BY GUS MORGAN

Iman Shahim never imagined that a simple act of support for a colleague would lead him to the pinnacle of marathon running: the prestigious Six Star Medal.

The Six Star Medal is presented to runners who complete the Six World Marathon Majors: Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York City. It’s a symbol of dedication, endurance and a significant milestone in the running community.

“I wasn’t always a runner,” said Iman, whose foray into running started innocently enough in 2018, prompted by a colleague’s severe ankle injury.

“He was an accomplished marathon runner, and his setback moved me to make a pledge: If he persevered through his surgeries and rehabilitation, I would dedicate myself to training and complete my first half marathon alongside him.”

To prepare and safely ease himself into race shape, Iman joined a local running club in Houston, where he found support and coaching.

Staying true to their promises, Iman and his colleague triumphantly completed the Cypress Half Marathon together in 2018. The experience proved transformative for Iman, introducing him to an endurance sport that pushed his physical and mental limits.

Building on this momentum, Iman went on to complete a few more half marathons before stepping up to conquer his first full marathon (The Houston Marathon), complete the Beijing and Sydney Marathons, and master the Six World Marathon Majors.

“It’s been an amazing journey," said Iman, reflecting on his accomplishments. 

Of the six World Marathon Majors, the Boston Marathon stands out as Iman’s favorite, a race he cherishes for its storied history and inspiring atmosphere. The marathon has become a symbol of resilience and community, especially following the 2013 Boston Marathon incident.

“It’s an incredibly moving experience. Along the course, there are people and runners affected by the 2013 incident who are still out there cheering for you. I stopped to show my appreciation for them, and we shared tears together.”

For Iman, witnessing such unwavering support and perseverance from individuals who have faced unimaginable challenges yet continue to inspire others serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit.

Acutely aware of the sacrifices it takes to complete an endurance race, Iman sticks around after completing a marathon, cheering on fellow participants as they cross the finish line.

He draws inspiration from the raw emotions and physical exertion, finding the courage on display profoundly moving. For Iman, these moments capture the marathon spirit, showcasing the determination and resilience of every runner. 

“All are signs of commitment,” says Iman, “it’s about people who are there willing to try. And most of the runners are there for a reason, be it raising money for a loved one, to memorialize a lost brother or sister … I’ve seen visually impaired people running with a guide, runners who can barely straighten their backs … but they are all out there trying. It’s incredible to witness these individuals cross the finish line. And it has completely transformed my perspective and understanding of human mental strength.”

Iman’s mantra of ‘Commitment, Discipline, Consistency (CDC)’ has been the cornerstone of his success.

“It has empowered me to complete the Six World Marathon Majors in just three years, accumulate over 3,000 miles of training and improve my marathon time by an impressive 1 hour and 30 minutes.”

Iman’s CDC mindset seamlessly aligns with the company’s Accountability + Performance culture, delivering a synergy that extends into his professional duties, where he manages digital integration projects.

Currently, Iman is co-leading a gas lift surveillance and optimization initiative with Global Production and in close partnership with the business units, aiming to improve efficiency and boost the company’s global production over the next decade.

“Whatever you’re looking to achieve, let commitment, discipline and consistency guide you.”

ABOUT IMAN

Job title: Manager of Production, Operations, and Development Digital Integration for ConocoPhillips’ Digital Program Office.

Professional experience: Has 27 years of experience in reservoir management and characterization; field development; and technology development. Throughout his career, Iman has held roles as a reservoir engineer and various leadership positions in subsurface and reservoir development across conventional and unconventional assets in five different countries: Norway, UK, USA, Australia and China.

Education: Earned a Bachelor of Science degree in petroleum engineering and a Master of Science degree in reservoir engineering from the University of Stavanger, Norway.

Helping children: “For the past 25 years, my wife and I have proudly sponsored children through Plan International Norway, supporting five children across the globe. It has been a privilege and an honor to be part of their lives and make a meaningful difference. Becoming a child sponsor, or "fadder," with Plan International Norway means providing essential resources such as education, healthcare, clean water and nutrition, significantly enhancing the quality of life for children and their communities. The sponsorship program emphasizes children's rights and gender equality, striving to ensure that all children, especially girls, have equal opportunities to succeed.”