Multicultural and cross-national work environments
Michelle: Having worked across different countries and cultures, what challenges and opportunities have you faced in adapting to other ways of working? What competencies are essential for professionals in a globalized pipeline industry?
Daniel: Working across different countries has taught me that technical solutions alone do not drive success. Understanding cultural nuances, communication styles, and regional differences, including regulations, is just as important.
One of the biggest challenges is adapting to different decision-making processes. Some cultures prioritize consensus, while others favor quick execution. In some regions, people are direct and upfront with their opinions, while in others, they prefer to maintain neutrality until a deeper rapport is established.
To thrive in a globalized industry, professionals need strong cross-cultural communication skills, adaptability, and openness. The ability to collaborate across time zones and regulatory environments is also essential. Empathy and active listening go a long way in building trust and ensuring effective teamwork across borders.
Public perception and industry attraction
Michelle: The pipeline industry sometimes struggles with public perception, particularly among younger generations. What can be done to make the industry more attractive to new talent, and how does competence development play a role in changing the narrative?
Daniel: The pipeline industry plays a critical role in global energy security and infrastructure, yet younger generations do not always perceive it as innovative or sustainable. To attract new talent, we need to highlight the industry’s advancements in safety, digitalization, and its role in the energy transition, including future-oriented approaches that align with the expectations of forward-thinking generations.
Competence development plays a key role in shaping this narrative. We should showcase the diverse career paths from engineering and data science to regulatory compliance and environmental management. Promoting skill development opportunities, leadership pathways, and real-world impact stories will help position the industry as an exciting and forward-thinking field.
Pipelines remain the most efficient way to transport energy from point A to point B, and they will continue to be critical for the foreseeable future. There will always be debates and discussions about the industry’s role, but open engagement and developing the right skill sets will be essential for the future.
Leadership and career transitions
Michelle: You have moved from operational roles into leadership. What key skills helped you make this transition, and what advice would you give those aspiring to take on leadership roles in the pipeline sector?
Daniel: Transitioning into leadership required a shift from technical execution to strategic thinking and a stronger focus on team development. The most important skills I developed were decision-making under uncertainty and pressure, stakeholder management, and creating opportunities for my team wherever possible.
I was extremely fortunate to learn from some of the brightest minds in the industry, many of whom helped build the pipeline inspection and asset integrity management sector from the ground up. From day one, these individuals shared everything they knew and provided me with opportunities to grow. A high-performance team mindset has always been the biggest contributor to my career growth and the success of others in the industry.
For those aspiring to leadership roles, I advise developing strong communication skills and the ability to influence and inspire others. Leadership is not just about expertise. It is about enabling teams to perform at their best. Seek mentorship from experienced professionals, take on responsibilities beyond your core role, and always be hungry and open to learning from those around you.