It is no secret that there is a lack of female leaders working within the energy sector, with research showing that less than 10% of senior leaders within the oil and gas industry are female. We want to explore what it takes for middle managers to progress to the top, where they are focused on leading the vision and strategy of companies, and assuring delivery of this. 

Susan Steyn joined Add Energy as our Vice President for North America in 2019, leading a team of over 25 asset management experts and overseeing company growth throughout the Americas and project delivery. Starting her career in supply chain, research and planning roles, she rapidly worked her way up to leadership positions due to her drive, determination and dedication - and being recognized as someone who will tackle a challenge head on and see it through to completion. 

If you look after your people, they will in turn look after your clients and business. It is therefore fundamental that you influence correctly and lead them in the most effective way possible, to help them evolve, grow and deliver great work. 

With an increasing number of knowledgeable and skilled people leaving the energy industry, and less experienced people stepping into managerial positions, there is a growing skills gap emerging across the globe that is brewing the perfect storm.

While training may seem like a costly and unnecessary venture right now, it will inevitably unlock ROI opportunities and savings in the long run. As new skills are learned, knowledge is enhanced and efficiencies will be gained in relation to enhanced production, reliability, HSE performance and cost optimization. 

This is especially true within the world of asset management and maintenance optimization at the moment, as there are a wealth of efficiency savings and production optimization  opportunities that can be unearthed and capitalised upon. And effective training can be the much-needed catalyst for these savings.