To the People of the Oil & Gas Industry

When I mention that I work in the oil and gas industry, I often get a standard response; “You? In oil & gas? Wouldn’t you rather be doing something else?” 

Looking back to 15 years ago, it still felt good to speak about my job in the industry at get togethers or birthday parties. Being part of this industry had a sense of purpose. What has changed since then? 

When I reflect on this, the events in the Gulf of Mexico come to the fore. An event that made many aware of what our industry actually does, including offshore production. It also highlighted the vulnerability of the context in which we do it.  I remember my discomfort with the way the situation was handled. The long silences followed by a series of official legal statements, mainly aimed at avoiding liability.  I think this event and the lack of compassion from our industry has had a profound impact on how society views us today. And how we feel as people within the business.

Yet this event was not an isolated one. For decades, there has been a trend in our industry to be particularly focused on creating shareholder value. The idea that organizations are like a machine that you set up to become an instrument of shareholder wishes. Procedures and regulations go beyond people and their creative power and drive for exploration. With that we have become further removed from the superpower that started it all. By this I mean the entrepreneurship, perseverance and pioneering of Edwin Drake and Billy Smith when they found the first oil in their borehole on August 27, 1859.

As a person, I am part of the oil & gas industry as well as a part of society. I am truly proud of the role our industry has played in providing abundant energy to the world and making our lives better in many ways. And I am more aware than ever of my desire to recognize this beautiful Earth and society as an important stakeholder in our businesses. Even if this sometimes seems complicated. Then I think of Drake & Smith and the power of this industry. It can be done.

I am truly excited about a future where our industry acts on the forefront of the energy transition and uses its powerful talents to get there. Where we have not only explored new technology but also have developed the skills and systems to adapt to the ever changing reality. Innovations that can only arise through a collective that develop together from a common vision and intention. Where partners focus together at desired outcomes over individual interests. Where value is created for all stakeholders, including co-workers, supply chains, customers, investors, environment and society.

To society I would like to say, "We, the people of the oil and gas industry, want above all else to leave a better world for our children. We want to be a collaborative component of the energy transition. We believe that a fluid transformation will serve all of us, and Mother Earth, best. But urgency is required. We want to use our superpower to do that as soon as possible. We do not pretend to have all answers but we first commit and then figure it out. We feel part of society and want to make an important contribution. It gives us meaning."

To you, my fellow oil & gas associates, I like to say, “Remember who we are. We are powerful creators. I invite you to be part of an exciting transformational journey of our industry. Let's unite and serve the world like we always did, but now from a new paradigm. We, the organisations we work in, the communities we are part of, the industry we are together, are all interdependent living systems. Not machines. We care, we are passionate and we find meaning in what we do.”

Feel free to share your thoughts. Share this message with your network.

Looking forward meeting you and building this together.

#powerfulcreators