
Energy Sector Heroes ~ Careers in Oil & Gas, Sustainability & Renewable Energy
by Michelle Fraser
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- 🇨🇱CL · Careers#3610K to 30K
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3.1K to 9.9K🎙 Daily cadence·157 episodes·Last published yesterday - Monthly Reach
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11K to 33K🇨🇱91%🇲🇾9% - Active Followers
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4.2K to 13K
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Recent episodes
How to Move Into Senior Management in the Energy Sector with Philip Lewis | Energy Sector Heroes
Jun 23, 2026
Unknown duration
How Graduates Can Break Into Hydrogen and Renewable Energy with Dr. Naveed Akhtar | Energy Sector Heroes
Jun 16, 2026
Unknown duration
How to Build a Career in Decommissioning with Francis Norman | Energy Sector Heroes
Jun 9, 2026
Unknown duration
🎙️ Starting a Career in HSEQ: Advice for Graduates and Energy Professionals with Emmanuela Uzoechina | Energy Sector Heroes
Jun 2, 2026
Unknown duration
Why Engineers Must Keep Learning to Stay Ahead with Segun Faniran | Energy Sector Heroes
May 26, 2026
Unknown duration
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| Date | Episode | Description | Length | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/23/26 | ![]() How to Move Into Senior Management in the Energy Sector with Philip Lewis | Energy Sector Heroes | Whether you're a graduate, an aspiring manager, or already leading teams in the energy sector, there comes a point in every career when technical knowledge alone isn't enough. Managing people, making difficult decisions, building trust, and creating opportunities often become just as important as industry expertise.In this episode, I sit down with Philip Lewis, who has spent more than 30 years working across commercial management, business development, general management and consultancy roles throughout the energy, offshore and marine sectors.We discuss how careers can evolve in unexpected directions, what it takes to move into leadership positions, and why building strong networks and support systems matters at every stage of your career. Philip also shares practical perspectives on decision-making, mentoring, managing performance, developing local teams, and building businesses from the ground up.We also explore some of the realities of leadership that are rarely discussed openly, including handling difficult conversations, supporting underperforming team members, and balancing accountability with empathy.🎯 Three Key Takeaways🔹 Leadership is built through experience, not just promotionPhilip explains that stepping into management is rarely about having every skill already mastered. Much of leadership comes from learning on the job, developing judgement, and surrounding yourself with trusted people who can challenge and support your thinking.🔹 Good decisions rely on the right informationRather than relying on instinct alone, Philip discusses the importance of collecting relevant data, simplifying complexity, and avoiding "data for data's sake." Strong leaders combine facts, experience and input from others before making decisions.🔹 Resilience comes from how you respond to setbacksThroughout the conversation, Philip reflects on career challenges, industry downturns and personal health issues. His approach focuses on adapting, creating new opportunities, and concentrating on what can be controlled rather than dwelling on circumstances.🚀 Three Actionable Takeaways✅ Build your network before you need itInvest time in developing genuine professional relationships, mentors and trusted advisers. These connections often become valuable sounding boards when facing important decisions.✅ Ask more questionsWhether you're a graduate or an experienced professional, curiosity remains one of the fastest ways to learn. Don't be afraid to challenge assumptions, seek clarification and explore different ways of solving problems.✅ Take ownership of your developmentLook beyond your job description. Volunteer for additional responsibilities, learn new skills and actively seek feedback. Career growth often comes from the work you do beyond the minimum expectations.Mentioned in this episode:Granola AIHead to go.granola.ai/michelle for a full one‑month trial of Granola. | — | ||||||
| 6/16/26 | ![]() How Graduates Can Break Into Hydrogen and Renewable Energy with Dr. Naveed Akhtar | Energy Sector Heroes | This episode will be particularly useful for students, graduates, early career professionals, and anyone interested in hydrogen, decarbonisation, and the future of energy. As the industry continues to balance energy security, sustainability, and new technologies, understanding where opportunities are emerging can help you make more informed career decisions. In this conversation, I speak with Dr. Naveed Akhtar, who has spent more than 25 years working across hydrogen, fuel cells, renewable energy, and industrial decarbonisation projects around the world. We discuss career pathways into hydrogen, the skills employers are looking for, the role of higher education, and why gaining the right experience early can shape your long term career. 🎙️ In This EpisodeDr. Naveed shares his journey from establishing one of Pakistan’s first hydrogen research laboratories to leading international hydrogen projects and creating the International Hydrogen Aviation Conference (IHAC).We discuss:🔹 How hydrogen and electrification are shaping the future of energy🔹 The sectors where hydrogen is expected to play the biggest role, including aviation, heavy transport, and maritime🔹 Why internships, industry placements, and practical experience can make a significant difference when applying for jobs🔹 The value of Master's degrees and PhDs in technical energy careers🔹 How graduates can approach major energy companies even when opportunities are not publicly advertised🔹 The importance of building experience with large organisations early in your career🔹 The growing role of sustainable aviation fuels and hydrogen powered aviation technologies💡 Three Key Takeaways✅ Start building industry experience before you graduateNaveed emphasises the value of internships, placements, master's projects, and thesis work. Even a short placement can help you stand out when applying for your first role.✅ Develop expertise in areas linked to energy transitionHydrogen, fuel cells, batteries, renewable energy, and sustainable aviation fuels are creating new opportunities as governments and companies continue to invest in decarbonisation.✅ Be proactive when looking for opportunitiesMany opportunities never appear on job boards. Reaching out directly to companies, hiring managers, and industry professionals can open doors that might otherwise remain hidden.🚀 Three Actionable Takeaways🔹 Review your CV and LinkedIn profile to make sure any renewable energy, sustainability, engineering, research, or project experience is clearly highlighted.🔹 Identify 10 companies working in hydrogen, renewables, sustainable fuels, or decarbonisation and connect with relevant professionals on LinkedIn.🔹 If you're still studying, start exploring internships, industry placements, summer projects, or dissertation opportunities linked to energy transition technologies.Thank you for listening to Energy Sector Heroes. If you enjoy the show, please consider following, rating, or sharing it with someone who may benefit from the conversation.Mentioned in this episode:Granola AIHead to go.granola.ai/michelle for a full one‑month trial of Granola. | — | ||||||
| 6/9/26 | ![]() How to Build a Career in Decommissioning with Francis Norman | Energy Sector Heroes | If you work in energy whether you're early in your career, considering working overseas, or thinking about where the sector is heading this conversation matters to you.Many of us started in oil and gas, new builds, commissioning, or brownfield projects. Now the landscape is shifting. Decommissioning is accelerating globally. Sustainability expectations are rising. International mobility is more complex. And younger engineers are asking different questions about purpose and long term opportunity.In this episode, I speak with Francis Norman, CEO and Managing Director of the Centre of Decommissioning Australia (CODA). We explore how he moved from traditional engineering into decommissioning, why this space is far more technically complex than many realise, and what advice he would give to engineers starting out today.We also talk honestly about working abroad, building confidence early in your career, and why flexibility may be the most valuable skill you can develop in the energy sector.🔎 What We CoverWhy decommissioning should be viewed as its own industry not just the “end of life” phaseThe technical complexity behind plugging wells, removing platforms, and dismantling offshore infrastructureWhy unknowns and incomplete documentation are part of the engineering challengeThe long term global outlook for decommissioning careersThe realities of working abroad including the self doubt and growth that come with itWhy energy careers in the future will demand flexibility across hydrocarbons, renewables, and carbon capture🎯 Three Key Takeaways🔹 Decommissioning is technically demanding and long termThis is not a short cycle phase. It will span decades globally and requires deep engineering judgement under uncertainty.🔹 Early career engineers should prioritise learning over positioningYour first 4–5 years are about mastering fundamentals, not chasing titles.🔹 International experience accelerates maturityWorking abroad forces decision making, builds resilience, and expands perspective in ways office based roles rarely do.🛠️ Three Actionable Takeaways✅ If you are in new build or brownfield ask to shadow a decommissioning scope.Exposure builds optionality. Even one project gives you transferable experience.✅ In your first five years, say “yes” more often than “no.”Secondments, site work, overseas assignments these experiences compound over time.✅ Broaden your definition of “energy.”Oil, gas, offshore wind, carbon capture, decommissioning, hydrogen your core engineering skillset can transfer across all of them.The energy sector is changing, but the need for skilled engineers is not disappearing. The engineers who thrive will be those who stay curious, technically grounded, and adaptable.Mentioned in this episode:Granola AIHead to go.granola.ai/michelle for a full one‑month trial of Granola. | — | ||||||
| 6/2/26 | ![]() 🎙️ Starting a Career in HSEQ: Advice for Graduates and Energy Professionals with Emmanuela Uzoechina | Energy Sector Heroes | As the energy industry continues to evolve through decarbonisation, hydrogen, carbon capture and renewables, there is growing demand for professionals who can help organisations manage risk, protect people and support safe project delivery.In this episode, I speak with HSEQ leader Emmanuela Uzoechina about her journey into the energy sector, how health, safety, environment and quality functions are changing, and why HSEQ professionals have an important role to play in the future of energy.We discuss career pathways into HSEQ, the skills that remain relevant across industries, and how organisations can prepare for the challenges that come with new technologies and emerging energy sectors.Whether you're considering a career in HSEQ, working on major projects, or interested in the future workforce requirements of the energy transition, there is plenty to think about in this conversation.🔑 Three Key Takeaways🦺 HSEQ is becoming more than compliance and assurance The role is increasingly focused on enabling operations, supporting project delivery and helping organisations build stronger safety cultures rather than simply enforcing rules.🌍 The energy transition is creating new challenges and opportunities As industries move into hydrogen, carbon capture, renewables and other emerging technologies, new risks, competency requirements and safety considerations are developing alongside them.🎯 Career paths are rarely linear There is no single route into HSEQ. Professionals enter from science, engineering, operations, HR and many other backgrounds, bringing transferable skills that can add value across the sector.✅ Three Actionable Takeaways📚 Identify one future focused skill to develop this year Look at areas such as hydrogen, carbon capture, renewable energy, risk management or safety leadership and commit to building your knowledge.🤝 Speak with professionals outside your immediate discipline Understanding how other functions operate can help you uncover career opportunities and transferable skills you may not have considered.🔍 Look for gaps that need solving Rather than focusing solely on job titles, think about where organisations are facing challenges and how your skills can help address them.🎧 About My GuestEmmanuela Uzoechina is an operational HSEQ leader with experience across offshore platforms, LNG facilities, hydrogen projects and major hazard environments. She is passionate about safety culture, people development, operational excellence and supporting organisations through the energy transition.Mentioned in this episode:Granola AIHead to go.granola.ai/michelle for a full one‑month trial of Granola. | — | ||||||
| 5/26/26 | ![]() Why Engineers Must Keep Learning to Stay Ahead with Segun Faniran | Energy Sector Heroes | If you work in energy, engineering, construction, or infrastructure, this episode matters because long term careers are rarely built on technical ability alone. They’re built through learning, communication, teamwork, adaptability, and knowing how to grow through change. In this conversation, I speak with Segun Faniran, founder of Construct Africa, about building an international career, mentoring future talent, and how young professionals can create real value in the workplace. Segun shares how he moved from civil engineering in Nigeria into global consulting, academia, and leadership roles across Australia, the Middle East, and beyond. We discuss why working in different regions broadens your thinking, why mentorship matters at every career stage, and why asking questions can often accelerate growth faster than pretending to know everything. We also explore how AI may reshape engineering productivity, and why the human side of the profession — judgement, communication, collaboration, and leadership — will remain essential.🔑 Three Key Takeaways🔹 Never stop learning What you learn in university is a starting point. Real progress comes from staying curious, adapting to change, and learning continuously throughout your career.🔹 Technical skill alone is not enough Strong careers are built by adding value beyond your core role — helping teams, improving processes, communicating clearly, and supporting the wider business.🔹 Safe leadership builds better people The best leaders create environments where people can ask questions, take initiative, make mistakes, and grow with confidence.🎯 Three Actionable Takeaways✅ Ask one experienced person in your workplace for advice this month. A simple conversation can save you years of trial and error.✅ Volunteer for one initiative outside your day job. It could be a presentation, process improvement, graduate network, or team project. Visibility matters.✅ Review one recent mistake as a lesson. Write down what happened, what you learned, and what you’ll do differently next time.Mentioned in this episode:Granola AIHead to go.granola.ai/michelle for a full one‑month trial of Granola. | — | ||||||
| 5/19/26 | ![]() Future Proof Your Energy Career with ICSS and Cyber Skills with Tim Canning | Energy Sector Heroes | If you work in engineering, operations, projects or leadership within energy, this episode matters because modern assets rely on connected systems more than ever. When those systems fail, are poorly understood, or are left exposed, the impact can be operational, financial and safety related. In this conversation, I speak with Tim Canning about careers in ICSS, OT cyber security, mentoring, problem solving and how technical people can stay valuable as the industry evolves. Tim shares how he moved from the Air Force into the energy sector, built deep expertise in control and safety systems, and later transitioned into OT cyber security before it became a mainstream discipline. We also discuss the realities of working on live plants, handling pressure, and why broad technical curiosity can open doors throughout a career. What stood out to me most was Tim’s honest view on growth. He talks about when staying with one company can work, when it may be time to move on, and why learning adjacent skills can future proof your career. He also speaks openly about trust, mentorship and helping the next generation develop confidence in high pressure environments. 🔑 Three Key Takeaways🔹 Specialist skills create long term value Deep knowledge in areas like ICSS, automation or OT cyber security can make you highly relevant when industries change.🔹 Understand the whole system, not just your part Strong professionals learn how equipment, data, people and process all connect — that’s where better decisions are made.🔹 Experience should be passed on Real leadership includes mentoring others, listening well, and helping less experienced people grow.✅ Three Actionable Takeaways🔧 Build one niche skill this year Choose an area such as controls, cyber, reliability or project delivery and commit to becoming stronger in it.🔧 Learn one adjacent discipline If you are mechanical, learn controls. If you are controls, learn process operations. If you are project based, learn risk or commercials.🔧 Find one trusted person at work A mentor, peer or experienced colleague you can learn from honestly can accelerate your progress.Mentioned in this episode:Granola AIHead to go.granola.ai/michelle for a full one‑month trial of Granola. | — | ||||||
| 5/12/26 | ![]() Energy Careers: What Graduates Need to Know in 2026 with Daniel O' Meara | Energy Sector Heroes | If you work in energy, are studying for a technical career, or you’re trying to build a long term future in a changing market, this episode matters. I sat down with Daniel O’Meara, President of Geo2 Flow, to talk about what creates staying power in this sector, how technical careers evolve, and why mentorship still matters more than many people realise. Daniel shares how he moved from academia into the energy industry, built a specialist software business with global reach, and worked across multiple countries and disciplines over several decades. We also discuss how graduates can think more carefully about further study, choosing the right mentors, and building practical skills that employers value. This conversation is a useful reminder that careers are rarely linear. Sometimes the best opportunities come from being curious, staying adaptable, and learning how different parts of the industry connect.🔑 Three Key Takeaways🔹 Technical ability alone is not enough Strong careers are often built on communication, commercial awareness, and the ability to work across disciplines—not just deep technical knowledge. 🔹 Mentors can save years of trial and error A good mentor can help you focus on what matters, avoid poor choices, and understand how the real industry works beyond university or theory. 🔹 Global thinking creates opportunities Energy is an international sector. Being open to new markets, cultures, and ways of working can widen your options significantly. ✅ Three Actionable Takeaways🛠️ Review your current skill gaps Ask yourself: what would make me more employable in the next 12 months—technical tools, leadership skills, communication, or commercial understanding?🛠️ Find one credible mentor Look for someone with real industry experience whose career path you respect. Ask thoughtful questions and learn from their mistakes as well as their wins.🛠️ Think beyond your local market Research where investment is happening globally. Sometimes the best move is being willing to look outside your immediate area.🎧 Why Listen?If you’re a graduate, mid career professional, or experienced specialist thinking about your next move, this episode offers practical thoughts on career durability, learning, and staying relevant in a sector that keeps changing.Mentioned in this episode:Granola AIHead to go.granola.ai/michelle for a full one‑month trial of Granola. | — | ||||||
| 5/5/26 | ![]() Michael Durand: Energy Careers: Stay or Move? What Really Drives Progression | Energy Sector Heroes | If you’re building a career in the energy sector, this episode matters because it challenges how you think about progression, company choice, and long term direction. We often hear that success means moving companies, chasing titles, or maximising salary but this conversation looks at a different path: staying, growing, and making deliberate choices based on values, not just opportunity.In this episode, I speak with Michel Durand, Director at EDF, who shares what it looks like to build a 30+ year career within one organisation while still gaining diverse experiences across nuclear, overseas operations, and leadership roles. We talk about career decisions, working abroad, and how to assess whether a company is right for you not just on paper, but in reality.What stood out to me is how much of a career comes down to trade offs between risk and stability, salary and purpose, or staying versus leaving. There isn’t one “correct” path, but there are better decisions depending on what matters to you.🔑 Key Takeaways🔹 Career progression doesn’t always require moving companiesMichel built his career by taking opportunities internally rather than chasing external moves. Progression came from being open to new roles rather than actively chasing titles.🔹 Company values matter more than brandingIt’s important to look beyond what a company says and understand what it actually does especially around environment, people, and ethics. If your values don’t align, staying long term becomes difficult.🔹 Mobility creates opportunityBeing open to relocating whether internationally or within your own country can significantly expand your career options and expose you to larger, more complex projects.⚡ Actionable Takeaways👉 Do a values check on your current (or target) companyLook at their environmental policies, track record, and reputation. Then ask yourself honestly does this align with what I’m comfortable working on?👉 Tell your manager you’re open to new opportunitiesDon’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Make it clear you’re willing to move roles, locations, or take on new challenges.👉 Test your comfort with mobility earlyIf you’re early in your career, actively explore opportunities abroad or in different regions. Even one move can change your trajectory.Mentioned in this episode:Granola AIHead to go.granola.ai/michelle for a full one‑month trial of Granola. | — | ||||||
| 4/28/26 | ![]() The Future of Energy Careers: Stability, Risk and Transferable Skills with Jamie Young | Energy Sector Heroes | If you are building a career in energy — whether you’re a graduate, mid career professional, or senior leader — this conversation matters.The sector is evolving fast. Expectations around safety, sustainability, leadership and reputation have shifted dramatically. The pace of change is increasing. And for many of you listening, the question is no longer just “How do I succeed?” but “How do I build something meaningful and transferable?”In this episode, I speak with Jamie Young, former Risk Director at BP, who shares reflections from a 40 year career across oil & gas and mining.Jamie started as an apprentice in the North Sea and went on to lead global risk methodologies supporting executive leadership. Along the way, he experienced near fatal incidents, witnessed major industry disasters, and helped shape strategic responses to events that changed the sector permanently.We talk about what has genuinely improved in energy — particularly around safety culture and systems thinking — but also about the new challenges facing the industry: instability, cyclical restructures, technology disruption, and the importance of personal reputation.This is a grounded discussion about purpose, risk, leadership and how to show up well in a high stakes sector.💡 Three Key Takeaways🔹 Purpose isn’t abstract — it’s built from what you care aboutJamie’s sense of purpose didn’t appear overnight. It emerged from lived experience — from seeing what goes wrong and deciding to contribute to preventing it. Purpose is often found at the intersection of what affects you deeply and where you can add distinctive value.🔹 The industry is safer — but less stableOil and gas has made major strides in process safety, systems thinking, and operating discipline. However, career stability is no longer guaranteed. Reorganisations, volatility and existential pressures mean professionals must think long term and transferable.🔹 Reputation now matters more than everDoing good work is essential — but it must also be visible. In a cyclical industry, how you are perceived, how you collaborate, and what you are known for can influence opportunities and resilience.🎯 Three Actionable Takeaways📝 Define what you want to be known forWrite down three words that describe the professional you want to be. Align your behaviour and decisions to those words. Review them annually.🗣 Practise a 90 second professional summaryBe able to clearly and succinctly explain who you are, what you stand for, and the value you bring. This is essential for interviews, networking, and internal visibility.🌍 Build a network before you need oneAttend events, connect on LinkedIn, follow up with short conversations. Relationships built early provide optionality later — especially in a cyclical sector.Mentioned in this episode:Granola AIHead to go.granola.ai/michelle for a full one‑month trial of Granola. | — | ||||||
| 4/21/26 | ![]() Douglas Lumsden: Is the Energy Transition Costing Jobs? A Real Look at Oil, Gas & Renewables | Energy Sector Heroes | For anyone building a career in the energy sector, this conversation matters because it touches on something many of us are experiencing right now uncertainty. Whether you’re early in your career, trying to transition roles, or deciding which direction to take, the decisions being made at policy level are directly shaping job opportunities, salaries, and long term stability.In this episode, I speak with Douglas Lumsden, who moved from a 25 year career in oil and gas into politics. We talk about what’s really happening in the UK energy landscape, why opportunities feel more limited, and what this means for people working in or entering the sector.💡 What I took from this conversation🔹 The energy sector is still essential but it’s changing unevenly We are not using less oil and gas yet, but we are producing less of it domestically. That gap is being filled by imports, which has implications for jobs, costs, and energy security.🔹 Transition isn’t matching reality on the ground There’s a lot of focus on moving toward renewables, but the number of jobs available doesn’t yet match the roles being lost in oil and gas. That mismatch is creating pressure across the workforce.🔹 Policy decisions are shaping career paths Investment, hiring, and long term planning are heavily influenced by government policy. That means career stability in the sector is no longer just about technical skill it’s also about external factors outside our control.✅ Actionable takeaways🔸 Think in terms of “energy,” not just oil and gas If you’re planning your career, focus on skills that transfer across the wider energy sector engineering, project delivery, subsea, digital, and controls all move across industries.🔸 Stay flexible on location and opportunity Many professionals are moving internationally to maintain their careers. It’s worth considering mobility as part of your long term plan rather than a last resort.🔸 Build skills that bridge sectors Look for experience that sits between oil & gas and renewables (e.g. offshore engineering, commissioning, infrastructure). These areas are more resilient as the industry evolves.Mentioned in this episode:Granola AIHead to go.granola.ai/michelle for a full one‑month trial of Granola. | — | ||||||
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| 4/14/26 | ![]() Mona Setoodeh: Energy Careers Explained: What Hiring Managers Really Look For | Energy Sector Heroes | If you’re a student, graduate, or early career professional trying to find your place in the energy sector, this episode matters because it breaks down what actually drives career progression beyond qualifications and job titles.In this conversation, I speak with Mona Setoodeh, an LNG specialist and Vice President, about how careers are really built in this industry from mentorship and self advocacy to hiring decisions and team dynamics.What stood out to me is that progression isn’t just about technical ability. It’s about how you position yourself, how you think, and how you show up in the room especially when it feels uncomfortable.We also get into the reality of interviews, what hiring managers are actually looking for, and how to create long term opportunities rather than just chasing the next role.🔑 Key Takeaways🧠 Your technical skills get you in your mindset keeps you progressingEmployers expect to teach you the technical side early on. What they’re really assessing is resilience, communication, and how you approach problems.🤝 Mentorship isn’t about being told what to doThe most valuable mentors help you think differently, not just give answers. They create space for you to take risks while knowing support is there if needed.📣 Self advocacy is a learned skill, not a personality traitSpeaking up doesn’t come naturally to everyone, but it can be developed through awareness, preparation, and understanding how people respond in professional environments.✅ Actionable Takeaways🎯 Define your direction earlyBe clear on what you want long term and communicate it. Even if it changes, having intent helps others support your progression.🔍 Prepare differently for interviewsDon’t focus only on technical answers. Think about how you demonstrate resilience, teamwork, and decision making under pressure.🌐 Build your network consistentlyStay connected with people over time. Opportunities often come through relationships, not just applications.Mentioned in this episode:Granola AIHead to go.granola.ai/michelle for a full one‑month trial of Granola. | — | ||||||
| 4/7/26 | ![]() Are Energy Careers Changing? Nigel MacLean on Skills That Transfer Across Sectors | Energy Sector Heroes | If you're building a career in energy whether you're just starting out, considering a move, or thinking about going out on your own this episode matters because it shows what a real career path can look like when it doesn’t follow a straight line.In this conversation, I sit down with Nigel MacLean, Managing Director of Entuergy, who shares how he moved from offshore technician to running his own consultancy, working across both traditional oil & gas and newer energy projects.We talk about career transitions, how skills carry across sectors, and what actually happens when you step into self employment in the energy industry.What stood out to me is how much of a career is shaped by decisions made at uncertain moments redundancy, switching paths, or taking opportunities that weren’t part of the original plan. Nigel also speaks openly about the realities of building a business, from finding work to managing growth and staying relevant in a changing energy landscape.There’s also a strong message here for anyone worried about the future of energy jobs the work is still there, but it may not look like it used to.🔑 Key Takeaways⚙️ Early hands-on experience creates long term advantageStarting “on the tools” gave Nigel a foundation that shaped everything that followed especially in leadership roles later in his career.🔄 Energy careers don’t need to stay in one laneThe same project and engineering skills can move across oil & gas, renewables, power, and even into areas like legal expert work.📈 Self-employment is less about freedom and more about responsibilityBuilding a consultancy means managing pipeline, brand, relationships, and delivery all at the same time.✅ Actionable Takeaways🧭 Build transferable skills earlyFocus on project delivery, stakeholder management, and execution in complex environments these skills travel across industries.🤝 Stay visible and relevantShare your work, insights, or observations (even short form content) to keep yourself in people’s awareness opportunities often come through visibility.⚖️ Don’t assume you need to take a pay cut to change sectorLook for ways to position your experience so it translates commercially adaptation matters more than starting over.Mentioned in this episode:Granola AIHead to go.granola.ai/michelle for a full one‑month trial of Granola. | — | ||||||
| 3/31/26 | ![]() Why Most Energy Jobs Are Never Advertised with Michael Way | Energy Sector Heroes | Many of the students and early career professionals who listen to Energy Sector Heroes are trying to answer the same questions:How do you actually get noticed in the energy industry? How do you compete when there are hundreds of applicants?And what role should AI, networking, and recruiters play in your career journey?In this episode, I sit down with Michael Way, co-founder of Subterra Group, a specialist upstream recruitment firm working with exploration and production companies. Michael shares how recruitment really works behind the scenes, what hiring managers actually look for, and how candidates can stand out in a crowded job market. We talk about the reality of executive search, why many roles are never advertised publicly, and why building relationships in the industry can matter just as much as submitting an application online. Michael also gives a candid perspective on AI written CVs, interview preparation, and the changing balance between traditional oil and gas careers and the energy transition.For anyone trying to build a career in energy whether in oil and gas, CCS, hydrogen, or renewables this conversation offers a practical look at how hiring decisions are actually made.Key Takeaways🔹 Many opportunities never appear on job boards Specialist recruitment firms often work through networks and referrals rather than public advertisements. Building relationships with recruiters and industry professionals can uncover opportunities that are never publicly listed.🔹 Standing out requires more than submitting a CV A short message to the hiring manager, a LinkedIn note, or a proactive introduction can make a candidate more memorable than simply clicking “apply” on a job portal.🔹 AI can help but it shouldn’t replace your voice AI tools can support spelling, formatting, and research, but CVs and applications that rely too heavily on automated writing often stand out for the wrong reasons.Three Actionable Takeaways🧭 Pick five companies you genuinely want to work for Research them and send a short introduction explaining your interest even if there are no current vacancies.📩 Introduce yourself to hiring managers A short LinkedIn message or email can help your application stand out from hundreds of others.📚 Use AI as a tool, not a replacement Use it to improve formatting, spelling, or research but keep your writing personal and authentic.Mentioned in this episode:Granola AIHead to go.granola.ai/michelle for a full one‑month trial of Granola. | — | ||||||
| 3/24/26 | ![]() How Hiring Is Changing in the Energy Industry (AI, Redundancies & Skills) with Gary Gray | Energy Sector Heroes | For students, graduates and professionals trying to build a career in the energy sector, the employment landscape can feel uncertain. Technology is changing how companies operate, the energy mix is evolving, and many people are wondering where opportunities will exist in the future.In this episode of Energy Sector Heroes, I speak with Gary Gray, Managing Director of Strategic Resources. Gary has spent more than two decades working in recruitment within the energy industry, giving him a unique view of how hiring trends, workforce shifts and career expectations have evolved over time.During our conversation, we discuss how the job market is changing in Aberdeen and beyond, the impact of technology such as AI on recruitment, and the realities of navigating redundancy and career transitions. Gary also shares his perspective on where opportunities may emerge for graduates and early career professionals entering the workforce today.For anyone considering a career in engineering, energy, technology or related industries, this conversation highlights the importance of staying adaptable and understanding how industries evolve over time. The energy sector continues to change, but there are still many pathways for people willing to build the right skills and stay open to new opportunities.🔑 Three Key Takeaways💡 1. The energy workforce is evolving, not disappearingWhile some professionals are moving away from traditional oil and gas roles, engineering expertise is still needed across areas such as renewables, gas infrastructure, and emerging technologies.🤖 2. AI is entering recruitment, but human judgement still mattersMany large companies are using AI tools to filter applications, but recruiters still rely heavily on human evaluation when deciding who is the right fit for a role.🔄 3. Career paths are rarely linearRedundancies, career shifts and temporary role changes are common in the energy sector. What matters most is how individuals adapt and continue building experience over time.✅ Three Actionable Takeaways for Listeners🧭 Clarify the direction of your career earlyThink carefully about what industries and technologies interest you most, then build skills that align with where those sectors are heading.🤝 Engage directly with industry professionalsAttend career fairs, industry events and technical conferences to learn how companies are evolving and what skills are in demand.📈 Stay flexible during industry downturnsIf opportunities become limited, taking a different role or moving into an adjacent sector can help maintain momentum and keep your experience growing.Mentioned in this episode:Granola AIHead to go.granola.ai/michelle for a full one‑month trial of Granola. | — | ||||||
| 3/3/26 | ![]() Will Oil & Gas Disappear? The Future of Energy Careers Explained with Mike Cooper | Energy Sector Heroes | If you're a student, graduate, engineer, geoscientist, or industry professional trying to make sense of where energy is heading this conversation matters.Many of you are navigating career uncertainty, hearing mixed messages about oil and gas, renewables, AI, fracking, net zero and policy shifts. It can feel difficult to understand where real opportunity sits and what skills will still matter in 10 or 20 years.In this episode, I sit down with subsurface and exploration manager Mike Cooper to talk openly about how the industry has changed since the 1980s, what’s happening globally across oil, gas and renewables, and what this means for the next generation entering energy.We explore:🌍 How global geology connects basins from the North Sea to Brazil and West Africa🤖 Where AI can genuinely help and where it still needs human judgement🏗️ Why energy policy directly affects jobs, industry and competitiveness🎓 What young professionals should be doing right now to build resilienceMike also shares lessons from building and winding up companies, mentoring graduates, and creating niche industry content through his YouTube channel. There’s a strong thread throughout this conversation: experience, judgement and specialist expertise still matter even in a more automated world.🔑 Three Key Takeaways1️⃣ Energy transition doesn’t eliminate legacy industries it reshapes themOil and gas are unlikely to disappear overnight. Even as renewables expand, fossil fuels still form a large part of global energy supply. The real shift is in how efficiently and responsibly energy is produced.Actionable takeaway:👉 If you’re entering energy, build dual literacy. Understand both conventional energy systems and transition technologies like CCUS, geothermal or offshore wind. Being cross sector fluent increases your employability.2️⃣ AI is powerful but expertise is the filterAI can draft, summarise and model at speed. But it still blends data incorrectly, mislabels basins, or merges unrelated fields. Human oversight remains critical, especially in subsurface interpretation and engineering decisions.Actionable takeaway:👉 Learn to use AI as a productivity tool, not a replacement for technical understanding. Develop deep domain knowledge so you can sense check outputs and spot errors quickly.3️⃣ Early experience matters more than perfect rolesMike shared how graduates who were willing to start small, take risk and gain exposure ended up highly employable years later. The classroom and the workplace are very different environments.Actionable takeaway:👉 Prioritise proximity to real projects over title or salary in your first few years. Exposure to live data, operations, and decision making environments compounds long term value.This episode isn’t about hype. It’s about realism where opportunity exists, where risk sits, and how young professionals can navigate a sector that is evolving technically, politically and economically.If you're building your career in energy right now, this is one to listen to with a notebook beside you. ✍️ | — | ||||||
| 2/24/26 | ![]() Adekunle Akintayo: Why Mentorship Matters More Than Talent | Energy Sector Heroes | In this week’s episode, host Michelle Fraser sits down with Adekunle Akintayo for an honest and inspiring conversation about career growth, leadership, and the power of mentorship.Adekunle shares his journey from starting out as a mechanical engineer to becoming Head of Technical Services within a global organisation. Along the way, he reflects on the pivotal decisions, challenges, and turning points that shaped his career and the mentors who helped guide him through them.Together, Michelle and Adekunle explore what effective mentorship really looks like, how to find the right mentor, and why having the right guidance at the right time can be career defining. Adekunle offers practical insights drawn from real experience, highlighting lessons that are just as relevant for early career professionals as they are for those stepping into leadership roles.If you’re navigating your own career path, considering your next move, or wondering how mentorship could accelerate your growth, this episode offers thoughtful perspective, reassurance, and inspiration.Settle in for a compelling conversation on leadership, learning, and the mentors who make the difference.Mentioned in this episode:Granola AIHead to go.granola.ai/michelle for a full one‑month trial of Granola. | — | ||||||
| 2/17/26 | ![]() Cameron Thorp: Small Company, Big Responsibility: Building Credibility Early in Engineering | Energy Sector Heroes | If you’re early in your career or you’ve moved faster than you expected into responsibility this episode is for you. Many people in the energy sector worry about whether they’re “ready enough”, whether they’ve moved too quickly, or whether choosing a smaller company might limit future options. These questions matter because the early decisions you make often shape confidence, capability, and long term direction more than job titles ever will.In this episode of Energy Sector Heroes, I’m joined by Cameron Thorp, Engineering Manager at Subsea Pressure Controls. Cameron shares what it’s really like stepping into a senior role at a young age, managing people with more experience than you, and building credibility without decades on your CV. We talk honestly about imposter syndrome, chartership, mentoring, interviews, and why being proactive often matters more than ticking every requirement box.This is a grounded conversation about learning by doing, making deliberate career moves, and backing yourself even when it feels uncomfortable.Key Takeaways You Can Act On🔧 Choose environments that stretch you, not just impress on paper Smaller companies can offer broader responsibility, faster learning, and earlier exposure to decision making. If you want range and ownership early on, look at where you’ll actually get hands on experience.🧭 Use structure to offset limited experience Chartership, mentoring, and clear development goals help build credibility when you don’t yet have years behind you. Seek external support if your company doesn’t offer it professional institutions can fill that gap.📞 Don’t self reject before a conversation If a role looks interesting but you don’t meet every requirement, pick up the phone. An informal conversation can change how a role is scoped and how you’re assessed before your CV is even reviewed.Mentioned in this episode:Granola AIHead to go.granola.ai/michelle for a full one‑month trial of Granola. | — | ||||||
| 2/10/26 | ![]() Pravesh Jalora: Inside Mega Projects: What It Really Takes to Deliver at Scale | Energy Sector Heroes Podcast | In this episode, host Michelle Fraser sits down with Pravesh Jalora, Project Engineering Manager at McDermott International, for an insightful conversation on what it really takes to deliver large scale energy projects.Pravesh shares his career journey into the energy sector, reflecting on the pivotal experiences that shaped his path and the realities of working on multi billion dollar programmes. Drawing from first hand project experience, he offers practical insights into managing complexity, navigating risk, and leading teams through high pressure environments.From avoiding common project pitfalls to driving delivery in challenging conditions, Pravesh breaks down the lessons that matter most lessons you won’t find in textbooks. His perspective provides a rare look behind the scenes of major project execution and the leadership mindset required to succeed.Whether you’re early in your career or already working in project delivery, this episode is packed with real world advice, honest reflections, and valuable takeaways from someone who’s lived it. Expect an engaging, no nonsense conversation on leadership, resilience, and delivering at scale in the energy sector.Mentioned in this episode:Granola AIHead to go.granola.ai/michelle for a full one‑month trial of Granola. | — | ||||||
| 2/3/26 | ![]() Michael Love : Energy Transition Jobs: What Skills Still Matter and Where the Work Is Going | Energy Sector Heroes | If you work in energy, whether you’re early in your career, mid transition, or trying to future proof decades of hard won experience, the questions feel very real right now. Where are the jobs actually going? Which skills still matter? And how do you avoid being left in the gap between policy ambition and real employment?In this episode, I’m joined by Michael Love, Director of Policy at OPITO, to talk honestly about what’s happening beneath the headlines. We get into the realities of workforce movement, why so many skilled people are heading overseas, and what “transferable skills” actually mean in practice not as a slogan, but as a pathway.We also talk about graduates, apprenticeships, AI, and why the energy sector still needs people who can think, communicate, and manage complexity not just code or automate. This conversation matters because decisions made now by individuals, companies, and government will shape who stays, who leaves, and who gets left behind.🔍 Key Takeaways You Can Act On⚡ How oil & gas skills realistically translate into renewables, hydrogen, and CCS 🧭 Why waiting for a “clear transition” is risky and how to protect your career now 📊 Which skills will matter most as AI reshapes energy rolesMentioned in this episode:Granola AIHead to go.granola.ai/michelle for a full one‑month trial of Granola. | — | ||||||
| 1/27/26 | ![]() Asking for Help at Work: Andy Lopata on Why It Matters | Energy Sector Heroes | If you work in the energy sector, your career will not be shaped by job boards alone. Progres opportunity and visibility often come down to relationships, who knows you, how well they know you, and whether they trust you enough to speak your name when you’re not in the room. That’s why this conversation matters.In this episode of Energy Sector Heroes, I’m joined by Andy Lopata, author of multiple books on professional relationships and mentoring, to unpack what building a strong network actually looks like in practice, especially for people who find networking uncomfortable, intimidating or performative.We talk openly about why asking for help feels hard, how to approach senior leaders without feeling out of place, and why many careers stall not because of lack of capability, but because people don’t invest enough in relationship depth. We also explore practical ways to engage on platforms like LinkedIn without feeling transactional, and how to show up in conversations with confidence, whether that’s one to one or in front of a room full of people.This is a practical conversation about career momentum, not self promotion.🔑 Key Takeaways💬 Networking works best when it’s not about “networking”Andy explains why focusing on people you genuinely want to know rather than what they can do for you leads to stronger, longer term professional relationships.🤝 Asking for help is not weaknessWe unpack why most people hesitate to ask, how to frame requests from a position of confidence, and why allowing others to help you actually strengthens relationships.👀 Senior leaders are not as unapproachable as you thinkThe episode breaks down how to start conversations with experienced professionals in a way that feels respectful, natural and grounded without trying to impress or perform.✅ Actionable Takeaways📝 Audit your current networkIdentify who already knows your work well enough to support you and who you need to deepen relationships with through follow up and consistent engagement.📩 Make your outreach about them, not youWhen messaging someone, lead with curiosity: ask what they’re working on, reference something they’ve shared, or acknowledge a conversation you’ve already had.🎯 Practice asking for specific helpReplace vague requests with clear ones for example, asking for an introduction or advice on a defined decision and be comfortable with a “no.”Mentioned in this episode:Granola AIHead to go.granola.ai/michelle for a full one‑month trial of Granola. | — | ||||||
| 1/20/26 | ![]() Career Moves That Matter: David Rodger on Leadership and Renewables | Energy Sector Heroes Podcast | Welcome back to the podcast. In this episode, I’m joined by David Rodger, CEO of Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group, for a practical conversation about leadership, career transitions, and the evolution of the energy sector in the North East of Scotland.David talks openly about his career path from his early work as a civil servant through to leading one of the region’s most influential renewable energy organisations. We explore the decisions, trade offs, and moments that shaped his trajectory, as well as what it really takes to build momentum in a sector that is constantly changing.Together, we discuss the challenges of driving collaboration across industry, government, and supply chains, the realities behind major renewable projects, and how regional capability has developed over time. David also reflects on the role leadership plays in creating long term value not just for projects, but for people and communities.This episode is a grounded look at how careers evolve, how energy transitions actually happen on the ground, and what it means to lead with clarity and intent in a complex industry.Mentioned in this episode:Granola AIHead to go.granola.ai/michelle for a full one‑month trial of Granola. | — | ||||||
| 1/13/26 | ![]() Carbon Capture in the UK with Olivia Powis: Projects, Jobs and What Comes Next | Energy Sector Heroes | If you work in energy, heavy industry, construction, engineering, or policy, or you’re trying to understand where credible long term work will come from in the UK, this episode matters. Carbon capture often gets talked about in abstract terms, but behind it are real projects, real jobs, and real decisions being made right now that will shape industrial careers for decades.In this episode, I’m joined by Olivia Powis, CEO of the Carbon Capture and Storage Association, to talk about what carbon capture actually looks like on the ground: how the industry is being built, where the projects are, what skills are needed, and why timing matters for people considering their next move.We discuss how carbon capture links decarbonisation with job protection, why the UK is well positioned to lead if it moves quickly enough, and what this means for graduates, mid career professionals, and those transitioning from oil and gas, construction, or heavy industry.Key takeaways⚙️ Carbon capture is no longer theoretical Multiple UK projects have reached final investment decision, with more than 100 in the pipeline. This is now an execution challenge, not a technology debate.🧭 Skills transfer is central not optional Subsurface, drilling, pipelines, construction, operations, project management, and regulation skills all carry across. Large-scale retraining isn’t the barrier many people assume it is.🏗️ Timing and policy certainty affect careers Delays don’t just slow projects they risk losing experienced people overseas. Aligning project timelines with workforce transitions is critical.Three actionable takeaways🔍 Map yourself to the value chain Identify whether your skills fit capture, transport, storage, construction, or programme delivery then target companies active in that specific segment.📍 Follow projects, not headlines Look at cluster locations, confirmed projects, and developer pipelines rather than general “net zero” announcements when planning career moves.🧠 Stay close to the industry conversation Attend CCUS webinars, industry briefings, and technical events to understand where work will materialise and when.Mentioned in this episode:Granola AIHead to go.granola.ai/michelle for a full one‑month trial of Granola. | — | ||||||
| 1/6/26 | ![]() Career Growth, Credibility & ESG Leadership with Syarifah Aliza Syed Azauddin | Energy Sector Heroes | How do you build credibility and progress into leadership roles in the energy sector? In this episode, I talk with Syarifah Aliza Syed Azauddin, Vice President of Corporate Governance & Sustainability Reporting, about how careers evolve, how to speak up with confidence, and why continuous learning matters at every stage.We discuss the realities of advancing as a woman in the industry, the importance of trust and delivery, and why energy transition strategies must be shaped by local context not a single global narrative.In this episode:• Building trust through consistent delivery and communication• Approaching interviews and leadership conversations with confidence• Why sustainability priorities look different across regions• Developing a broad skill set beyond your core disciplineIf you're growing your career in energy or aiming for leadership in sustainability and governance, this conversation offers a practical view of what it takes to move forward.Mentioned in this episode:Granola AIHead to go.granola.ai/michelle for a full one‑month trial of Granola. | — | ||||||
| 12/30/25 | ![]() Why Water Matters: Produced Water Solutions with Steven Coffey | Energy Sector Heroes | How can better water management reshape the future of energy? In this episode, I talk with Steven Coffey, Director of International Business Development for Produced Water Solutions and President of the Produced Water Society, to explore the role of water in both traditional and emerging energy systems.Steven explains why produced water should be viewed as a usable resource rather than a waste stream and how that shift can support sustainability, reduce environmental impact, and even create new business opportunities. We also discuss the reality of balancing multiple responsibilities in the sector and the importance of collaboration across energy industries.In this episode:• Treating produced water as a resource — not a disposal issue• How better water practices can open new markets and improve sustainability• Practical approaches to managing workload and leadership responsibilities• Why “energy expansion” may be a more productive direction than “energy transition”If you’re interested in where operational efficiency meets environmental responsibility, this conversation offers a clear look at how water connects the entire energy system.Mentioned in this episode:Granola AIHead to go.granola.ai/michelle for a full one‑month trial of Granola. | — | ||||||
| 12/23/25 | ![]() Why Renewables Still Need Oil & Gas: A Veteran’s Perspective with Barry Jones | Energy Sector Heroes | 🌍 Are you ready to navigate the future of energy? Join us on this week's episode of the Energy Sector Heroes podcast, featuring Barry Jones, Offshore Installation Manager at Ørsted, with over 30 years of experience spanning oil, gas, renewables, and submarine telecommunications. Together, we explore the real challenges and opportunities in the global shift toward greener energy.🎧 What’s in it for you?Understand the global push for renewables and why collaboration with traditional oil and gas sectors matters now more than ever.Learn from cultural challenges faced while working in diverse regions, from Taiwan to Europe, and discover why local context can make or break energy projects.Actionable tips for young professionals: Master communication skills to make your voice heard, innovate within your role, and drive meaningful change in the industry.Tune in for a grounded conversation packed with practical insights and real-world lessons for today’s energy sector professionals.Mentioned in this episode:Granola AIHead to go.granola.ai/michelle for a full one‑month trial of Granola. | — | ||||||
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