Kwashie Senam Zilevu did not plan to work in the oil and gas industry. He set out to solve problems.
Today, he is Chief Technology Officer at Mizan Energy, where he leads digital transformation efforts at a global energy company. His journey from software developer to technology manager reflects a consistent focus on systems, discipline and long-term thinking.
This spotlight explores how Kwashie built his career, how he approaches leadership, and why his work sits at the intersection of technology and modern energy.
Early life and interest in technology
Kwashie grew up in Alexandria, Virginia. From a young age he showed a natural interest in how things work.
“I was always curious,” he says. “I enjoyed taking systems apart, understanding the logic and figuring out how to make them better.”
This curiosity went beyond computers. He played soccer and learned the value of teamwork at an early age. He also grew up in a family that valued education and technical excellence. His sibling Setor Zilevu later became a recognized expert in artificial intelligence.
Seeing this path up close shaped Kwashie’s way of thinking.
“It made technology feel real,” he explains. “It wasn’t abstract. It was something you could build a life around.”
Educated at Virginia Tech
Kwashie attended Virginia Tech and graduated in 2008. The experience sharpened both his technical skills and his work ethic.
“Virginia Tech taught me how to think under pressure,” he says. “You quickly learn that clean code and clear logic are important.”
During this time, he focused on building a strong foundation rather than chasing trends. He spent hours refining fundamentals and learning how large systems interact.
This focus would later become a central part of his leadership style.
From software developer to technology leader
After college, Kwashie began his career as a software developer. He worked close to the code and close to real operational problems.
“I wanted to understand the ground level,” he says. “You can’t manage engineers if you’ve never sat where they sit.”
As his responsibility increased, so did his scope for action. He moved from writing code to designing systems. From solving isolated problems to thinking about scope, risk and reliability.
This development eventually led him to Mizan Energy.
Driving digital transformation at Mizan Energy
As CTO of Mizan Energy, Kwashie now focuses on using technology to support complex energy operations. His work focuses on efficiency, data integrity and long-term system stability.
“Energy is physical,” he says. “But the decisions behind it are digital.”
He views technology as an operational backbone rather than a side project. Systems must be stable. Data must be trustworthy. Tools must support people and not slow them down.
“My job is to make technology invisible when it works,” he explains. “If teams can concentrate on operations, then the systems do their job.”
Leadership philosophy in high-stakes industries
Kwashie’s leadership style is calm and methodical. For him, clarity is more important than speed and structure more important than noise.
“Good leadership is all about consistency,” he says. “People need to know what to expect from you.”
He believes that credibility is gained through decisions, not titles. This belief stems from his early years as an engineer.
“Engineers respect leaders who understand their work,” he adds. “You don’t have to know everything. But you have to know enough.”
In an important industry like energy, this attitude is important.
Life outside the office
Outside of work, Kwashie enjoys flying private planes, traveling, and reading. Aviation in particular reflects his personality.
“Flying teaches discipline,” he says. “They plan carefully. They respect systems. They remain humble.”
He still plays football and appreciates the balance it brings.
“Sport reminds you that progress is gradual,” he explains. “You train. You improve. You stay patient.”
Values and philanthropy
Kwashie remains committed to giving back through regular church donations. For him, success comes with responsibility.
“It’s important to stay grounded,” he says. “Giving keeps the perspective clear.”
This grounding influences how he leads and how he measures success.
Looking into the future in energy and technology
Kwashie doesn’t base his work on hype. He values longevity.
“Trends come and go,” he says. “Strong systems last.”
As energy companies continue to rely on data, automation and digital infrastructure, leaders like Kwashie play a critical role. His career shows how technical expertise, consistent leadership and long-term thinking can shape complex industries.
“I’m still learning,” he says. “That’s the job.”
And for Kwashie Senam Zilevu, this attitude made all the difference.
