Episode #72. Soma Somasundaram: Driving Energy and Leadership Forward
Description
From a small village in India to the Global Energy Stage.
In this episode of Oilfield 360, hosts David de Roode and Victoria Beard sit down with Soma Somasundaram, Executive Advisor to the CEO of SLB, and former CEO of recently acquired Champion X, to explore his remarkable rise from rural southern India to a leadership role shaping the future of energy. Soma shares career milestones, lessons from high-stakes mergers and acquisitions, and strategies for protecting company culture, plus his vision for expanding energy access to improve lives worldwide.
Don’t miss this inspiring journey of resilience, leadership, and impact.
00:00 Introduction and Host Banter
01:33 Guest Introduction: Soma Somasundaram
02:40 Soma's Early Life and Education
04:44 Career Beginnings at Baker Hughes
06:52 Transition to Dover and Return to Oil & Gas
10:24 Building a Portfolio at Dover
14:37 Acquisition Strategies and Integration
26:18 Balancing Standardization and Customization
30:23 Champion X and SLB Merger Insights
30:40 Cultural Alignment in Mergers
33:36 Early Integration Success
34:51 Proudest Moments at Champion X
38:31 Personal Leadership Journey
41:07 Servant Leadership and Role Models
46:10 SLB's Acquisition Strategy
52:55 Bettering Human Lives Foundation
58:02 Future of the Energy Industry
01:01:14 Closing Thoughts and Advice
United States
