TLT: How did you step into the lubricants industry?
Soysal: I began my career in the lubricants industry by working as a sales representative at two well-established manufacturing companies for a total of 12 years. During this time, I gained extensive knowledge and valuable field experience which I later transitioned into consultancy services. Subsequently, I took the first step in my entrepreneurial journey by founding my own trading business in a modest 20-square-meter office, continuing my path in the sector as a trader. This marked the beginning of my venture into entrepreneurship.

TLT: How do you see the importance of research and development (R&D) for a lubricant blender?
Soysal: R&D plays a critical role in enabling a lubricant manufacturer to create a competitive advantage and secure a sustainable position in the market. As the saying goes, one cannot cook a meal without entering the kitchen. Therefore, the first step in delivering a high-quality and innovative product lies in establishing a robust R&D infrastructure. Investments in this area not only drive technical advancement but also directly support the company’s growth journey in alignment with its globalization strategies.

TLT: Which synthetic lubricant is your favorite one and why?
Soysal: My clear preference is for biobased ester formulations. These types of synthetic lubricants offer significant advantages in terms of environmental sustainability. Their ability to deliver high performance without contributing to waste or pollution makes them a forward-looking and responsible choice. As the industry increasingly shifts toward environmentally friendly solutions, the importance of such formulations continues to grow.

TLT: What has been your most rewarding accomplishment throughout your career in the lubricants industry?
Soysal: One of the most rewarding achievements of my career has been securing a position among the top three companies in Türkiye’s industrial lubricants sector in terms of sales volume, while also establishing a respected and internationally recognized brand. These accomplishments were made possible not only through strong sales performance but also through strategic governance, effective teamwork and the trust we built with our customers.

TLT: What is the No. 1 piece of advice you would give to a person who might be interested in starting a career in the lubricants industry?
Soysal: For those aiming to build a long-term and solid career in this industry, my most important piece of advice is to prioritize reliability. While technical expertise, sales skills and product knowledge are undoubtedly important, the cornerstone of a sustainable career lies in the ability to build trust-based relationships. Standing behind your word, adhering to ethical values and demonstrating consistency are indispensable elements of a successful professional journey.

TLT: What is the one thing you wish you would have learned earlier in your career?
Soysal: In the earlier stages of my career, I truly wish I had possessed advanced English-speaking skills. This ability is critical for establishing more effective communication in international markets, fostering global collaborations with greater ease and closely following worldwide developments in industry. Looking back, it is clear to me that acquiring this competency earlier would have significantly enriched my professional journey.

You can reach Unal Soysal at unal.soysal@petroyag.com.