s a small ritual that makes a big difference, giving me the clarity to focus on my tasks and handle any unexpected challenges that might come up. It’s my way of setting the tone for a productive day.

I rely heavily on my calendar and to-do list — they’re my daily guides. I check them religiously at both the start and end of the day to stay on top of things. That way, I’m always aware of what’s next and can adapt quickly if something changes. Staying focused comes down to being clear about my priorities and what needs my attention most.

Work-life balance is definitely a work in progress for me. I’ve gotten much better at achieving balance now compared to my earlier career years, especially in my 30s and 40s. But work-life balance is different for everyone. It took me some time to realize that prioritizing health, community, and wellness are just as important as work. Once I embraced that, things improved. That said, I still have to fight old habits.

I’m a fan of the simple things in life — like spending time with my family and watching TV. After a hectic day or week, there’s nothing better than settling down with some popcorn and a good movie. Those moments of unwinding at home really help me recharge.

I love older Arabic movies like Aelit Zizi and Eshaet Hob, along with feel-good classics like Mamma Mia and The Intern. I’m also always up for a good documentary. After a long day, there’s something comforting about revisiting those familiar favorites.

The best piece of advice I ever received came from my mentor when I worked with Shell in South Africa 15 years ago. Moira Bowie, who was my line manager, always reminded me that my integrity is my strongest asset and to stay true to myself. That advice stuck with me throughout my career. Knowing what your strengths and areas for improvement are helps a lot along the journey.

Tags: