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

Michelle Fraser
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Welcome to Energy Sector Heroes! This podcast is all about showcasing stand-out individuals in the energy sector and their inspiring careers. If you're interested in making a name for yourself in the energy industry, this is the perfect show for you. Each episode, we'll sit down with a different energy sector hero and learn about their journey to success, the challenges they faced along the way, and the valuable lessons they learned. From engineers and scientists to executives and entrepreneurs, we'll hear from a diverse range of professionals who are making a real impact in the world of energy. Tune in to Energy Sector Heroes to get motivated, learn from the best, and start your journey to becoming an energy sector hero too!

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    Career Pivot to CEO: The Bardasz Story with Pablo Perez | Energy Sector Heroes

    How do you go from writing software in the field to leading a global technology company? In this episode, I sit down with Pablo Perez founder, president, and CEO of Bardasz to unpack the decisions, risks, and lessons that shaped his career. Pablo reflects on his early years as a developer in Venezuela, the leap into entrepreneurship, and the realities of scaling a business in the energy sector. We explore the practical side of leadership: building a team, managing uncertainty, and staying close to the needs of operators and service companies. In this episode, we cover: Balancing technical skills with business growthCommon pitfalls in startups and how to navigate themWhy data and digital tools remain essential in field operationsWhat future founders in the energy sector should focus on If you’re curious about what it takes to build a company in the energy technology space or you’re considering that path yourself Pablo’s experience offers plenty to learn from.

    36 min

  2. 4 NOV

    Breaking Into Carbon Capture & Storage: Skills, Careers, and Market Shifts with Henry Morris | Energy Sector Heroes

    Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is set to play a major role in reducing industrial emissions but where do the skills come from to build it? In this episode, I talk with Henry Morris about how traditional oil and gas expertise is being repurposed to help the UK and Europe cut millions of tonnes of CO₂ each year. Henry shares how his geoscience background led him from offshore exploration into developing new CO₂ storage projects using existing wells and depleted gas fields. We discuss why core engineering and subsurface skills remain essential, what smaller companies look for in graduates, and how to prepare for the market cycles that shape energy careers.   In this episode:   How CCS works and why it’s neededTransferable skills from oil & gas to low-carbon rolesWhy clarity in communication matters as much as technical knowledgeNavigating career uncertainty and energy market cyclesPractical advice for graduates entering the sector If you’re exploring opportunities in the energy transition or curious about where a geoscience or engineering degree can take you, this conversation will help you see the full landscape of what’s possible.

    29 min

  3. 28 OCT

    Vered Shwartz on AI, Job Applications, and the Future of Work | Energy Sector Heroes

    Many of you are already using AI tools in your studies, careers, or job searches — but how do you make sure you’re using them wisely? In this episode of Energy Sector Heroes, I speak with Vered Shwartz, Assistant Professor of Computer Science at the University of British Columbia and a specialist in natural language processing. We explore how AI is reshaping recruitment, interviews, and professional development — and what skills humans still need to bring to the table. Here are three actionable takeaways you can apply straight away: 🤖 Don’t outsource accuracy – Tools like ChatGPT can polish your writing, but errors in a CV or application can cost you opportunities. 🧠 Use AI as a practice tool, not a crutch – Mock interviews or brainstorming are great, but balance them with human feedback to keep your authentic voice. 👥 Double down on human skills – Empathy, critical thinking, and adaptability are traits AI can’t replace. For employees, this helps you stand out in a competitive job market. For employers, it highlights what really matters in future-ready talent: people who combine smart use of technology with the human skills that drive stronger teams and better project outcomes.

    41 min

  4. 21 OCT

    Davis Larssen on Leadership, Culture, and Tough CEO Decisions | Energy Sector Heroes

    For many of you aiming to move into leadership roles, the question often comes up: What does it really take to steer a company through cultural and financial challenges? In this episode of Energy Sector Heroes, I sit down with Davis Larssen, CEO and former senior leader at Proserv and Schlumberger, to talk about the decisions and trade-offs that shape a CEO’s career. Davis reflects on the realities of leadership — from managing cross-cultural teams to addressing financial pressures — and shares what he’s learned about building a sustainable business while staying true to your own values. Here are three actionable takeaways from our conversation: 💼 Understand culture before strategy – Financial results depend on people and culture. Take time to learn how teams operate and where hidden barriers lie before jumping into solutions. 🔍 Balance short-term and long-term decisions – CEOs often juggle immediate financial pressures with positioning the company for future success. Practice weighing both when making decisions in your own role. ❤️ Find passion as well as skill – Career longevity depends not only on capability but also on genuine enjoyment of the work. If you don’t care about the mission, it will show in your leadership. 👉 For professionals, this episode is a chance to reflect on what it takes to lead at the top. For employers, it’s a reminder that developing future leaders with cultural intelligence, resilience, and values-driven decision-making is what keeps organisations competitive.

    46 min

  5. 14 OCT

    Monica Collings OBE on Women in Energy and Leadership Lessons | Energy Sector Heroes

    Many of you listening work in environments where change, diversity, and leadership challenges intersect. Questions often come up: How do women progress in male-dominated sectors? What practical steps can organisations take beyond advocacy? And how can young professionals carve out their place in the energy transition? In this episode of Energy Sector Heroes, I speak with Monica Collings OBE, Chair of Powerful Women and board member across several energy organisations. Monica shares her experiences of leadership, resilience, and what’s still needed to create workplaces where women and minorities can thrive. Here are three actionable takeaways from our conversation: 💡 Ask for what you need – Don’t assume others will recognise the barriers you face. Whether it’s flexibility, resources, or support, making clear requests is key to sustainable careers. 🌱 Find your tribe – Beyond your role, seek networks and groups that provide support and visibility. They can help you navigate challenges and open doors you may not access alone. 🚀 Say yes before you feel ready – Growth often comes from stepping into opportunities that feel slightly out of reach. Surround yourself with people who can support you while you learn on the job. 👉 This conversation isn’t just relevant for individuals navigating their careers. It also highlights what employers gain by embedding inclusive practices: stronger retention, more resilient teams, and workplaces where diverse talent can thrive.

    38 min

  6. 7 OCT

    Embedding Net Zero into Energy Strategy with Andy Samuel | Energy Sector Heroes

    If you’re working in energy right now, you’ll know the tension between meeting today’s demands and preparing for tomorrow’s transition. How do leaders balance commercial realities with long-term sustainability goals? And what can professionals at all levels learn from those shaping national energy strategies? In this episode of Energy Sector Heroes, I speak with Andy Samuel CBE, former Chief Executive of the UK’s North Sea Transition Authority. Andy reflects on his time building the organization from the ground up, embedding net zero into strategy, and navigating the challenges of both government and industry. Here are three actionable takeaways from our conversation: 🌍 Connect strategy to net zero – No matter your role, think about how your decisions today align with long-term energy transition goals. Even small steps in projects or planning can contribute to bigger system change. 🤝 Bridge commercial and policy worlds – Success in the energy sector often requires understanding both perspectives. Build awareness of regulatory frameworks alongside business drivers. 🧭 Develop skills for complexity – Whether managing teams or projects, practice working with multiple viewpoints and priorities. The ability to find common ground is increasingly valuable. This episode will help you consider how your own work fits into the bigger picture of transition, leadership, and the future of energy.

    44 min

  7. 30 SEPT

    How to Move from Technical Roles to Leadership in Energy Sector with Grant McKenzie. | Energy Sector Heroes

    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.

    34 min

  8. 23 SEPT

    Why Engineers Make Strong Senior Managers in Energy with Andrew Inkpen | Energy Sector Heroes

    Many of you listening are engineers or early-to-mid career professionals in the energy sector, wondering what it really takes to progress into senior management. In this episode, I talk with Andrew Inkpen, Seward Chair of Global Strategy at Thunderbird and author of The Global Oil & Gas Industry. Our conversation digs into the realities of career progression, the mindset shifts required, and why technical expertise alone isn’t always enough. Here are three takeaways you can put into practice straight away: ✨ Think beyond your discipline – Engineers bring strong problem-solving skills, but advancing into leadership requires broadening your scope to strategy, people management, and business acumen. 👥 Find and use mentors – Seek out people who can help you see blind spots, challenge your assumptions, and open doors. Don’t wait for formal mentorship; start building those relationships now. 🚀 Reframe setbacks – Not getting promoted doesn’t mean the end of the road. Use it as feedback to improve your approach, build new skills, and position yourself for the next opportunity. This episode is for anyone who wants to understand how technical professionals can grow into decision-makers — and what practical steps you can take today to keep moving forward in your career.

    46 min
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About

Welcome to Energy Sector Heroes! This podcast is all about showcasing stand-out individuals in the energy sector and their inspiring careers. If you're interested in making a name for yourself in the energy industry, this is the perfect show for you. Each episode, we'll sit down with a different energy sector hero and learn about their journey to success, the challenges they faced along the way, and the valuable lessons they learned. From engineers and scientists to executives and entrepreneurs, we'll hear from a diverse range of professionals who are making a real impact in the world of energy. Tune in to Energy Sector Heroes to get motivated, learn from the best, and start your journey to becoming an energy sector hero too!

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