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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Données mises à jour le 23/07/2026
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Peter Reier - from Process Operations to influential Turnaround Manager | Energy Sector Heroes Podcast
mardi 21 juillet 2026 • Durée 35:01
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.
Managing Stress in the Energy Sector | Steve Beedie on Offshore Life & Mental Health
mardi 14 juillet 2026 • Durée 37:09
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!
Brett Simon: Transforming from Laboratory Intern to Commercial Strategy Director | Energy Sector Heroes Podcast
mardi 7 juillet 2026 • Durée 01:02:58
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.
Networking, AI and Engineering Careers | Ryan Menzies on Energy Sector Heroes
mardi 30 juin 2026 • Durée 34:25
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.
How to Move Into Senior Management in the Energy Sector with Philip Lewis | Energy Sector Heroes
mardi 23 juin 2026 • Durée 36:24
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
How Graduates Can Break Into Hydrogen and Renewable Energy with Dr. Naveed Akhtar | Energy Sector Heroes
mardi 16 juin 2026 • Durée 37:21
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.
How to Build a Career in Decommissioning with Francis Norman | Energy Sector Heroes
mardi 9 juin 2026 • Durée 47:13
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” phase
The technical complexity behind plugging wells, removing platforms, and dismantling offshore infrastructure
Why unknowns and incomplete documentation are part of the engineering challenge
The long term global outlook for decommissioning careers
The realities of working abroad including the self doubt and growth that come with it
Why 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.
🎙️ Starting a Career in HSEQ: Advice for Graduates and Energy Professionals with Emmanuela Uzoechina | Energy Sector Heroes
mardi 2 juin 2026 • Durée 30:26
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.
Why Engineers Must Keep Learning to Stay Ahead with Segun Faniran | Energy Sector Heroes
mardi 26 mai 2026 • Durée 29:40
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.
Future Proof Your Energy Career with ICSS and Cyber Skills with Tim Canning | Energy Sector Heroes
mardi 19 mai 2026 • Durée 40:15
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.
🔹 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.
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.
✅ 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.
🔹 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.
🤝 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.
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 AI
Head to go.granola.ai/michelle for a full one‑month trial of Granola.
🔧 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 AI
Head to go.granola.ai/michelle for a full one‑month trial of Granola.
