How to Move from Technical Roles to Leadership in Energy Sector with Grant McKenzie. | Energy Sector Heroes
Description
For many of you working in energy, the questions come up again and again: How do I move from technical roles into leadership? What skills matter most when managing people? And how do I adapt as the industry itself shifts?
In this episode, I speak with Grant McKenzie, VP of Developments at Woodside Energy, about his 30-year career across different companies, countries, and disciplines. Grant shares what he’s learned about decision-making, people management, and the skills younger professionals should build to thrive in today’s evolving energy sector.
His lessons echo what I’ve seen in my own leadership roles — and what employers consistently look for in their future leaders:
🔄 Build range, not just depth – A strong technical foundation matters, but rounding out your experience with commercial or strategic roles makes you more adaptable and better prepared for senior positions.
🗣 Seek out honest perspectives – Go beyond your immediate circle. Whether through “two-down” conversations or informal chats, creating space for candid feedback helps uncover blind spots and build trust.
💻 Stay open to new tools and approaches – Skills in coding, AI, or data handling aren’t just “nice to have” for graduates anymore. Use technology to solve problems faster and challenge the old way of doing things.
This episode is a chance to reflect on your own path, whether you’re just starting out or considering your next career step.
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