Trusted Magazine: Q&A with Dr Carole Nakhle

Dr Nakhle: I was born when the civil war was raging in Lebanon, and I grew up in war-torn Beirut where I managed to pursue my education until I completed my bachelors’ degree (in Economics) – all under the French system. Then I wanted to explore a new venture, so I decided to go to the UK originally for one year to do a Masters’ degree in Finance. Little did I know how decisive that year was going to be for me. Instead of returning to Lebanon, I enrolled in a PhD programme in Energy Economics, self-funded by part-time teaching which gave me the greater benefit of improving my English and communication skills – a benefit which I continue to recoup even today. I also used the time to interact closely not only with the academic community and presenting papers at conferences, but also with the industry – which gave me great insights into the practical aspects of the energy sector. As soon as I completed my studies, I worked in academia for a few years and at the same time I was acting as Special Parliamentary Advisor on Energy and the Middle East in the House of Lords, which gave me a truly unique exposure to the world of policy making and politics. After that, I joined major energy companies, worked with international organisations such as the IMF and the Commonwealth Secretariat. Each of these experiences was an eye opener and equipped me for my next big, exciting adventure. In 2012, I decided to start my own business, and from a simple sketch on my kitchen table in London, Crystol Energy was established as an advisory, research and training company that services the diverse group of stakeholders in the global energy industry. Ten years later, we have built an internationally recognised brand name and have won twice Best Independent Energy Consultancy Firm in the UK (2018 and 2021).