Sir Andrew Mackenzie, chair of Shell and a member of the Advisory Board of Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management (Tsinghua SEM), visited a Tsinghua SEM EMBA classroom to speak on the theme of "Actions Speak Louder than Words" on October 14, 2026.

Sir Andrew shared his reflections on turning vision into action in an uncertain world and engaged in discussions on the energy transition and corporate strategy with more than 130 students and alumni from Tsinghua SEM's EMBA, TIEMBA and Future Technology programs. The event was moderated by Xue Jian, Party secretary of Tsinghua SEM. Zhuang Li, director of the EMBA Education Center, and An Jing, associate director of the Center and Director of International Affairs, also attended.

In her opening remarks, Xue Jian welcomed Sir Andrew and the guests. She noted that the "Advisory Board Members in Dialogue with Tsinghua Students" series is a longstanding tradition of the school, offering students opportunities to learn from leading international business executives and scholars and benefit from global perspectives. Shell has long supported the school's development and students' career development, and has worked with the school to advance innovation and entrepreneurship in the energy sector. Sir Andrew has joined Tsinghua SEM classroom discussions for four consecutive years, sharing insights from business practice and exchanging views with faculty and students on the energy transition and technological innovation.

Sir Andrew Mackenzie delivers a lecture to Tsinghua students.

Sir Andrew reflected on the changes he has witnessed in China since his first visit to Beijing in 1999, and noted Tsinghua University's role in advancing technological innovation and turning development visions into reality. Referring to the term "Actions Speak Louder than Words," which is inscribed on Tsinghua's sundial, he observed that even amid uncertainty arising from geopolitics, technological advances and climate change, leaders must continue to make decisions, make investments and sustain action, while exercising judgment when certainty is unavailable.

Sir Andrew emphasized the importance of thorough preparation before risks materialize, so as to strengthen an organization's ability to respond to change. He cited China's efforts to diversify its energy supply and advance electrification as examples of how long-term investment can improve resilience to shocks. At Shell, a diversified business portfolio, a global presence and contingency planning help the company remain flexible, he said, adding that the company uses scenario analysis to explore different possible futures and inform long-term decisions. He stressed that scenarios are not predictions; rather, they help leadership teams prepare for a range of potential outcomes.

Turning to operational excellence, Sir Andrew stressed that sustained performance depends on everyday practices, systems and organizational culture. Organizations should encourage employees to identify problems, share what they learn and make continuous improvements on the front line, he said. At Shell's lubricants plant in Zhuhai, he noted, a team tested and piloted a system that captures heat and reuses it, replacing an existing diesel-fired steam system, improving energy efficiency and reducing costs - this bottom-up initiative illustrated how strategy can be translated into tangible results.

Sir Andrew explained that an abundance of information makes it increasingly important to distinguish short-term fluctuations from structural changes. Investment decisions in the energy industry often have implications lasting decades, he said, so leaders need to recognize significant trends without allowing temporary distractions to divert them from their course. Clear priorities, continuous capability building and long-term strategic consistency help organizations stay focused amid change, he added.

Drawing on his background in geology, Sir Andrew shared how he identifies patterns from incomplete evidence and revises assumptions when new facts emerge. He noted that complex challenges such as energy security, climate change and artificial intelligence lie at the intersections between disciplines, making it important to bring different approaches together to resolve problems. He encouraged students to remain curious, look beyond disciplinary boundaries, engage with people from different backgrounds and reassess their assumptions as circumstances evolve.

During the Q&A session, students asked how companies can balance long-term decarbonization goals with short-term profitability, distinguish strategic resolve from stubbornness and secure board support for long-term investments. Sir Andrew said companies should pay close attention to changes in customer needs, public policy and technology, review their strategies regularly, and communicate with boards and investors in terms of risk. He encouraged students to turn knowledge into judgment, judgment into action and action into lasting contributions, using their time at Tsinghua as a foundation for their future endeavors.

At the conclusion of the event, Xue Jian (left) and Zhuang Li presented Sir Andrew with a commemorative gift.

Participants pose for a group photo.

Source: EMBA Programs

Editor: Ren Zhongxi