This month, Fuel Oil News speaks with Claire Foster, Biofuels Originator at Mabanaft, to discover how Claire spends a typical day..
Claire explained a little about her background: “I’m originally from Houston, Texas. I started working in renewables about five years ago. I spent time in business development and origination efforts at Philips 66 before moving to a renewable infrastructure firm. About a year ago, I joined Mabanaft, and it’s been great, I love living in London!”
MY MORNING ROUTINE…
I’m usually up between 5:30-6:00am. I’ve always been an early riser. Since a lot of my team is based in Germany, starting early helps me stay in sync with them.
First thing, I will check my phone for emails and the weather, and if I’ve been organised enough to book a workout, I try to squeeze one in. It makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something before the workday starts.
I CAN’T LEAVE THE HOUSE WITHOUT…
My phone, without a doubt. I actually carry two – one for work and one personal. I’ve definitely turned around mid-commute to go back and grab it before!
My AirPods are also a must – I love listening to music or a good podcast on my way to work.
I go through phases with podcasts, but one I always come back to is Normal Gossip. It’s just everyday people submitting wild, anonymous stories, and a journalist re-tells them to a guest – it’s hilarious and a great way to unwind.
MY TYPICAL DAY…
No two days are ever the same! I start by catching up on market reports to keep an eye on trends, legislative updates, and competitor activity.
My job involves a lot of efforts around HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil). I support our sales teams with renewable fuels, help build internal knowledge on HVO and other materials, explore potential new markets, and (try to) stay informed of legislative trends or changes.
I also work with our Power, Gas, and Emissions team on carbon offset fuel and emissions tracking customer offerings, as well as managing lighthouse projects like our partnership with Lechner Racing on ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) topics.
A big part of my day involves working with different teams – sales, trading, logistics, aviation, sustainability – to make sure we’re aligned. A lot of my role is about balancing immediate priorities with the bigger picture.
MY MOST MEMORABLE WORK MOMENTS…
Our partnership with Lechner Racing has been a big highlight. In January, I visited their HQ in Austria with our SVP Sales & Marketing and CEO, where we saw their operations up close, discussed carbon abatement efforts, and mapped out future ESG goals. Seeing the real-world impact of our work was amazing.
THE HARDEST PART OF THE JOB…
Managing my time effectively. Because I work across different teams and markets, it’s easy to get pulled in a lot of directions. I’m always trying to make sure I prioritise what will have the biggest impact.
I RELAX AFTER WORK BY…
On my commute home, I’ll put on some music or a podcast. Once I’m back, I try to do something small to mark the end of the workday – whether that’s cooking a nice meal, having a social engagement or going for a short walk.
Although I like the flexibility of hybrid work, I tend to prefer coming into the office – having that physical separation makes it easier for me to switch off at the end of the day.
MY FAVOURITE MEAL…
Um, oh…that is tough! I am a big foodie. I have more cookbooks than any other form of books! I have five just dedicated to wine.
If I had to cook breakfast, lunch or dinner from one cookbook then it might well be from my Parisian picnic cookbook – though their idea of a ‘picnic’ is more like a five-course meal, so perhaps not realistic!
I’d probably most likely cook something from my veggie cookbook. That one has the most sticky notes in it. When I was trying out a plant-based diet a few years back, it made everything taste so good that I didn’t even miss the meat.
ON MY BEDSIDE TABLE IS…
A cup of tea or water, my five-minute journal, and whatever book I’m currently reading.
I also have a small compass from a childhood visit to the Old Royal Naval College with my dad – it’s a keepsake that’s stayed with me over the years.
THE LAST THING I DO EACH DAY IS…
I write in my five-minute journal to reflect on the day – what went well, what I learned – before setting my alarm. It helps me stay grounded and keep perspective.
If there’s time, I’ll read a few pages of my book to unwind, which is a nice way to signal the end of the day.
I’M NORMALLY IN BED BY…
I try to be in bed between 9:30-10:00pm, and asleep before 10:30pm, but I don’t always succeed. I was good about it last night, but if a show I love drops multiple episodes, I can’t just watch one. I mean, that’s practically a waste of a subscription, right?
But if I don’t stick to my routine, I get cranky, so I do my best!
Images supplied by Claire Foster, Mabanaft
