Marlem Pullin serves as a Managing Director at WG Consulting, where she leads a team of professionals providing strategic counsel and customized solutions to clients. With over 25 years of experience as a results-focused financial executive, she has successfully led teams through change, integration, and process improvements while driving efficiency across organizations. Marlem has worked with public and private entities across diverse industries, including private equity, energy trading, nuclear energy, midstream and downstream energy, construction, and building services. Her expertise spans financial governance, regulatory compliance, management consulting, and operational leadership.
Her contributions have earned her prestigious awards, including the Georgia’s Latina Excellence Award, the YWCA Salute to Women of Achievement Award, the Multicultural Leadership Award from the Georgia Diversity Council, and the HABLA Award – Corporate Executive of the Year. Marlem is passionate about mentoring and creating opportunities for others, actively investing her time in initiatives that promote leadership, education, and community growth.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with CXO Outlook Magazine, Marlem shared her professional journey in finance, insights on the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, personal sources of inspiration, future plans, pearls of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Hi Marlem. What inspired you to pursue a career in finance?
I have always seen myself as more than just an accountant—I am someone who brings vision and strategy to financial operations. My transition to consulting allowed me to collaborate with different companies, helping them streamline processes, optimize their finances, and achieve their goals. I love what I do because it is not just about numbers; it is about making a real impact on businesses.
As the Managing Director of WG Consulting, what sets your team apart from other consulting firms, and how do you tailor your services to meet the unique needs of each client?
We care about our clients and listen carefully to their needs to tailor solutions that align with their goals. What sets our team apart is our strategic, hands-on approach—we do not just provide recommendations; we work alongside our clients to implement effective solutions. Our deep expertise in accounting, finance, and regulatory compliance, combined with a commitment to personalized service, ensures that each client receives a customized strategy that drives measurable results.
We take the time to understand the unique challenges of every business, adapting our methodologies to provide practical, efficient, and forward-thinking solutions. By building strong relationships and consistently delivering value, we become trusted advisors to our clients, guiding them through complex financial and operational decisions with confidence and clarity.
How do you see the role of women leaders evolving in the future, and what implications will this have for businesses and society?
The role of women leaders is evolving rapidly, with more women stepping into executive and decision-making positions across industries. As leadership continues to diversify, businesses will benefit from new perspectives, collaborative leadership styles, and a stronger focus on innovation, inclusion, and long-term sustainability.
Beyond driving change at the executive level, women leaders play a crucial role in creating pathways for the next generation. Through mentorship, advocacy, and sponsorship, they help break down barriers and provide emerging leaders with the guidance and opportunities needed to succeed. By fostering a culture of support and knowledge-sharing, businesses can build a more inclusive leadership pipeline, ensuring that future generations of women have the confidence, skills, and networks to rise to leadership positions. This shift will not only strengthen organizations but also drive broader societal progress by making leadership more accessible to all.
Can you share your perspective on the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, and how you have worked to promote these values throughout your career?
Creating an environment where individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered is key to building strong, high-performing teams. A workplace that brings together people with different backgrounds and perspectives fosters innovation and leads to better decision-making. When employees feel heard and appreciated, they are more engaged and motivated to go above and beyond.
Throughout my career, I have prioritized hiring the most qualified candidates based on their skills, experience, and ability to contribute to the team’s success. I believe in creating opportunities for talented professionals and ensuring everyone has the support and resources they need to excel. By fostering an inclusive and collaborative culture, we build stronger teams and drive better outcomes for the organization.
What does being recognized as one of the Top 50 Women Leaders in Houston mean to you, and how do you hope to use this platform to inspire and support other women leaders?
I am truly humbled to be recognized as one of the Top 50 Women Leaders in Houston. This honor reflects the hard work, resilience, and passion I have poured into my career, and I am incredibly grateful for the people who have supported and believed in me along the way, especially my family.
A special thank you to WG Consulting, my incredible team, and my amazing clients. Your trust and collaboration inspire me every day.
To the next generation of women: keep pushing boundaries, breaking barriers, and lifting each other up. I am here to support and empower others on their journey, just as I have been supported on mine. Let us continue to create opportunities, champion each other, and pave the way for future women leaders.
How do you stay current with industry trends and developments, and what resources do you rely on for ongoing education and professional development?
I believe in always being a student of the business—staying curious, continuously learning, and evolving with the industry. I make it a priority to read and stay current on trends, market developments, and regulatory changes. Attending conferences, educational webinars, and industry events allows me to gain insights from experts and expand my perspective.
I also seek out mentorship, networking opportunities, and professional communities to exchange ideas and challenge my thinking. Growth happens outside of our comfort zones, so I actively look for ways to push myself, take on new challenges, and explore areas beyond my expertise. By staying adaptable and open to learning, I ensure that I bring the most value to my clients and continue to evolve as a leader.
How do you keep your mind healthy and stay resilient? And how do you motivate your team?
I prioritize my mental and physical well-being by doing the things that bring me joy—traveling, going to the gym, and dancing Zumba, which keeps me energized and alive. Taking time off when I can to spend quality moments with my family is also essential. Staying connected with loved ones is part of who I am—I talk to my aunt almost every day because, as Latinos, family is everything.
I believe in leading by example, inspiring others through mentorship, active listening, and being a source of support. Giving back to the community is something I am passionate about, and I am proud that WG Consulting is deeply committed to making a positive impact.
To motivate my team, I create an environment where they feel valued, heard, and empowered to grow. Encouraging a culture of learning, celebrating wins, and supporting each other makes all the difference. Resilience comes from knowing we are part of something bigger—whether it is family, our team, or the community we serve.
Is there a particular person you are grateful for who helped get you to where you are?
I have so many people to thank for helping me get to where I am today. Throughout every stage of my journey, I have been fortunate to have mentors, colleagues, and friends who have supported and guided me.
My mom was instrumental from day one, always encouraging me to go to college and pursue a better life. We grew up with humble beginnings, but she instilled in me the drive to dream big and work hard. My family and friends that have been by my side through every challenge and success. My husband, Billy, has been my rock, always supporting me and holding down the fort while I travel for work and chase my ambitions.
I am also deeply grateful to my aunt, who has been like a second mom to me since my mother passed away. And of course, I want to thank WG Consulting for giving me the opportunity to help others, and my clients for their trust and partnership. It truly takes a village, and I would not be here without the love and encouragement of so many incredible people.
What do you hope to achieve in the next 5-10 years, and how do you plan to get there?
In the next 5-10 years, I want to continue delivering great work and adding value to our clients, strengthening the impact of WG Consulting. I would love to build our own book of businesses in the energy sector, expanding our reach and deepening our expertise in the industry. Growth, both professionally and personally, is important to me, and I plan to achieve this by continuing to learn, fostering strong relationships, and staying adaptable to new opportunities.
On a personal level, my greatest hope is to see our kids grow into kind, responsible, and honorable young men—good citizens who contribute positively to the world. I also want to travel more, experience different cultures, and truly enjoy life, embracing the moments that matter.
Achieving these goals will take hard work, dedication, and surrounding myself with the right people, but I believe in setting ambitious goals and taking intentional steps to make them happen. I am excited about what the future holds!
What advice would you give to aspiring women leaders looking to break into male-dominated industries?
My advice to aspiring women leaders is to be authentic and never change who you are to fit into a mold. Your unique perspective is your greatest strength. In male-dominated industries, it is crucial to be technically strong, but leadership goes beyond expertise—own your voice, speak up, and make your presence known.
Surround yourself with mentors and advocates who will support your growth but also pay it forward by uplifting other women along the way. Confidence comes from experience, so take on challenges, embrace learning opportunities, and do not be afraid to take risks. The path may not always be easy, but resilience, self-belief, and staying true to yourself will set you apart and pave the way for future generations of women leaders.