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

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 do...

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 empowerme...

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 Pert...

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 persis...

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,...

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 prep...

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 z...

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...

🎧 Show Notes: Episode with Rob Dolci – What Engineering Careers Really Look Like In 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 episo...

In this episode of Energy Sector Heroes , I catch up with Bill Langin—someone I first spoke to years ago when the podcast was just getting started. A lot has changed since then, especially for Bill, who recently made a major career move after over two decades at Shell. Our conversation explores what led to that shift, what he learned from stepping away, and how his perspective has evolved on leade...

The energy industry is known for booms and busts, career uncertainties, and constant change . So, how do you build a sustainable career , navigate challenges, and position yourself for leadership? In this episode, I talk to Robert Martinez , a senior executive with 25+ years of experience in oil and gas , about what it takes to stay relevant, adapt, and grow in a shifting industry . Robert shares...

Many of us in technical roles wonder how to progress into management, develop leadership skills, and stay relevant in an evolving industry. In this episode, I sit down with Gary Allen , a technical manager with over 40 years of experience , to talk about career growth, technical leadership, and the skills that matter most . Gary started out as a bench technician before moving into engineering, com...

In this episode, I talk to Leyla Rasulzade , a member of Women in Renewable Energy (WIRE) , about her work in the energy transition, education, and sustainability . If you’re working in energy or looking to break into the sector, this conversation will give you real insights into the challenges and opportunities in renewable energy . We discuss Leyla’s experience at COP29 , her green economy educa...

In this episode of Energy Sector Heroes , I sit down with Dennis Banks , Vice President of Maintenance at Syncrude, to talk about career growth, leadership, and the evolving energy sector . For those of you navigating your own career path—whether you're a student, early-career professional, or someone aiming for a senior role—Dennis shares practical advice on how to stand out, progress, and adapt...

Careers in the energy sector can take many turns, from technical roles to leadership positions. Managing large-scale projects, balancing risk and reward , and making career transitions require a mix of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and adaptability . In this episode of Energy Sector Heroes , I speak with Sada Iyer , General Manager of Projects in the Gulf of Mexico at Shell . With nearl...

Breaking into the energy sector and progressing to leadership roles isn’t always a straight path. Many professionals take unexpected turns, discover new passions, and develop skills they never anticipated needing. In this episode of Energy Sector Heroes , I speak with Myrtle Dawes , CEO of the Net Zero Technology Centre . Myrtle started her career in oil & gas, worked offshore, led major proje...

Moving from one industry to another isn’t always easy—especially in the energy sector, where companies often prefer hiring from within their own field. In this episode of Energy Sector Heroes , I speak with Paulo Lenci , a sales director in the renewable energy space, about how he successfully transitioned from the automotive industry to wind energy . If you’re an engineer, project manager, or pro...

In this episode of Energy Sector Heroes , I speak with Lyndon Frearson , an electrical engineer whose career has been shaped by problem-solving in complex environments. Lyndon shares how taking non-traditional career paths, working in remote locations, and saying yes to unexpected opportunities have influenced his work in renewable energy and infrastructure. For those of you navigating the early s...

In this episode of Energy Sector Heroes , I welcome back Sabina Nawaz, CEO, leadership coach, keynote speaker, and now author of You're the Boss: Become the Manager You Want to Be and Others Need . Whether you're managing a small team, leading at the executive level, or aspiring to a leadership role, this conversation is packed with practical strategies to help you navigate the challenges of leade...

In this episode of Energy Sector Heroes , I speak with Christopher Springham, a global communications and sustainability expert with experience spanning oil and gas, renewables, and corporate leadership. His journey from working with major oil companies to championing sustainability provides valuable insights into how the energy sector is evolving. We discuss the shift from fossil fuels to cleaner...

This week on Energy Sector Heroes , I sit down with Dave Latin, a chairman and non-executive director with decades of leadership experience across the energy sector. Whether you're just starting out, transitioning careers, or aiming for leadership, this episode offers practical advice on navigating change, building resilience, and staying adaptable in a fast-evolving industry. Dave shares how he t...

In this episode of Energy Sector Heroes , we delve into the fascinating crossroads of renewables and hydrocarbons with Jonathan Pye, who brings over 25 years of experience in the energy industry. Whether you're a graduate entering the field or a seasoned professional contemplating a career pivot, this conversation offers a practical lens on the evolving energy landscape and what it means for you....

In this episode of Energy Sector Heroes , I’m joined by Goran Pavlović, a professional with over 30 years of experience spanning IT, banking, and the oil and gas industries. Gordan shares his career journey, discussing how he embraced change, fostered team collaboration, and balanced technical expertise with people skills. If you’re navigating your career or aiming to grow as a leader, this conver...

In this episode, I’m joined by Alexander Richter, a seasoned expert in geothermal energy with over 18 years of experience. For anyone curious about career paths in renewable energy or intrigued by geothermal’s role in decarbonization, this conversation is packed with valuable perspectives and practical advice. Alexander’s journey from law to geothermal business development is a lesson in adaptabil...

Welcome to this week’s episode of Energy Sector Heroes ! I sit down with Atul Raina, Vice President at Rystad Energy, who shares his journey from petroleum engineering in India to shaping global mergers and acquisitions strategies. For professionals navigating the energy sector, this episode highlights career growth, innovation in energy, and the evolving role of research and leadership. Key Takea...