In this episode. Our host, Stuart Broadley, is joined by great friends and even greater storytellers, Ann Johnson, co-founder of Blaze Manufacturing, and Erikka Askeland, News Editor at Energy Voice, for a candid conversation on leadership, entrepreneurship and the changing energy industry. Drawing on their very different journeys into the energy sector, and into Aberdeen, they reflect on the challenges of building a business, navigating downturns and finding success in a traditionally male-dominated industry. The discussion explores Ann's experience building Blaze Manufacturing with her husband Howard, the importance of people, trust and culture in creating a successful business, and the difficult realities of surviving industry downturns. Erikka shares her perspective as a journalist covering the energy sector,, including the industry's struggles with communication, public perception and telling its own story. At the heart of the conversation is leadership: the importance of belonging, supporting others and creating opportunities for women and young people in energy. Ann and Erikka discuss mentorship versus sponsorship, finding your voice, embracing non-linear careers and why the industry needs to become a more welcoming and inclusive place for the next generation. What Is the EIC? The Energy Industries Council (EIC) is one of the world’s largest energy trade associations. As a not-for-profit organisation, it supports more than 950 member companies involved in the global energy value chain. EIC operates internationally, with offices in London, Kuala Lumpur, Rio de Janeiro, Houston, Dubai, and soon, Berlin. It is energy agnostic, supporting all parts of the energy sector. From mature renewable onshore and offshore sectors like wind, solar and hydropower; to grid infrastructure and large nuclear; to hydrocarbon sectors like oil & gas, LNG, FPSO, decommissioning, upstream, midstream and downstream; to emerging low-carbon sectors like hydrogen, carbon capture, CCUS, energy storage, BESS, biofuels, SAF (sustainable aviation fuels), and geothermal. EIC provides a wide range of services, including access to global market intelligence, CAPEX and OPEX project data, consulting support, events, business development opportunities, and advocacy. It also facilitates connections with key decision-makers and policymakers in the energy sector worldwide. Stay Connected with EIC Learn more about the EICExplore EIC membership Learn more about the Five Golden Rules for a Healthy Energy Supply ChainLearn about EIC ConsultRead the full Survive & Thrive Report Contact Stuart Broadley about doing your own C-level EIC podcast at Stuart.Broadley@the-eic.com Produced, engineered, and promoted by: Samara Bernardo, Lucas Almeida, João Otero, Isabella Costa, Laura Carvalho, and Clara Machado.
