Her early fascination with ‘black gold’ has taken Fargana Exton from the oil fields of Balakhani, her birthplace in Azerbaijan, to working in the digital field in London, via a lengthy period in Australia. Recruited early as a geoscientist for SLB, she has managed career and family life while also mentoring and advocating for women.
Upbringing in Soviet occupation
I was born and raised in Balakhani, a small but historically significant district situated about 15 km from Baku. It is home to the legendary ‘nodding donkeys’ scene from a James Bond movie and is still pumping oil. My curiosity about the seemingly magical appearance of ‘black gold’ from the earth began early and never faded.
During my childhood, Azerbaijan was still part of the Soviet Union. After the USSR collapsed in 1992, many families, including mine, faced an abrupt disruption. Government jobs disappeared, and my parents, whose careers were in food and construction, had to adapt to new realities. Despite the changes, I did well in school, and my parents encouraged me to pursue a career, ideally as a teacher, a path they considered secure and respectable.
University in Baku
I initially tried to follow their guidance, enrolling at university to study language and literature, but lasted only three months. My heart was drawn elsewhere - to the science behind oil, how it rose to the surface and how much could be hidden below. Inspired in part by my uncles, both geoscientists, I redirected my studies towards maths and physics, subjects that felt both challenging and invigorating. This journey led me to Baku State University, where I delved into geophysics and seismology.
Recruited by SLB
During my final year, Schlumberger, now SLB, recruiters visited my university seeking dynamic field engineers. It was a perfect opportunity to connect my fascination with oil to practical experience and, hopefully, have a boundaryless career abroad. Teaching offered a safety net, and I even lectured part-time in geophysics, but the lure of fieldwork proved too strong. There was one catch: my English was not fluent, as I had studied French at school.
Attending a two-month SLB training course in Abu Dhabi, I learnt how much I would have to adapt. It was there that I met my future husband, whose Australian accent initially muddled my English even further, although I now occasionally speak with an Aussie twang after nearly two decades together.
First job in Azerbaijan
In 2008, my first role with SLB was on an onshore drilling rig, 200 km away from Baku. The global downturn in oil and gas in 2009 dashed my hopes of working offshore - a dream I still quietly nurture.
Move to Australia
Maintaining a long-distance relationship, with my then-boyfriend working in Egypt and later returning to Australia, was challenging. By 2010, I had relocated to Perth, Western Australia, to be with him and build a career as a borehole geophysicist. We married in a charming country ceremony south of Perth. Australia felt like home: warm people and sunny days for eight months of the year. Even cricket, a sport I never expected to enjoy, became an unlikely passion of mine. Living there allowed me to thrive, both professionally and personally, and to contribute to the vibrant Australian industry.
Present job and living in the UK
After 13 years in Australia working in various capacities, I joined SLB’s London headquarters to focus on digital and AI transformation. My husband moved on from SLB to join a UK engineering consultancy. Aside from fewer barbecues and more expensive Ashes Test cricket tickets, everything felt familiar, while European travel opportunities on our doorstep made life culturally enriching. Our children flourished too.
Value of digital
Witnessing the impact of the digital revolution on industry reinforced my belief in technology as a tool for progress, when applied ethically. Automation and AI have transformed workflows. Sometimes, I wish technology had advanced sooner. I spent long hours manually interpreting seismic data, time that could have been better spent exploring innovative opportunities.
Volunteer work in industry
Today, I dedicate part of my time to mentorship. I have volunteered for the EAGE Young Professionals programme in the WEG community since 2019 and serve as an SLB mentor through WISE, Women Inspiring Supportive Empowering. My next ambition is to present at the Women’s Global Leadership Conference.
Leisure time
Balancing life’s demands, I stay active with Pilates and regular workouts, travel widely with my family, and relish adventures with my friends, whether hiking, exploring museums or unwinding in nature.
