For anyone building a career in energy—whether you're a graduate, a mid-career engineer, or a senior executive—the rapid evolution of our sector brings both opportunity and complexity. This week, I sat down with Delfina Govia, a Chief Sustainability Officer with over 46 years in the oil and gas industry, to unpack what’s changing, what’s not, and what that means for the future of work in energy.

We talk frankly about everything from her disguised entry into offshore life in the 1970s, to why the energy transition isn’t about eliminating fossil fuels—but balancing competing priorities like affordability, infrastructure, and global access. Delfina also reflects on what younger generations need to know as they step into a sector under scrutiny, ripe with innovation, and still shaped by geopolitics and economic realities.

🔑 3 Takeaways You Can Use

· 💡 Don’t lose your idealism—learn the system: If you’re passionate about energy transition, pair that passion with a deep understanding of economics, infrastructure, and geopolitics to avoid naivety in real-world applications.

· 🔍 Be selective with innovation: Not all technologies can—or should—be adopted at the core of operations. Understand the risk thresholds in oil and gas before pushing digital or AI solutions.

· 🛠️ Infrastructure is the real bottleneck: Want to accelerate decarbonisation? Focus your skills on solving the hard logistical questions—especially how we transport, store, and distribute energy beyond fossil fuels.

🎙️Whether you’re shaping policy, deploying tech, or just getting started—this conversation is a grounded look at the realities and opportunities shaping the next energy era.

For early-career professionals in the energy sector—or anyone aiming to move into leadership—there’s often an unspoken tension between doing your job well and positioning yourself for what comes next. In this episode, I speak with Laurent Pagnon, Head of Group Strategy at SGS, about how he navigated that balance from engineering in the Middle East to executive strategy roles in Europe and the U.S.

We talk about career pivots, growing beyond comfort zones, and why being good at your job isn’t always enough to get promoted. Laurent shares what helped him move into senior roles, and what he looks for in potential leaders—especially those coming up the ranks.

This conversation is useful if you're trying to stay relevant, build influence, or just wondering how to stay curious while still climbing the ladder.

🛠️ Three Takeaways You Can Act On:

🔹 Deliver beyond your job description.

It’s often what you do outside your direct role that gets noticed—especially when peers (not just your boss) see you solving problems across teams.

🔹 Be honest about your skill gaps—and work on them.

You don’t need a formal development plan. What matters is regular conversations with your manager about what’s missing and how you’re actively closing those gaps.

🔹 Build business acumen, not just technical depth.

Understanding the global energy market—even at a basic level—can make a huge difference. Don’t just read the technical reports. Learn how your industry works.

In this episode, I sit down with John Armstrong, CEO of the British Pipeline Agency and guest lecturer at the University of Warwick. If you're a graduate engineer, early-career professional, or just trying to find your feet in the evolving world of energy, this conversation is packed with honest, real-world advice that bridges technical progression with personal growth.

We talk about the unspoken parts of building a career in energy: the pressure to be visible, the quiet frustrations of being overlooked, and how to create momentum without being pushy. John shares stories from his own career—spanning power stations, international placements, and leadership roles—and reflects on the career patterns that shaped him (and nearly trapped him).

🎧 Why this matters:

Many energy professionals—especially those starting out—face a tension between fitting in and standing out. John’s experience shows what happens when you navigate that with intention, timing, and just enough courage to ask for more.

💡 Three Takeaways You Can Act On:

🔹 Ask for variety before you get stuck.

If you've mastered a task or role, don’t wait to be “tapped” for the next one. Proactively ask to shadow other teams, join new projects, or get exposure to different areas before you become known only for your current skill set.

🔹 Make your work visible—even when remote.

Remote or in-office, visibility is a conscious act. Don’t assume people know what you’re doing. Look for opportunities to share updates, contribute to internal platforms, or simply reach out to senior staff with questions or results.

🔹 Use “side quests” to build your brand.

Get involved in your professional institute, industry committees, or local events—not just for networking, but to test new skills and open doors that your day job doesn’t. These low-stakes spaces can turn into your next role before you realise it.