Energy Sector Heroes ~ Careers in Oil & Gas, Sustainability & Renewable Energy

If you work in energy whether you're early in your career, considering working overseas, or thinking about where the sector is heading this conversation matters to you.Many of us started in oil and gas, new builds, commissioning, or brownfield projects. Now the landscape is shifting. Decommissioning is accelerating globally. Sustainability expectations are rising. International mobility is more complex. And younger engineers are asking different questions about purpose and long term opportunity.In this episode, I speak with Francis Norman, CEO and Managing Director of the Centre of Decommissioning Australia (CODA). We explore how he moved from traditional engineering into decommissioning, why this space is far more technically complex than many realise, and what advice he would give to engineers starting out today.We also talk honestly about working abroad, building confidence early in your career, and why flexibility may be the most valuable skill you can develop in the energy sector.🔎 What We CoverWhy decommissioning should be viewed as its own industry not just the “end of life” phaseThe technical complexity behind plugging wells, removing platforms, and dismantling offshore infrastructureWhy unknowns and incomplete documentation are part of the engineering challengeThe long term global outlook for decommissioning careersThe realities of working abroad including the self doubt and growth that come with itWhy energy careers in the future will demand flexibility across hydrocarbons, renewables, and carbon capture🎯 Three Key Takeaways🔹 Decommissioning is technically demanding and long termThis is not a short cycle phase. It will span decades globally and requires deep engineering judgement under uncertainty.🔹 Early career engineers should prioritise learning over positioningYour first 4–5 years are about mastering fundamentals, not chasing titles.🔹 International experience accelerates maturityWorking abroad forces decision making, builds resilience, and expands perspective in ways office based roles rarely do.🛠️ Three Actionable Takeaways✅ If you are in new build or brownfield ask to shadow a decommissioning scope.Exposure builds optionality. Even one project gives you transferable experience.✅ In your first five years, say “yes” more often than “no.”Secondments, site work, overseas assignments these experiences compound over time.✅ Broaden your definition of “energy.”Oil, gas, offshore wind, carbon capture, decommissioning, hydrogen your core engineering skillset can transfer across all of them.The energy sector is changing, but the need for skilled engineers is not disappearing. The engineers who thrive will be those who stay curious, technically grounded, and adaptable.

If you are building a career in energy — whether you’re a graduate, mid career professional, or senior leader — this conversation matters.The sector is evolving fast. Expectations around safety, sustainability, leadership and reputation have shifted dramatically. The pace of change is increasing. And for many of you listening, the question is no longer just “How do I succeed?” but “How do I build something meaningful and transferable?”In this episode, I speak with Jamie Young, former Risk Director at BP, who shares reflections from a 40 year career across oil & gas and mining.Jamie started as an apprentice in the North Sea and went on to lead global risk methodologies supporting executive leadership. Along the way, he experienced near fatal incidents, witnessed major industry disasters, and helped shape strategic responses to events that changed the sector permanently.We talk about what has genuinely improved in energy — particularly around safety culture and systems thinking — but also about the new challenges facing the industry: instability, cyclical restructures, technology disruption, and the importance of personal reputation.This is a grounded discussion about purpose, risk, leadership and how to show up well in a high stakes sector.💡 Three Key Takeaways🔹 Purpose isn’t abstract — it’s built from what you care aboutJamie’s sense of purpose didn’t appear overnight. It emerged from lived experience — from seeing what goes wrong and deciding to contribute to preventing it. Purpose is often found at the intersection of what affects you deeply and where you can add distinctive value.🔹 The industry is safer — but less stableOil and gas has made major strides in process safety, systems thinking, and operating discipline. However, career stability is no longer guaranteed. Reorganisations, volatility and existential pressures mean professionals must think long term and transferable.🔹 Reputation now matters more than everDoing good work is essential — but it must also be visible. In a cyclical industry, how you are perceived, how you collaborate, and what you are known for can influence opportunities and resilience.🎯 Three Actionable Takeaways📝 Define what you want to be known forWrite down three words that describe the professional you want to be. Align your behaviour and decisions to those words. Review them annually.🗣 Practise a 90 second professional summaryBe able to clearly and succinctly explain who you are, what you stand for, and the value you bring. This is essential for interviews, networking, and internal visibility.🌍 Build a network before you need oneAttend events, connect on LinkedIn, follow up with short conversations. Relationships built early provide optionality later — especially in a cyclical sector.

If you're a student, graduate, engineer, geoscientist, or industry professional trying to make sense of where energy is heading this conversation matters.Many of you are navigating career uncertainty, hearing mixed messages about oil and gas, renewables, AI, fracking, net zero and policy shifts. It can feel difficult to understand where real opportunity sits and what skills will still matter in 10 or 20 years.In this episode, I sit down with subsurface and exploration manager Mike Cooper to talk openly about how the industry has changed since the 1980s, what’s happening globally across oil, gas and renewables, and what this means for the next generation entering energy.We explore:🌍 How global geology connects basins from the North Sea to Brazil and West Africa🤖 Where AI can genuinely help and where it still needs human judgement🏗️ Why energy policy directly affects jobs, industry and competitiveness🎓 What young professionals should be doing right now to build resilienceMike also shares lessons from building and winding up companies, mentoring graduates, and creating niche industry content through his YouTube channel. There’s a strong thread throughout this conversation: experience, judgement and specialist expertise still matter even in a more automated world.🔑 Three Key Takeaways1️⃣ Energy transition doesn’t eliminate legacy industries it reshapes themOil and gas are unlikely to disappear overnight. Even as renewables expand, fossil fuels still form a large part of global energy supply. The real shift is in how efficiently and responsibly energy is produced.Actionable takeaway:👉 If you’re entering energy, build dual literacy. Understand both conventional energy systems and transition technologies like CCUS, geothermal or offshore wind. Being cross sector fluent increases your employability.2️⃣ AI is powerful but expertise is the filterAI can draft, summarise and model at speed. But it still blends data incorrectly, mislabels basins, or merges unrelated fields. Human oversight remains critical, especially in subsurface interpretation and engineering decisions.Actionable takeaway:👉 Learn to use AI as a productivity tool, not a replacement for technical understanding. Develop deep domain knowledge so you can sense check outputs and spot errors quickly.3️⃣ Early experience matters more than perfect rolesMike shared how graduates who were willing to start small, take risk and gain exposure ended up highly employable years later. The classroom and the workplace are very different environments.Actionable takeaway:👉 Prioritise proximity to real projects over title or salary in your first few years. Exposure to live data, operations, and decision making environments compounds long term value.This episode isn’t about hype. It’s about realism where opportunity exists, where risk sits, and how young professionals can navigate a sector that is evolving technically, politically and economically.If you're building your career in energy right now, this is one to listen to with a notebook beside you. ✍️

In this week’s episode, host Michelle Fraser sits down with Adekunle Akintayo for an honest and inspiring conversation about career growth, leadership, and the power of mentorship.Adekunle shares his journey from starting out as a mechanical engineer to becoming Head of Technical Services within a global organisation. Along the way, he reflects on the pivotal decisions, challenges, and turning points that shaped his career and the mentors who helped guide him through them.Together, Michelle and Adekunle explore what effective mentorship really looks like, how to find the right mentor, and why having the right guidance at the right time can be career defining. Adekunle offers practical insights drawn from real experience, highlighting lessons that are just as relevant for early career professionals as they are for those stepping into leadership roles.If you’re navigating your own career path, considering your next move, or wondering how mentorship could accelerate your growth, this episode offers thoughtful perspective, reassurance, and inspiration.Settle in for a compelling conversation on leadership, learning, and the mentors who make the difference.

If you’re early in your career or you’ve moved faster than you expected into responsibility this episode is for you. Many people in the energy sector worry about whether they’re “ready enough”, whether they’ve moved too quickly, or whether choosing a smaller company might limit future options. These questions matter because the early decisions you make often shape confidence, capability, and long term direction more than job titles ever will.In this episode of Energy Sector Heroes, I’m joined by Cameron Thorp, Engineering Manager at Subsea Pressure Controls. Cameron shares what it’s really like stepping into a senior role at a young age, managing people with more experience than you, and building credibility without decades on your CV. We talk honestly about imposter syndrome, chartership, mentoring, interviews, and why being proactive often matters more than ticking every requirement box.This is a grounded conversation about learning by doing, making deliberate career moves, and backing yourself even when it feels uncomfortable.Key Takeaways You Can Act On🔧 Choose environments that stretch you, not just impress on paper Smaller companies can offer broader responsibility, faster learning, and earlier exposure to decision making. If you want range and ownership early on, look at where you’ll actually get hands on experience.🧭 Use structure to offset limited experience Chartership, mentoring, and clear development goals help build credibility when you don’t yet have years behind you. Seek external support if your company doesn’t offer it professional institutions can fill that gap.📞 Don’t self reject before a conversation If a role looks interesting but you don’t meet every requirement, pick up the phone. An informal conversation can change how a role is scoped and how you’re assessed before your CV is even reviewed.

In this episode, host Michelle Fraser sits down with Pravesh Jalora, Project Engineering Manager at McDermott International, for an insightful conversation on what it really takes to deliver large scale energy projects.Pravesh shares his career journey into the energy sector, reflecting on the pivotal experiences that shaped his path and the realities of working on multi billion dollar programmes. Drawing from first hand project experience, he offers practical insights into managing complexity, navigating risk, and leading teams through high pressure environments.From avoiding common project pitfalls to driving delivery in challenging conditions, Pravesh breaks down the lessons that matter most lessons you won’t find in textbooks. His perspective provides a rare look behind the scenes of major project execution and the leadership mindset required to succeed.Whether you’re early in your career or already working in project delivery, this episode is packed with real world advice, honest reflections, and valuable takeaways from someone who’s lived it. Expect an engaging, no nonsense conversation on leadership, resilience, and delivering at scale in the energy sector.

If you work in energy, whether you’re early in your career, mid transition, or trying to future proof decades of hard won experience, the questions feel very real right now. Where are the jobs actually going? Which skills still matter? And how do you avoid being left in the gap between policy ambition and real employment?In this episode, I’m joined by Michael Love, Director of Policy at OPITO, to talk honestly about what’s happening beneath the headlines. We get into the realities of workforce movement, why so many skilled people are heading overseas, and what “transferable skills” actually mean in practice not as a slogan, but as a pathway.We also talk about graduates, apprenticeships, AI, and why the energy sector still needs people who can think, communicate, and manage complexity not just code or automate. This conversation matters because decisions made now by individuals, companies, and government will shape who stays, who leaves, and who gets left behind.🔍 Key Takeaways You Can Act On⚡ How oil & gas skills realistically translate into renewables, hydrogen, and CCS 🧭 Why waiting for a “clear transition” is risky and how to protect your career now 📊 Which skills will matter most as AI reshapes energy roles

If you work in the energy sector, your career will not be shaped by job boards alone. Progres opportunity and visibility often come down to relationships, who knows you, how well they know you, and whether they trust you enough to speak your name when you’re not in the room. That’s why this conversation matters.In this episode of Energy Sector Heroes, I’m joined by Andy Lopata, author of multiple books on professional relationships and mentoring, to unpack what building a strong network actually looks like in practice, especially for people who find networking uncomfortable, intimidating or performative.We talk openly about why asking for help feels hard, how to approach senior leaders without feeling out of place, and why many careers stall not because of lack of capability, but because people don’t invest enough in relationship depth. We also explore practical ways to engage on platforms like LinkedIn without feeling transactional, and how to show up in conversations with confidence, whether that’s one to one or in front of a room full of people.This is a practical conversation about career momentum, not self promotion.🔑 Key Takeaways💬 Networking works best when it’s not about “networking”Andy explains why focusing on people you genuinely want to know rather than what they can do for you leads to stronger, longer term professional relationships.🤝 Asking for help is not weaknessWe unpack why most people hesitate to ask, how to frame requests from a position of confidence, and why allowing others to help you actually strengthens relationships.👀 Senior leaders are not as unapproachable as you thinkThe episode breaks down how to start conversations with experienced professionals in a way that feels respectful, natural and grounded without trying to impress or perform.✅ Actionable Takeaways📝 Audit your current networkIdentify who already knows your work well enough to support you and who you need to deepen relationships with through follow up and consistent engagement.📩 Make your outreach about them, not youWhen messaging someone, lead with curiosity: ask what they’re working on, reference something they’ve shared, or acknowledge a conversation you’ve already had.🎯 Practice asking for specific helpReplace vague requests with clear ones for example, asking for an introduction or advice on a defined decision and be comfortable with a “no.”

Welcome back to the podcast. In this episode, I’m joined by David Rodger, CEO of Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group, for a practical conversation about leadership, career transitions, and the evolution of the energy sector in the North East of Scotland.David talks openly about his career path from his early work as a civil servant through to leading one of the region’s most influential renewable energy organisations. We explore the decisions, trade offs, and moments that shaped his trajectory, as well as what it really takes to build momentum in a sector that is constantly changing.Together, we discuss the challenges of driving collaboration across industry, government, and supply chains, the realities behind major renewable projects, and how regional capability has developed over time. David also reflects on the role leadership plays in creating long term value not just for projects, but for people and communities.This episode is a grounded look at how careers evolve, how energy transitions actually happen on the ground, and what it means to lead with clarity and intent in a complex industry.

If you work in energy, heavy industry, construction, engineering, or policy, or you’re trying to understand where credible long term work will come from in the UK, this episode matters. Carbon capture often gets talked about in abstract terms, but behind it are real projects, real jobs, and real decisions being made right now that will shape industrial careers for decades.In this episode, I’m joined by Olivia Powis, CEO of the Carbon Capture and Storage Association, to talk about what carbon capture actually looks like on the ground: how the industry is being built, where the projects are, what skills are needed, and why timing matters for people considering their next move.We discuss how carbon capture links decarbonisation with job protection, why the UK is well positioned to lead if it moves quickly enough, and what this means for graduates, mid career professionals, and those transitioning from oil and gas, construction, or heavy industry.Key takeaways⚙️ Carbon capture is no longer theoretical Multiple UK projects have reached final investment decision, with more than 100 in the pipeline. This is now an execution challenge, not a technology debate.🧭 Skills transfer is central not optional Subsurface, drilling, pipelines, construction, operations, project management, and regulation skills all carry across. Large-scale retraining isn’t the barrier many people assume it is.🏗️ Timing and policy certainty affect careers Delays don’t just slow projects they risk losing experienced people overseas. Aligning project timelines with workforce transitions is critical.Three actionable takeaways🔍 Map yourself to the value chain Identify whether your skills fit capture, transport, storage, construction, or programme delivery then target companies active in that specific segment.📍 Follow projects, not headlines Look at cluster locations, confirmed projects, and developer pipelines rather than general “net zero” announcements when planning career moves.🧠 Stay close to the industry conversation Attend CCUS webinars, industry briefings, and technical events to understand where work will materialise and when.

How do you build credibility and progress into leadership roles in the energy sector? In this episode, I talk with Syarifah Aliza Syed Azauddin, Vice President of Corporate Governance & Sustainability Reporting, about how careers evolve, how to speak up with confidence, and why continuous learning matters at every stage.We discuss the realities of advancing as a woman in the industry, the importance of trust and delivery, and why energy transition strategies must be shaped by local context not a single global narrative.In this episode:• Building trust through consistent delivery and communication• Approaching interviews and leadership conversations with confidence• Why sustainability priorities look different across regions• Developing a broad skill set beyond your core disciplineIf you're growing your career in energy or aiming for leadership in sustainability and governance, this conversation offers a practical view of what it takes to move forward.

How can better water management reshape the future of energy? In this episode, I talk with Steven Coffey, Director of International Business Development for Produced Water Solutions and President of the Produced Water Society, to explore the role of water in both traditional and emerging energy systems.Steven explains why produced water should be viewed as a usable resource rather than a waste stream and how that shift can support sustainability, reduce environmental impact, and even create new business opportunities. We also discuss the reality of balancing multiple responsibilities in the sector and the importance of collaboration across energy industries.In this episode:• Treating produced water as a resource — not a disposal issue• How better water practices can open new markets and improve sustainability• Practical approaches to managing workload and leadership responsibilities• Why “energy expansion” may be a more productive direction than “energy transition”If you’re interested in where operational efficiency meets environmental responsibility, this conversation offers a clear look at how water connects the entire energy system.

🌍 Are you ready to navigate the future of energy? Join us on this week's episode of the Energy Sector Heroes podcast, featuring Barry Jones, Offshore Installation Manager at Ørsted, with over 30 years of experience spanning oil, gas, renewables, and submarine telecommunications. Together, we explore the real challenges and opportunities in the global shift toward greener energy.🎧 What’s in it for you?Understand the global push for renewables and why collaboration with traditional oil and gas sectors matters now more than ever.Learn from cultural challenges faced while working in diverse regions, from Taiwan to Europe, and discover why local context can make or break energy projects.Actionable tips for young professionals: Master communication skills to make your voice heard, innovate within your role, and drive meaningful change in the industry.Tune in for a grounded conversation packed with practical insights and real-world lessons for today’s energy sector professionals.

🚀 Ever wondered what it takes to innovate in the high stakes world of energy technology? This week on the Energy Sector Heroes podcast, we’re joined by Calvin Holt, CEO and cofounder of Drawdocks, as he opens up about his journey through startup failures and breakthroughs in the energy industry. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned pro, Calvin’s candid stories and actionable strategies offer a blueprint for building resilient businesses in a complex field.🎙️ In this episode, you’ll discover:💡 How to turn failure into fuel for building successful businesses.🏗️ The importance of rapid testing and iteration in tech development.🤝 Why relationships and transparency are the bedrock of success in the energy sector.🌐 Join us for a grounded conversation packed with practical tips on innovation, leadership, and perseverance.

💡 Want to thrive in the ever-changing energy industry? This week, I’m joined by Richard Chuchla, a veteran of Exxon and former university professor, as we explore the journey of navigating multiple sectors, from mining to oil and gas, and even into academia. Richard shares practical insights on building a career that thrives on adaptability, mentorship, and balancing creativity with the demands of large organizations.🎙️ In this episode, you’ll learn:🌟 Why mentorship is critical and how to find and leverage great mentors in your career.🔀 The power of career flexibility—embracing new paths and learning from change.💡 How to foster creativity even within rigid organizational structures.🔗 Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on career growth, industry challenges, and making your mark in energy.

How do you build a long and adaptable career in the energy sector? In this episode, I speak with Rene Jonk, Director at ACT Geo, who brings more than 25 years of experience in geoscience, international project work, and leadership across the industry.Rene shares practical advice on career direction, leadership without micromanagement, and developing the relationships that open doors especially in a sector that continues to evolve. We explore how skills built in traditional oil and gas roles translate into new opportunities across the energy landscape.In this episode:• The value of professional networks — and how to grow them• Trust-based leadership and how it drives performance• Adapting your skills as the sector transitions• Career lessons learned from working around the worldIf you’re developing your path in the energy industry whether you’re just starting out or stepping into senior roles you’ll take away strategies you can put into practice right away.

What does it take to deliver some of the world’s largest energy projects? In this episode, I sit down with Michael Foucaud, Construction Director at TechnipFMC, to talk about his career journey and what he has learned from leading major project execution across global construction yards.Michael shares practical insights into how large-scale projects come together from yard operations and planning through to working with teams on the ground and managing high stakes challenges. We also discuss the skills that matter most in construction leadership and how younger professionals can build capability in this part of the sector.In this episode, we cover:• How construction experience shapes successful project delivery• Managing the realities of large, complex build environments• Leadership and communication on major energy projects• Career pathways into construction roles within the sectorWhether you’re already working in projects or curious about what happens long before installation offshore, this conversation offers a clear view into the world of energy construction and delivery.

How do graduates turn sustainability studies into real opportunities in the energy sector? In this episode, I speak with Dhriti Badami about starting a career during the energy transition from securing early internships to building confidence when speaking with experienced professionals.We discuss decarbonisation, the continued role of traditional energy alongside renewables, and how young professionals can shape the shift to cleaner systems through research, collaboration and fresh perspectives.In this episode:Where sustainability and energy careers overlapHow students can build credibility before graduatingNetworking strategies that actually lead to opportunitiesThe role young professionals will play in the transitionIf you’re studying or just starting out in the sector, this conversation will help you understand what steps to take next and why your perspective matters.

How do you go from writing software in the field to leading a global technology company? In this episode, I sit down with Pablo Perez founder, president, and CEO of Bardasz to unpack the decisions, risks, and lessons that shaped his career.Pablo reflects on his early years as a developer in Venezuela, the leap into entrepreneurship, and the realities of scaling a business in the energy sector. We explore the practical side of leadership: building a team, managing uncertainty, and staying close to the needs of operators and service companies.In this episode, we cover:Balancing technical skills with business growthCommon pitfalls in startups and how to navigate themWhy data and digital tools remain essential in field operationsWhat future founders in the energy sector should focus onIf you’re curious about what it takes to build a company in the energy technology space or you’re considering that path yourself Pablo’s experience offers plenty to learn from.

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is set to play a major role in reducing industrial emissions but where do the skills come from to build it? In this episode, I talk with Henry Morris about how traditional oil and gas expertise is being repurposed to help the UK and Europe cut millions of tonnes of CO₂ each year.Henry shares how his geoscience background led him from offshore exploration into developing new CO₂ storage projects using existing wells and depleted gas fields. We discuss why core engineering and subsurface skills remain essential, what smaller companies look for in graduates, and how to prepare for the market cycles that shape energy careers. In this episode:  How CCS works and why it’s neededTransferable skills from oil & gas to low-carbon rolesWhy clarity in communication matters as much as technical knowledgeNavigating career uncertainty and energy market cyclesPractical advice for graduates entering the sectorIf you’re exploring opportunities in the energy transition or curious about where a geoscience or engineering degree can take you, this conversation will help you see the full landscape of what’s possible.