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. 4d ago

    Peter Reier - from Process Operations to influential Turnaround Manager | Energy Sector Heroes Podcast

    Join us for this episode as our host Michelle Fraser engages in a captivating conversation with Peter Reier, Director of Admin at Progressive Plan. Together, they delve into Peter's fascinating journey in the Energy Sector, from his humble beginnings in process operations to his remarkable rise as a powerhouse in the industry. Peter shares his experiences and insights gained from working on challenging assignments involving project expansions and turnarounds. Discover how he earned recognition as an exceptional operations shutdown specialist and major maintenance coordinator. Moreover, Peter opens up about what continues to motivate him to provide consulting services even during his retirement phase. Don't miss out on this episode as Peter Reier imparts valuable wisdom and offers a glimpse into his incredible journey within the Energy Sector. Prepare to be inspired by his achievements and gain insights into what drives his unwavering passion and commitment to the industry. Get ready for an engaging conversation that sheds light on the dedication and perseverance required to excel in the Energy Sector. Mentioned in this episode: Granola AI Head to go.granola.ai/michelle for a full one‑month trial of Granola.

  2. Jul 14

    Managing Stress in the Energy Sector | Steve Beedie on Offshore Life & Mental Health

    If you work in the energy sector, you'll know that technical challenges are only part of the job. Long rotations, uncertainty, redundancy, changing markets and time away from family can all add pressure that isn't always easy to talk about. In this episode, I speak with Steve Beedie, an offshore veteran, author and speaker who now helps people across the energy industry manage stress in practical, everyday ways. Drawing on his own experiences in the armed forces, offshore drilling and personal challenges, Steve explains why stress isn't something to ignore, why conversations matter, and how small changes in the way we support ourselves and others can make a real difference. 🔑 Three key takeaways🔹 Stress doesn't disappear on its own. Learning to recognise pressure early and finding healthy ways to release it can stop it building into something much harder to manage. 🔹 You don't need to fix someone to help them. Sometimes the most valuable thing you can do is listen without judgement and give someone the space to talk. 🔹 Difficult experiences can become valuable lessons. Steve shares how reflecting on setbacks helped him develop a different perspective, allowing him to support others facing similar challenges. ✅ Three actionable takeaways🛠️ Take a few minutes each week to check in with yourself and ask honestly how you're coping before stress starts affecting your work or home life. 🛠️ If someone tells you they're struggling, resist the urge to immediately solve the problem. Listen first and ask what they need from you. 🛠️ Build one healthy habit that helps you manage pressure, whether that's exercise, reducing alcohol, spending time with family or simply talking with someone you trust. If you've ever felt the pressures that come with working in energy, this conversation is a reminder that looking after your wellbeing is just as important as looking after the job. Enjoy the episode!

  3. Jul 7

    Brett Simon: Transforming from Laboratory Intern to Commercial Strategy Director | Energy Sector Heroes Podcast

    Don't miss the latest episode of 'Energy Sector Heroes.' Host Michelle Fraser engages in a conversation with accomplished Commercial Strategy Director, Brett Simon. Discover Brett's remarkable career journey and the intricacies of excelling in Commercial Strategy. Learn essential skills for success in technical bids and how to recover from setbacks gracefully. Explore the significance of information interviews, their benefits, and how to secure one for yourself. This episode is packed with valuable knowledge you won't want to miss! Mentioned in this episode: Granola AI Head to go.granola.ai/michelle for a full one‑month trial of Granola.

  4. Jun 30

    Networking, AI and Engineering Careers | Ryan Menzies on Energy Sector Heroes

    If you're starting your career in energy, looking for your next opportunity, or wondering how to stand out in a competitive market, this episode is for you. I sat down with Ryan Menzies, Founder and Director of Apollo, to discuss what engineering consultancies are really looking for, why attitude often matters more than experience, and how graduates and early-career professionals can build long-term careers in an industry that's going through significant change. We also talk about networking, career development, AI, the value of curiosity, and why the current slowdown shouldn't stop people from believing in the future of the energy sector. 💬 In this episode we discuss:⚡ Ryan's journey from aerospace engineering into the energy industry.👷 Why curiosity and attitude often matter more than a perfect CV.🤝 How networking can create opportunities that never appear on job boards.🏢 The differences between starting your career with a large organisation versus an SME.📈 What Apollo looks for when recruiting graduates.🤖 How AI and automation are changing engineering rather than replacing engineers.🌍 Why transferable skills are becoming increasingly valuable across oil & gas, hydrogen, offshore wind and other emerging energy sectors.📊 The challenges facing today's graduates—and why Ryan remains positive about the industry's future. 🔑 Three key takeaways✅ Attitude creates opportunities. Technical skills matter, but curiosity, willingness to learn and helping others often leave the strongest impression. ✅ Build your network early. Meeting people, attending industry events and getting involved with professional institutions can open doors long before vacancies are advertised. ✅ Don't let today's market define your future. The energy industry continues to evolve, and the skills you develop now can transfer across multiple sectors throughout your career. 🚀 Three actionable takeaways🔹 Attend one industry event or professional institution meeting this month and introduce yourself to at least three new people. 🔹 Review your CV and LinkedIn profile to highlight examples of curiosity, initiative and problem-solving—not just technical achievements. 🔹 Before your next interview, prepare two or three examples that demonstrate how you've gone beyond what's expected, whether through university projects, work experience or volunteering. Thanks for listening to Energy Sector Heroes. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd really appreciate it if you subscribed, left a review, and shared it with someone who is building a career in the energy industry. Every share helps more people discover the conversations we're having. Mentioned in this episode: Granola AI Head to go.granola.ai/michelle for a full one‑month trial of Granola.

  5. Jun 23

    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 promotion Philip 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 information Rather 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 setbacks Throughout 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 it Invest time in developing genuine professional relationships, mentors and trusted advisers. These connections often become valuable sounding boards when facing important decisions. ✅ Ask more questions Whether 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 development Look 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 AI Head to go.granola.ai/michelle for a full one‑month trial of Granola.

  6. Jun 16

    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 Episode Dr. 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 graduate Naveed 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 transition Hydrogen, 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 opportunities Many 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 AI Head to go.granola.ai/michelle for a full one‑month trial of Granola.

  7. Jun 9

    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 Cover Why 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 term This 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 positioning Your first 4–5 years are about mastering fundamentals, not chasing titles. 🔹 International experience accelerates maturity Working 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 AI Head to go.granola.ai/michelle for a full one‑month trial of Granola.

  8. Jun 2

    🎙️ 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 Guest Emmanuela 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 AI Head to go.granola.ai/michelle for a full one‑month trial of Granola.

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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!

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