Taproom Talks

OGV Group
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Welcome to Taproom Talks, the podcast diving deep into the energy sector's entrepreneurial and leaders minds.  Join us for candid conversations with leaders, exploring their journeys, leadership, product creation, investment strategies, and business sales.  We uncover their challenges, failures, and triumphs, from career beginnings to private equity insights.  Get inspired by the real stories shaping the future of energy. Tune in to uncork powerful narratives!

  1. $15Bn and Counting: Sam Long on the UK's Decommissioning and the Risk of Losing the Supply Chain

    1D AGO

    $15Bn and Counting: Sam Long on the UK's Decommissioning and the Risk of Losing the Supply Chain

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Taproom Talks Kenny is joined by Sam Long of Decom Mission, the specialist trade association for decommissioning across the oil, gas, nuclear, and renewables sectors. Sam, the Chief Executive Officer, shares his unique career path from growing up in a farming family in south-west England and being the son of a Natural History Unit member, to becoming Wood Group’s first environmental manager in the North Sea oil and gas industry in the early 2000s. Having been involved in decommissioning projects early in his career, Sam discusses how he views decommissioning as a critical "bridge activity" within the inevitable, decades-long energy transition.1The discussion explores the challenging dynamics of the decommissioning market, noting that while the UK is the number one global market, its domestic supply chain is fragile and heavily reliant on international activity for survival. Sam outlines the substantial uptick in UK decommissioning expected from 2027 through 2032, while simultaneously pointing to key international growth opportunities in Australia and Brazil. He also addresses industry challenges, including the high day rates caused by a shortage of vessels and the importance of reservoir isolation, which accounts for 50% of the decommissioning value but lacks the "glamor" of other projects like the Pioneer Spirit. The conversation closes with Sam reflecting on the cyclical ups and downs of Aberdeen's economy and his life outside of work, where he is a passionate cyclist and runner who has spent 15 years coaching youth and junior cycling.

    1h 5m
  2. **AMPLFY - BONUS EPISODE ** - 48 Hours to Execution: GDI Unlocks Shocking Speed in Offshore Repair and Fabrication

    MAR 26

    **AMPLFY - BONUS EPISODE ** - 48 Hours to Execution: GDI Unlocks Shocking Speed in Offshore Repair and Fabrication

    Send us Fan Mail Taproom Talks is taking an early 'Spring Break' but why not try out our newest addition to the Global Energy Network Podcast Family: 'AMPLFY - The Energy Supply Chain' This show is a spotlight for Members of our Global Network to share their products, services, journeys and culture you name it we want to hear about it! In this episode of AMPLIFY, host Dan Hyland is joined by Neil Shanks, Integrity Operations Manager for GDI, to discuss how digital twin technology is driving radical efficiency and safety in asset integrity within the energy sector. Neil, who previously managed 13 offshore assets for Repsol, explains how GDI's core platform, Vision, allows operators to move away from the traditional "bums on seats" model by onshoring critical work.  Learn about the technology's three core components—high-quality photos, Point Cloud models, and digital twin models—and how GDI layers software capabilities on top to provide real, actionable output. The discussion highlights key operational benefits: Remote Visual Inspection (RVI) that can reduce the need for offshore inspection execution by 60% to 70%. External Condition Assessment (SCA) that is six times faster than traditional methods. Optimizing Inspection Scopes using historic data and algorithms to target the right areas. Reducing Repair Times significantly, with examples of turning around full offshore execution within 48 hours. Neil also touches on GDI's growth since its founding in 2016, its recent acquisition by 'ocean you' which is opening opportunities like Vision Subsea, and the strategic integration of AI to support human expertise.  The episode concludes with Neil's view on the future of the industry, positioning asset integrity as the "conscience for the operator" to ensure continued safe production.

    22 min
  3. Fortitude: From the Tools to CEO – Steve Rae on Global Leadership and Safety Culture

    MAR 18

    Fortitude: From the Tools to CEO – Steve Rae on Global Leadership and Safety Culture

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode Kenny is joined by a returning guest as we dive into part 2 of Steve Rae's career journey.  If you missed part 1 Steve spoke about his experience before, during and after the 1988 Piper Alpha Disaster but this time we are focussing on Fortitude: Action beyond Compliance and his journey from the tools to VP and eventually CEO/Executive Director of Step Change in Safety.  Steve shares how he drove safety culture in diverse global operations, tackling challenges in Brazil and the "Wild West" environment of West Texas. The discussion also covers his intense role as a global HRC Director, his vision for internationalising Step Change in Safety, concerns about industry competence, and his tough but rewarding work as Chairman of the Pound for Piper charity, including the fallout from a memorial garden refurbishment plan. Finally, Steve offers leadership insights and career advice for the younger generation

    50 min
  4. From Furniture Sales to Global Executive Search: Mary McIntyre's 12-Week Formula for CEO Recruitment

    MAR 11

    From Furniture Sales to Global Executive Search: Mary McIntyre's 12-Week Formula for CEO Recruitment

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of taproom talks Kenny is joined by Mary McIntyre of Merrimac International, an executive search firm specialising in the global energy space, to discuss her extraordinary career journey. Mary shares how she navigated the challenging decision to buy out her company's Houston business during the tumultuous start of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, driven by a commitment to her team and clients. She elaborates on the foundation of Merrimac International's success: building trust and a culture based on high-integrity values. Mary also offers an insightful breakdown of the executive search process for senior roles, the biggest red flags to look out for in candidates, and her perspective on the consolidation and market outlook for the US energy sector.

    43 min
  5. 630 Days and Counting: Martin Copeland on the Political Gridlock Threatening the Future of North Sea

    MAR 4

    630 Days and Counting: Martin Copeland on the Political Gridlock Threatening the Future of North Sea

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode Kenny is joined by Martin Copeland of Serica Energy, the company's CFO, for a deep-dive conversation covering his 30-year career transition from a banking background in leveraged and M&A finance to his current role in the energy sector. The discussion focuses on Serica Energy's strategy for growth through M&A, including the merger with Tailwind and opportunistic acquisitions in the North Sea. Martin Copeland also shares his perspective on the significant challenges facing the UK oil and gas industry, particularly the impact of the Energy Profits Levy, the political climate in Aberdeen, and the critical need for government approval of new field developments like Rosebank and Jackdaw to restore confidence and activity in the basin.

    34 min
  6. Action Beyond Compliance: Steve Rae's Piper Alpha Experience and Its Impact on Industry Safety

    FEB 25

    Action Beyond Compliance: Steve Rae's Piper Alpha Experience and Its Impact on Industry Safety

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode Kenny is Joined by Steve Rae of Fortitude - Action Beyond Compliance to discuss his oil and gas career and the life-altering experience of the Piper Alpha disaster. Steve recounts his journey from the Aberdeen oil boom to working offshore. The core of the episode is his minute-by-minute account of the July 6, 1988 disaster, including his narrow escape from falling debris, the 70ft jump into the North Sea, and his subsequent rescue. He explains how this event fundamentally shifted his professional focus, fostering his strong belief that "a good work ethic delivers good safety" and leading to his current role as an advocate for proactive safety culture within the industry. We have a part II coming in a couple weeks where Steve discusses how this shaped his career going forward...

    52 min
  7. Neil Carr Reveals How to Thrive in Oil & Gas by Doubling Down on Safety

    FEB 18

    Neil Carr Reveals How to Thrive in Oil & Gas by Doubling Down on Safety

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode Kenny is joined by Neil Carr of AMS Global Group, where he discusses his journey of co-founding the company. Neil, the Managing Director, shares how AMS Global was initially shelved in 2012 before relaunching in 2016/2017 amidst a volatile oil and gas market looking for efficiency. He details the company's growth from two co-founders to approximately 50 staff with global operations in the Caspian, Africa, and Spain. The conversation covers the expansion of their services from marine surveying to the high-hazard AMS Safety division, which focuses on breathing apparatus, gas detection, and emergency support. Neil also touches on the challenges of organically building a business, managing cash flow, and his personal journey of prioritizing health, including his new focus on fitness and setting physical challenges like the Caledonian eTape. Finally, he shares his pride in the company's culture, its community involvement, and generating opportunities for young people in Aberdeen.

    36 min
  8. The $200 Million Lesson: How Bob Morgan Cracked the Code for Exponential Growth in the Middle East

    FEB 11

    The $200 Million Lesson: How Bob Morgan Cracked the Code for Exponential Growth in the Middle East

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Taproom Talks Kenny is joined by Bob Morgan of Baker Hughes, a Services and Projects Delivery Director in the Middle East, who discusses his two-decade career journey from a mechanical fitter in Aberdeen to a global leader. Bob shares his experiences working offshore in places like the North Sea, Angola, and Houston, emphasizing that success in the Middle East is built on long-term relationships and cultural immersion, which helped his flexible pipe business grow exponentially to over $200 million. He also touches on the importance of embracing diverse cultures in leadership, championing team well-being, and advises young people in the energy sector to focus on hard work and mentorship rather than seeking immediate senior roles.

    47 min
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About

Welcome to Taproom Talks, the podcast diving deep into the energy sector's entrepreneurial and leaders minds.  Join us for candid conversations with leaders, exploring their journeys, leadership, product creation, investment strategies, and business sales.  We uncover their challenges, failures, and triumphs, from career beginnings to private equity insights.  Get inspired by the real stories shaping the future of energy. Tune in to uncork powerful narratives!

Information

  • Creator
    OGV Group
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Taproom Talks
  • Show Website
    Taproom Talks

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