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

Many of you listening are engineers or early-to-mid career professionals in the energy sector, wondering what it really takes to progress into senior management. In this episode, I talk with Andrew Inkpen, Seward Chair of Global Strategy at Thunderbird and author of The Global Oil & Gas Industry. Our conversation digs into the realities of career progression, the mindset shifts required, and why technical expertise alone isn’t always enough.Here are three takeaways you can put into practice straight away:✨ Think beyond your discipline – Engineers bring strong problem-solving skills, but advancing into leadership requires broadening your scope to strategy, people management, and business acumen.👥 Find and use mentors – Seek out people who can help you see blind spots, challenge your assumptions, and open doors. Don’t wait for formal mentorship; start building those relationships now.🚀 Reframe setbacks – Not getting promoted doesn’t mean the end of the road. Use it as feedback to improve your approach, build new skills, and position yourself for the next opportunity.This episode is for anyone who wants to understand how technical professionals can grow into decision-makers — and what practical steps you can take today to keep moving forward in your career.

Finding a role in today’s energy and technology job market isn’t straightforward. Graduates face shifting expectations, AI is changing traditional entry-level roles, and career paths often look more like spaghetti than a straight ladder. In this episode of Energy Sector Heroes, I sit down with Will Whitehorn OBE, Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University and former Virgin Group executive, to talk about what this means for anyone trying to build a career in energy, technology, or beyond.We cover the reality of graduate employment, why AI is both a disruptor and an opportunity, and how careers often unfold in unexpected but rewarding ways.✨ Three Takeaways You Can Apply Today·      🚀 Don’t wait for the “perfect job” – take opportunities as they come, treat each role as a learning step, and build transferable skills along the way.·      🤖 Learn to work with AI, not against it – combine your technical knowledge with coding, data, and digital literacy to stay relevant as roles evolve.·      🌍 Think polymath, not silo – build experiences across different fields and industries; cross-disciplinary thinking is where innovation and career growth often happen.

The energy transition brings both opportunity and challenge. Whether you’re a graduate just entering the sector, an innovator trying to scale, or an established professional navigating change, the path forward isn’t always clear. In this episode of Energy Sector Heroes, I speak with Richard Halsey, Innovation Director at the National Energy Systems Catapult, about how businesses, graduates, and innovators can find their place in shaping the energy system of the future.We discuss how startups and established companies alike can drive progress, what it really takes to bring new energy products to market, and why building diverse skills and collaborations is essential for success.✨ Three Takeaways You Can Apply Today·      💡 Broaden your view of the sector: Don’t stay in one lane — build understanding across disciplines (engineering, consumer research, data, design) to open more career and business opportunities.·      📈 Be ready to adapt and use new tools: Skills in AI, digital platforms, and agile ways of working are becoming core expectations in the energy space.·      🤝 Value collaboration and timing: Progress often comes from working across different backgrounds — and taking opportunities when they present themselves, even if the path isn’t linear.

Today we’re excited to spotlight Simon Seaton, a respected leader shaping the future of the energy industry.Simon is the CEO of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), where he works closely with the Board and senior leadership to drive global strategy, policy, and operations across SPE’s offices in Dallas, Houston, Calgary, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, and London.Before joining SPE, Simon served as CEO of Energy and Resources Worldwide at Sodexo, one of the world’s largest workplace and services organizations. His career began in chemistry as a drilling fluids engineer, leading to a remarkable 22-year journey with Halliburton, holding senior positions in Aberdeen, Houston, and Nigeria.Beyond his executive roles, Simon has been a dedicated SPE member for over 25 years, contributing numerous technical papers and in 2021 completing the Global Energy Leadership Program at Rice University.Originally from the UK and now based in Houston, Simon’s career is a testament to leadership, resilience, and commitment to advancing the energy profession.Join us as we explore the inspiring journey of Simon Seaton—a true energy sector hero.

In this episode, I spoke with Charles Hendry, former UK Minister of Energy and visiting professor at Edinburgh University, about what the energy transition really means for professionals, graduates, and businesses alike.If you’ve been feeling uncertain about your future in the sector—especially if you’re based in Aberdeen or just starting out—this conversation is worth your time. Charles shared why the North Sea still matters, what kinds of roles will emerge from carbon capture and decommissioning, and how graduates can position themselves for long-term success in a changing energy economy.🔑 3 Actionable Takeaways:📝 Tailor your CV and show your passionRecruiters want more than a qualification—they want to see your commitment. Include what motivates you, what you’ve done beyond your degree, and how you’ve engaged with the wider sector.🌍 Stay flexible and think globalThe North Sea is changing, but the global energy sector is expanding. Being open to overseas opportunities—even temporarily—can open doors that aren’t available locally.🧠 Engage with the industry nowJoin professional bodies like the Energy Institute, attend conferences, or volunteer in the sector. These activities offer visibility, networking, and can give your job applications a real edge.

Many of my listeners are passionate about real-world impact — not just in decarbonisation, but in delivering real, tangible transformation to underserved communities. In this week’s episode, I speak with Safiya Aliyu, General Manager at Susei Renewable Energies and Country Director of the Mata Ariwan Susei Initiative. Her journey is a powerful reminder that energy access isn’t just about infrastructure — it’s about dignity, opportunity, and long-term economic growth.We explore what it takes to electrify remote Nigerian villages, the real cost of raising funds, and how community ownership transforms energy projects into vehicles for sustainable livelihoods. Safiya also opens up about the personal sacrifices, systemic hurdles, and quiet resilience that fuel her mission.🔌 Three Actionable Takeaways:·      🧾 Get investment-ready: Build transparent processes and strong documentation early. Funders look for solid governance, not just passion.·      🧠 Create space for behaviour change: Introducing electricity is the first step — but training locals to use it productively ensures long-term impact.·      🤝 Leverage trust and word-of-mouth: Sometimes the most effective growth strategy is letting the results speak for themselves — and letting communities share the story.

If you’re applying for jobs in the energy sector—whether you're a graduate or experienced professional—this episode is worth your time. I sat down with Simon Winfield, former CEO of Hays UK & Ireland, to explore how artificial intelligence is really affecting recruitment, what employers look for in CVs and cover letters, and how jobseekers can stand out in an increasingly automated landscape.Simon also shared candid advice on navigating today’s job market, why chasing “phantom roles” can waste your time, and how younger workers can align their values with employers driving energy transition and climate action.🔑 Here are 3 actionable takeaways:✨ Write your own cover letterA well-written, personal cover letter often tells recruiters more than your CV. Use it to show motivation, awareness of the company, and why the role matters to you.📬 Avoid the black holeSkip faceless job portals when possible. Reach out directly to hiring managers on platforms like LinkedIn—even if they refer you back to HR, you've made a stronger impression.🛠 Tailor, don’t templateUse AI for research, not for writing. Recruiters can tell when your CV is generic. Showcase your story, potential, and personality—especially if you're early in your career.

For anyone building a career in energy—whether you're a graduate, a mid-career engineer, or a senior executive—the rapid evolution of our sector brings both opportunity and complexity. This week, I sat down with Delfina Govia, a Chief Sustainability Officer with over 46 years in the oil and gas industry, to unpack what’s changing, what’s not, and what that means for the future of work in energy.We talk frankly about everything from her disguised entry into offshore life in the 1970s, to why the energy transition isn’t about eliminating fossil fuels—but balancing competing priorities like affordability, infrastructure, and global access. Delfina also reflects on what younger generations need to know as they step into a sector under scrutiny, ripe with innovation, and still shaped by geopolitics and economic realities.🔑 3 Takeaways You Can Use·      💡 Don’t lose your idealism—learn the system: If you’re passionate about energy transition, pair that passion with a deep understanding of economics, infrastructure, and geopolitics to avoid naivety in real-world applications.·      🔍 Be selective with innovation: Not all technologies can—or should—be adopted at the core of operations. Understand the risk thresholds in oil and gas before pushing digital or AI solutions.·      🛠️ Infrastructure is the real bottleneck: Want to accelerate decarbonisation? Focus your skills on solving the hard logistical questions—especially how we transport, store, and distribute energy beyond fossil fuels.🎙️Whether you’re shaping policy, deploying tech, or just getting started—this conversation is a grounded look at the realities and opportunities shaping the next energy era.

For early-career professionals in the energy sector—or anyone aiming to move into leadership—there’s often an unspoken tension between doing your job well and positioning yourself for what comes next. In this episode, I speak with Laurent Pagnon, Head of Group Strategy at SGS, about how he navigated that balance from engineering in the Middle East to executive strategy roles in Europe and the U.S.We talk about career pivots, growing beyond comfort zones, and why being good at your job isn’t always enough to get promoted. Laurent shares what helped him move into senior roles, and what he looks for in potential leaders—especially those coming up the ranks.This conversation is useful if you're trying to stay relevant, build influence, or just wondering how to stay curious while still climbing the ladder.🛠️ Three Takeaways You Can Act On:🔹 Deliver beyond your job description.It’s often what you do outside your direct role that gets noticed—especially when peers (not just your boss) see you solving problems across teams.🔹 Be honest about your skill gaps—and work on them.You don’t need a formal development plan. What matters is regular conversations with your manager about what’s missing and how you’re actively closing those gaps.🔹 Build business acumen, not just technical depth.Understanding the global energy market—even at a basic level—can make a huge difference. Don’t just read the technical reports. Learn how your industry works.

In this episode, I sit down with John Armstrong, CEO of the British Pipeline Agency and guest lecturer at the University of Warwick. If you're a graduate engineer, early-career professional, or just trying to find your feet in the evolving world of energy, this conversation is packed with honest, real-world advice that bridges technical progression with personal growth.We talk about the unspoken parts of building a career in energy: the pressure to be visible, the quiet frustrations of being overlooked, and how to create momentum without being pushy. John shares stories from his own career—spanning power stations, international placements, and leadership roles—and reflects on the career patterns that shaped him (and nearly trapped him).🎧 Why this matters:Many energy professionals—especially those starting out—face a tension between fitting in and standing out. John’s experience shows what happens when you navigate that with intention, timing, and just enough courage to ask for more.💡 Three Takeaways You Can Act On:🔹 Ask for variety before you get stuck.If you've mastered a task or role, don’t wait to be “tapped” for the next one. Proactively ask to shadow other teams, join new projects, or get exposure to different areas before you become known only for your current skill set.🔹 Make your work visible—even when remote.Remote or in-office, visibility is a conscious act. Don’t assume people know what you’re doing. Look for opportunities to share updates, contribute to internal platforms, or simply reach out to senior staff with questions or results.🔹 Use “side quests” to build your brand.Get involved in your professional institute, industry committees, or local events—not just for networking, but to test new skills and open doors that your day job doesn’t. These low-stakes spaces can turn into your next role before you realise it.

If you work in renewables, product development, or quality systems—or you're transitioning into green energy from another industry—this episode will be relevant to your journey.I sat down with Ketan Patel, Head of Quality, Reliability and Development at First Solar. He came into solar energy after years in semiconductors, aerospace, and consumer tech—and he talks candidly about how he now applies that knowledge to a completely different scale of production and responsibility. From overseeing new technology launches to leading crisis task forces, Ketan shares how he builds structure, manages pressure, and stays aligned with a long-term sustainability mission.Whether you’re leading teams, solving complex product issues, or just entering the renewables space, there’s a lot to reflect on in this episode.🔧 Three Actionable Takeaways🗂️ Use Systems to Stay Grounded Under PressureKetan works across 50+ projects using an internal goal-setting and escalation system (Hoshin) to prioritise, flag risks, and adjust resources. Consider how your own operating system supports—or stalls—delivery.💬 Lead Through Tension Without Losing Your TeamEven during a major product issue involving hundreds of workstreams, Ketan keeps morale up through clarity, humour, and emotional awareness. Structure + empathy = stronger teams.🌱 Know the Technicals, But Show the PurposeHe looks for passion in interviews—not just technical skills. Whether you’re a graduate or a senior hire, aligning with the long-term value of your work (like 30-year recyclable panels) helps you stay resilient.

If you’re working in energy policy, digitalisation, or want to shape how energy systems evolve beyond engineering and operations, this episode will speak directly to you.I sat down with Shota Lemondzhava , Head of Government Relations at the World Energy Council, to discuss the messy middle of the energy transition: where diplomacy, AI, cybersecurity, and global cooperation collide. Shota doesn’t come from a traditional energy background—his route through political science and diplomacy is a reminder that shaping the future of energy isn’t just for engineers. It's also about convening people, navigating trade-offs, and asking better questions.Here’s what stood out for me, especially for those navigating complex energy systems or advising on transition strategy:⚡ Three Actionable Takeaways🧭 Reframe Net Zero as a Human, Not Just a Technical, ProblemDon’t just chase technical milestones. Net zero only works if it's inclusive, affordable, and realistic for everyday communities—not just boardrooms.🔐 Build Cybersecurity into the Design, Not as an AfterthoughtWhether you're in digital, data, or policy, consider security from the outset. That means testing systems, running failure drills, and advocating for cross-border coordination.🌍 Use AI with Intention, Not Just EnthusiasmAI is useful—smart grids, predictive maintenance, demand forecasting—but it needs human oversight, reliable data, and ethical boundaries to avoid making things worse.

In this episode, I speak with Trond Knutsen Hundsnes, Head of Early Phase and Subsurface Capital Decommissioning Projects at Equinor. For those of you navigating leadership, project portfolios, or trying to understand how to build a meaningful engineering career—this episode offers practical examples of how to do just that.What struck me most was how Trond balances risk, trust, and team empowerment across some of the most complex projects in the Norwegian Continental Shelf. Whether you're a graduate engineer, mid-career, or in a leadership role, you'll likely relate to the questions he raises about timing, motivation, and how to manage constant change in the energy sector.We talk about:How to lead change across a mature asset base while keeping people motivatedWhy early-career engineers shouldn't rush progressHow broad technical exposure helps you ask better questions as a leader🔑 Key Takeaways🔧 Manage transitions like a portfolio, not a pivotTrond shares how he gradually transitioned from deep technical roles to senior leadership—not through drastic career moves, but by building cross-functional experience over time.➡️ Action: Seek out cross-discipline exposure every few years to understand different interfaces in the business.💬 Your ‘superpower’ might be simpler than you thinkFor Trond, it's talking to people—regularly, candidly, and across all levels. He credits open dialogue as the single most powerful driver of trust and project alignment.➡️ Action: Schedule regular, non-transactional check-ins with team members or stakeholders. It builds long-term credibility.🛠️ Don't rush for the next big thing—build impact firstHis advice for younger professionals is to master your current role before moving on. Fast moves might look good, but depth creates value and new opportunities will follow.➡️ Action: Track how your current role is influencing business outcomes—use that to signal readiness for future roles.

This week’s conversation might seem like a step away from traditional energy sector topics—but it’s not. As professionals working in high-pressure environments, many of us (engineers, executives, and frontline staff alike) face invisible strains that can quietly unravel our lives and careers. I spoke with Rebecca Fitzpatrick, Director of Criminal Law and Chief Psychologist at Timpano Legal in Perth, about how people—often from high-functioning, respected professions—can find themselves crossing legal or ethical lines, and what we can do to stay ahead of burnout, bad decisions, or worse.We covered the mental health landscape behind criminal behavior, how chronic stress affects judgment, and why early intervention matters more than we often realise. If you’ve ever felt stretched thin, isolated, or under quiet pressure to keep it all together, this conversation will offer a few sharp nudges to check in with yourself before things slip too far.🔑 Three Takeaways You Can Act On:🧠 Pressure is cumulativeMicro-stresses—missed lunch breaks, longer hours, financial strain, feeling unheard—can quietly build toward critical decisions. Start recognising and reducing these small stressors before they snowball.📞 If you're struggling, don’t wait to speak upPsychologists, counsellors, and support platforms (including telehealth options) are there for a reason. You don’t need to wait for a crisis to reach out.🎯 Reconnect with your 'why'When you're overwhelmed, anchor back to your personal drivers—your values, your goals, your purpose. It helps restore perspective and can stop short-term emotions from steering long-term decisions.

For many of my listeners—especially those studying energy, geoscience, or trying to figure out how exploration and innovation actually connect—this episode with Troy Tittlemier might help sharpen your thinking. Troy is a geologist, podcaster, and CEO of MagmaChem Research Institute. We talked about his alternative view on where oil really comes from, how curiosity shaped his career, and why persistence and humility matter more than early accolades.Troy’s journey highlights the importance of deep questioning, the tension between vision and reality, and the kind of mindset needed to make long-term impact in the energy sector.🎧 Three Key Takeaways:🧪 Stay curious and go deep:Troy didn’t accept the standard theories about oil formation at face value—he questioned them and found a community doing the same. Even as a student or early-career professional, you can start developing your own critical lens on dominant narratives in your field.📚 Build technical and strategic range:From understanding serpentinization to filing a patent, Troy has worked across theory, fieldwork, and business. Don’t lock yourself into one track—use your curiosity to stretch between science, engineering, and commercial thinking.💡 Vision takes time—and structure:Having a bold idea is one thing; making it real takes daily structure, long-term persistence, and the humility to adjust along the way. If you’ve got a big vision, break it into steps and get comfortable navigating detours.

As someone who regularly hears from students, graduates, and early-career professionals trying to break into the energy sector, I know how overwhelming it can be to figure out where to start and how to grow. That’s why this episode with Brad Dore, VP of Global Marketing at EnerVenue, matters. We talked about navigating a marketing career in the energy industry, the value of real-world experience, and how to stay ready for opportunities—even when they arrive sooner than expected.Brad's story isn't about overnight success or picture-perfect planning. It's about building skills over time, staying coachable, and making purposeful connections that open doors. Whether you're a recent graduate, mid-career, or exploring a pivot into energy, this episode offers some honest advice on building momentum.🎧 Three Key Takeaways:🔹 Start now, not later:Don't wait until your final year to start networking or looking for internships. If you're interested in a particular field, begin building relationships and gaining experience as early as possible—even if it's unpaid or outside your comfort zone.🔹 Skill over title:Forget obsessing over job titles. Focus on identifying the skills and experiences that will differentiate you from others. Learn how to manage a budget, build alignment, and develop real deliverables—those are the things employers remember.🔹 Be coachable and visible:Stay open to feedback, show up on camera, and remain engaged—even in virtual environments. Small things like a smile or using someone’s name can help you build better relationships, which often lead to new opportunities.

For anyone in the energy industry working with complex supply chains, high-risk materials, or capital-intensive projects, documentation and compliance can either be a massive time sink—or a strategic advantage. In this episode, I speak with Tom Meulendijks, founder of SteelTrace, about how digital traceability is quietly transforming how we manage steel procurement, reduce project delays, and prepare for a more circular future in oil, gas, and renewables.Tom isn’t from the energy world originally—and that gives him a unique lens. He shares how he went from web development to building a data-driven tool that’s now used by operators to verify steel integrity, cut inspection costs, and reduce manufacturing risks.🧠 Key Takeaways:Digital tools like SteelTrace don’t just reduce paperwork—they detect problems earlier and save projects from delays that cost millions.Moving from "compliance by audit" to "compliance by design" improves safety, reduces risk, and unlocks operational efficiency.Better traceability helps not only during procurement, but throughout the full lifecycle—from project planning to decommissioning and reuse.✅ Actionable Takeaways:🔹 Ask your quality teams where time is lost chasing documents or verifying materials—this is where digitisation delivers immediate ROI.🔹 Review how your organisation handles material certificates and traceability—consider whether your current system would stand up in a disaster scenario.🔹 Start early: Integrate compliance and digital QA tools in the FEED stage, not after the purchase orders are signed.

The shift to clean energy isn’t just a climate issue—it’s about national security, global supply chains, and how we ensure reliable power 24/7. In this episode, I spoke with Steve Anglin, founder of Utopia, about what it takes to make real progress in harder-to-abate sectors, why concentrated solar power could be a game-changer, and how global politics and material sourcing shape the path to net zero.This conversation is useful for anyone in energy who wants a deeper grasp of the challenges around industrial heat, battery materials, and the practicalities of powering economies without fossil fuels. We also unpack how tariffs, hydrogen, and microgrids fit into the wider picture.🎧 Three Key Takeaways:⚡ Look beyond solar panels:Concentrated solar power (CSP) and thermal storage offer ways to decarbonize industrial heat and provide energy at night—an important piece of the 24/7 power puzzle.📦 Understand supply chain risk:If you're involved in project delivery or sourcing, take note: refining of critical minerals like lithium and cobalt is heavily concentrated in specific countries. This has knock-on effects for security, cost, and access.🌍 Microgrids could lead the way:Instead of aiming for one-size-fits-all, localized microgrids using a mix of technologies may offer the most realistic path to reliable, clean energy in remote or underserved areas.

For those of you working in—or trying to break into—the clean energy space, the question of impact often sits alongside career progression. In this episode, I spoke with Fahad Haider, a renewable energy consultant based in Sydney, who’s managed to combine his professional work with community-led energy access projects across the Global South.We talked about the challenges of fundraising, working remotely with grassroots partners, and why having even basic technical knowledge can make a big difference—whether you’re in policy, design, or delivery. Fahad also shared how personal loss became the driving force behind the founding of his organisation, EMIH, and why he continues to offer free support to communities in need of clean, stable energy.🎧 Three Key Takeaways:🔋 Build practical skills early:Whether you’re on the technical or policy side, take time to understand basic principles like watts vs kilowatts, solar system design, and energy variability. It’ll make you more useful in any setting.🌍 Start your own small project:Fahad recommends taking initiative—plant trees, lead an energy audit, or raise awareness in your community. Small projects build accountability, problem-solving skills, and real-world results you can point to.🤝 Prioritise reliable partnerships:When working internationally, especially in rural or off-grid areas, success depends on trustworthy local partners. Fahad highlights the importance of transparency, local knowledge, and mutual accountability.

🎧 Show Notes: Episode with Rob Dolci – What Engineering Careers Really Look LikeIn this episode, I sat down with Rob Dolci, Head of Operations, Maintenance, and Improvement at Enel, to talk about what it's actually like building a career in engineering and energy. If you're a student, graduate, or professional thinking about where your skills can take you—or how to make your next move—this episode has plenty of real talk and practical takeaways.Rob shares how moving between industries like automotive, agriculture, and renewables isn't as different as you'd think—and why troubleshooting and asking "why" is more powerful than any job title.Whether you're just starting out or shifting gears mid-career, Rob’s perspective matters because it gives you permission to see your skills as transferable, your failures as useful, and your choices as your own.🛠️ 3 Key Takeaways:🔍 Skills are portable – If you understand how systems work and can troubleshoot problems, you can apply your knowledge across industries, from EVs to agriculture to renewables.🧠 Jump into messy problems – Don't avoid tough projects. Seek out the ones others can’t solve. That’s where the learning (and career growth) happens.🌍 Think long-term about life, not just work – Changing countries and companies is exciting, but Rob reminds us to weigh personal costs and long-term responsibilities too—especially around family and health.💡 3 Actionable Takeaways:🗣️ Ask better questions at interviews – Focus less on titles and more on the problems you’ll be solving. Ask: “What’s the key challenge I’d be helping with?”✍️ Keep a curiosity journal – Every time you face a new system or process, write down what you don’t understand—and dig until you do.💼 Try the other side – If you’ve only ever worked in large companies, consider starting something small—even if it fails. It builds entrepreneurial thinking and sharper problem-solving.