Wind, Waves & Wells with Joe

Welcome back to The Jim and Joe Show. In this episode we talk honestly about life in the oil and gas industry. From the difference between great leaders and terrible ones, to the kinds of stories that only seem to happen offshore. We also touch on the rise of “oilfluencers” and how social media can paint a very different picture of the industry compared to the reality many people experience out in the field. Part storytelling, part reflection, and plenty of laughs along the way.

In part one of my conversation with Matthew Hatami, we get into a detailed discussion on Deepwater Horizon, Macondo and well control. Matthew shares the research he has carried out over the years into the disaster, including his views on why the accident happened, why failed negative pressure tests can be so deceptive, and why he believes one of the biggest lessons is still being missed across the industry. He also speaks about the role of mechanical barriers, the SEDCO 711 incident in the North Sea, and why information sharing matters far more than many people realise. 0:00 Introduction 0:25 Matthew Hatami introduces himself 1:12 Starting an exploration company and raising private equity 2:47 Quick message to like and subscribe 2:48 Matthew’s early career in petroleum engineering 3:40 Working for Halliburton in the Permian Basin 4:08 International work in North Africa 4:45 Seeing the industry from service companies and operators 7:50 Writing The Oilfield Survivor’s Guide 9:17 Writing his second book on shale oil and gas operations 11:10 Why controlling costs matters in oil and gas 12:40 How companies reduce well costs 13:21 Operational decisions that become expensive mistakes 15:04 Deepwater Horizon discussion begins 16:00 Matthew’s research into the disaster 17:00 Why he believes the cause is misunderstood 18:40 Similar North Sea incident before Deepwater Horizon 19:30 Failed pressure test example from field experience 21:10 What pressure testing is actually meant to prove 23:05 How communication failures happen during operations 24:40 Why small decisions can lead to major incidents 26:20 Safety culture and decision making offshore 28:05 The pressure engineers face during high value operations 29:40 When engineers have to challenge decisions 31:15 Learning lessons from major offshore incidents 33:05 Why the industry sometimes repeats the same mistakes 35:10 Cost pressure versus operational safety 37:00 The importance of experienced leadership offshore 39:20 How operations can drift away from best practice 41:10 Lessons from decades in the oil and gas industry 43:05 Advice for engineers early in their careers 45:00 What separates good operations from bad ones 47:15 Reflections on the current state of the industry 49:30 What Matthew hopes the industry learns going forward 51:20 Final thoughts from Matthew Hatami 53:10 Closing remarks   00:00 Introduction to Matthew Hatami 00:11 Matthew’s career in oil and gas and major companies he worked for 00:50 Starting his own exploration company 02:05 From Halliburton to Hess, Chesapeake and beyond 04:36 Why Matthew wrote Oilfield Survival Guide 06:02 Writing his second book on shale oil and gas operations 07:56 Why cost reduction is critical in the oil industry 10:07 Small operational decisions that become expensive later 11:48 Deepwater Horizon and why Matthew researched the disaster 14:19 What he believes really caused the Macondo disaster 15:45 Why failed negative pressure tests can be deceptive 19:05 The key mistake he believes happened on Deepwater Horizon 20:50 Why “massive flow” is not always the first warning sign 22:17 A real failed pressure test from Matthew’s own experience 24:40 Pressure from investors and making decisions in the field 27:10 How wells can give misleading warning signs 29:24 Why the industry still has not fully learned from Macondo 32:48 The most important lesson from Deepwater Horizon 35:13 Why adding more barriers is not always the answer 37:38 How well control events can build slowly 40:05 Experience gaps and critical decision making 41:59 The Sedco 711 incident in the North Sea 42:21 Why lessons from earlier incidents were not shared 44:44 Leadership responsibility and information sharing 46:44 Why even experienced engineers can miss warning signs 49:10 Why nobody in the industry has seen everything

In this episode of Wind, Waves & Wells, I sit down with Mark Lappin, a veteran of the energy industry with more than 40 years of experience across the North Sea and around the world. Mark has worked across oil and gas, power generation, and renewables, including time at Centrica. He is now Chairman of North Sea exploration company Deltic Energy and remains actively involved in the UK energy debate. We talk about the realities of energy policy, the future of the North Sea, and why the conversation around the energy transition has become increasingly polarised. We also discuss: • Whether politicians really understand how the North Sea basin works • The gap between falling production and ongoing demand • Energy security and domestic resources • Jobs, communities, and the offshore workforce • The role of oil and gas during the transition Drawing on decades of experience in the sector, Mark shares a pragmatic perspective on how the UK can balance energy security, jobs, emissions, and the path towards net zero.

In this conversation, Mark Wilkinson shares his journey from being an international DJ to becoming a health and safety professional. He discusses the importance of understanding personality styles in managing risk and creating a positive safety culture. Mark emphasizes the role of emotional intelligence in leadership and the impact of ego on team dynamics. He advocates for proactive leadership and the need for self-awareness in developing future leaders in the energy sector. The conversation highlights the universal nature of personality diversity and the importance of people in all aspects of work.

In this episode, Joe and James share their personal experiences of working offshore, particularly in the North Sea. They discuss their first trips, the culture of offshore life, the challenges faced, and the transition from oil and gas to wind energy. The conversation is filled with humour, anecdotes, and insights into the unique world of offshore work.  

In this episode, Martin Copeland, CFO of Serica Energy, shares insights into his transition from banking to the energy sector, the challenges faced in the North Sea, and the importance of long-term energy policies. He discusses the current state of the North Sea basin, energy security, and the ambitions of Serica Energy to grow and adapt in a changing market. Martin emphasizes the need for government support in approving new developments and reflects on his personal experiences offshore, highlighting the importance of understanding the operational side of the energy industry.  

In this episode, we delve into the real-life challenges and triumphs of a couple navigating the complexities of offshore work and family life. Through conversations, we reveal how we manage the mental load of parenting alone, tackle forgotten passports, and handle the pressure of keeping everything running smoothly. Discover the crucial shifts in communication and understanding that transform resentment into respect and frustration into connection. Lisa and myself shares insights on the emotional rollercoaster of being away from loved ones, the realities of raising kids, and finding self-care amidst the demands of offshore rotations. We openly discuss the sacrifices, moments of doubt, and strategies that help them stay afloat when everything feels overwhelming. This episode offers our insights for offshore workers and their families, fostering understanding, resilience, and hope.

In this episode, Eric Doyle shares his transformative journey from a Glasgow electrician to a digital influence strategist in the energy sector. Eric discusses the challenges and triumphs of moving from traditional trades to becoming a leader in digital marketing and safety management. He highlights the importance of embracing change and leveraging digital platforms like LinkedIn to build influence and drive business growth. Eric's story is a testament to the power of adaptability and strategic communication in today's fast-evolving digital landscape. Listeners will gain insights into crafting compelling narratives, the significance of authentic engagement, and the impact of digital presence on commercial success. Whether you're in the energy sector or any industry looking to modernize your approach, this episode offers valuable lessons on turning digital influence into tangible results. Join us as we explore how to stand out in a crowded market and become a leader in your field through the art of storytelling and digital strategy.

In this engaging episode, Joe and James delve into the profound influence of the oil industry on global politics and its historical context. They explore the origins of the Driller Shack community, the strategic importance of oil reserves in regions like Venezuela and Greenland, and the complex political power dynamics within the industry. The hosts share personal experiences and reflect on the historical impact of oil companies, emphasising the need to stay informed about industry developments. The episode concludes with a look at future topics to be explored in upcoming discussions.

Join me as I delve into the intricacies of the UK's electricity grid with expert Chris Bright. With over 20 years in the electricity supply industry and a stint at Rolls Royce, Chris shares his insights on the challenges and misconceptions surrounding the grid, the role of renewable energy, and the future of nuclear power. Discover the complexities of energy transmission and the potential hurdles in transitioning to a more sustainable energy future. Whether you're an energy enthusiast or just curious about what keeps the lights on, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the power behind the plug.

This week we dive into the remarkable journey of Kirstie Langan, who transitioned from working offshore to becoming a leader in the energy sector. In this episode, Kirstie shares her experiences, challenges, and insights on navigating the complexities of the industry. Discover how her passion for innovation and commitment to mental health and diversity have shaped her career and continue to drive positive change. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that highlights the power of resilience and leadership in transforming the energy landscape.

In this episode, I sit down with Malcolm Webb, the retired ex-head of Oil & Gas UK, to explore the turbulent landscape of the energy sector. Malcolm shares his insights on the historical significance of the North Sea oil industry, the challenges posed by current energy policies, and the potential pitfalls of the net zero agenda. Join us as we delve into the complexities of energy transition, the economic implications for the UK, and Malcolm's candid thoughts on the future of oil and gas. Whether you're an industry insider or just curious about the energy debate, this episode offers a thought-provoking perspective on the path forward.

Join us as we delve into the fascinating journey of Chris Wilson, who transitioned from photography to a successful career in the oil industry. In this episode, Chris shares his unique path, the challenges he faced, and the invaluable lessons learned from managing the Montara oil spill crisis. Discover insights into risk management, leadership in high-pressure environments, and the evolving landscape of the oil industry. Whether you're an aspiring engineer or a seasoned professional, Chris's story offers inspiration and practical advice for navigating a dynamic career.

Join us as we delve into the intricate world of geopolitics and energy strategy with Bill Schneider. From his diverse experiences across the globe, Bill shares insights into the challenges and opportunities within the energy sector, the impact of geopolitical dynamics, and the strategic decisions shaping our future. Discover how global supply chains, renewable energy, and national security intertwine in this thought-provoking conversation. Tune in to explore the complexities of energy policy and the long-term strategies that drive global economies.

Join us as we delve into the fascinating career of Steve Fennell, who spent over 40 years with Shell. From the early days of offshore drilling in the 70s to pioneering the "Walk to Work" concept, Steve shares his journey through the evolving oil and gas industry. Discover the challenges, innovations, and personal stories that shaped his career and the industry at large. Whether you're an industry veteran or new to the field, Steve's insights offer a unique perspective on the past, present, and future of energy. Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with wisdom and humor.

In this insightful conversation, Amy Archibald shares her remarkable journey from an admin role to becoming a manager in the oil and gas industry within just three and a half years. Known for her authenticity and innovative approach, Amy discusses how she leveraged video content to revolutionize recruitment practices, making her a standout figure in the field. She emphasizes the importance of resilience, networking, and empathy in navigating the challenges of the industry. Amy also advocates for mandatory greenhand programs to bring fresh talent offshore, highlighting the need for companies to invest in the next generation. Her story is a testament to the power of being genuine and adaptable in a rapidly changing industry.

Join us as we delve into the fascinating journey of Nathan Giles, a former Royal Marine who transitioned to life on the rig floor. In this episode, Nathan shares his experiences from military service to offshore drilling, highlighting the challenges and triumphs along the way. Discover how his military ethos shapes his approach to leadership and teamwork in the demanding offshore environment. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, adaptation, and the pursuit of opportunity.

In this episode, we explore the extraordinary journey of Nigel, a man whose career has spanned from the coal mines of Mansfield to the vast expanses of deepwater drilling. Nigel shares his early days as an apprentice fitter during the coal miners' strike, his transformative years in the army, and his eventual transition to the oil industry. With stories from the rigs and beyond, Nigel offers a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of working in one of the world's most demanding industries. He discusses the evolution of safety practices, the importance of mentorship, and the lessons learned from a lifetime of navigating both literal and metaphorical rough waters. Whether you're interested in the technical aspects of drilling or the human stories behind the machines, this episode promises insights and inspiration from a life well-lived.

In this episode, I sit down with David Whitehouse, CEO of Offshore Energies UK (OEUK), to explore the future of the UK's energy security. As the UK approaches its budget announcement, David shares insights on the critical role of oil and gas, the challenges of transitioning to renewables, and the importance of a balanced energy strategy. Join us for a discussion on the intersection of energy policy, economic growth, and national security.

This week we delve into the fascinating journey of Peter Hone, who transitioned from the shipyards of Glasgow to the oil rigs of Cairo. In this episode, Peter shares his candid experiences, from the challenges of adapting to new cultures and environments to the personal growth he achieved along the way. Discover the highs and lows of offshore life and the lessons learned from a career that spans continents and decades.