Advertise on podcast: Energy Sector Heroes ~ Careers in Oil & Gas, Sustainability & Renewable Energy

The energy sector is changing quickly, but one thing hasn't changed: the value of building strong relationships, continuing to learn, and being open to new opportunities. Whether you're a graduate taking your first steps into the industry or an experienced professional thinking about your next move, this conversation is a reminder that technical ability alone isn't enough. Your network, communication skills and willingness to keep learning can shape your career just as much as your qualifications. In this episode, I speak with Donald Burris, Chief Technical Advisor in Marine Engineering, about the lessons he's learned throughout his career, why professional networking has been central to every career move he's made, and how young professionals can build long term careers without trying to map out every detail from day one. 🔹 Three key takeaways 🔹 Your network is one of your biggest career assets. Donald explains how every career move after his first role came through people he had met by actively participating in professional societies and industry events rather than through traditional job applications. 🔹 Don't feel you need to have your entire career planned. Technology, AI and the wider energy sector continue to evolve. Instead of locking yourself into a rigid plan, stay adaptable and keep developing new skills as opportunities emerge. 🔹 Leadership starts long before you become a manager. Communication, volunteering, mentoring and taking on responsibilities outside your technical role all help prepare you for future leadership positions. ✅ Three actionable takeaways ✔️ Join one professional institution or industry society and attend meetings consistently even if you don't know anyone yet. ✔️ Volunteer for opportunities that stretch your communication skills, whether that's presenting at work, introducing a speaker or helping organise an event. ✔️ Review your career direction every year rather than trying to create a fixed 10 year plan. Stay open to new technologies, industries and opportunities as they develop. If you're looking to build your career in the energy sector, this episode offers practical advice on networking, mentoring, leadership and developing the skills that will help you adapt as the industry continues to evolve.

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!

⚡ Ever wonder how much power your data really uses? Join us on this week’s Energy Sector Heroes podcast as we chat with Carrie Goetz, Chief Information Technology Officer and industry advocate, about the massive energy demands of data centers and how we can make technology more efficient, inclusive, and sustainable. 🎙️ In this episode, you'll discover: 🌍 Smart strategies for reducing data center power consumption and optimizing energy use.💡 Realistic approaches to integrating renewables alongside existing energy sources.👩‍💻 Why diversity and alternative education pathways in tech drive innovation and growth. 🚀 Join the conversation about the future of energy and technology. Mentioned in this episode: Granola AI Head to go.granola.ai/michelle for a full one‑month trial of Granola.

If you work in renewables, product development, or quality systems—or you're transitioning into green energy from another industry—this episode will be relevant to your journey. I sat down with Ketan Patel, Head of Quality, Reliability and Development at First Solar. He came into solar energy after years in semiconductors, aerospace, and consumer tech—and he talks candidly about how he now applies that knowledge to a completely different scale of production and responsibility. From overseeing new technology launches to leading crisis task forces, Ketan shares how he builds structure, manages pressure, and stays aligned with a long-term sustainability mission. Whether you’re leading teams, solving complex product issues, or just entering the renewables space, there’s a lot to reflect on in this episode. 🔧 Three Actionable Takeaways 🗂️ Use Systems to Stay Grounded Under Pressure Ketan works across 50+ projects using an internal goal-setting and escalation system (Hoshin) to prioritise, flag risks, and adjust resources. Consider how your own operating system supports—or stalls—delivery. 💬 Lead Through Tension Without Losing Your Team Even during a major product issue involving hundreds of workstreams, Ketan keeps morale up through clarity, humour, and emotional awareness. Structure + empathy = stronger teams. 🌱 Know the Technicals, But Show the Purpose He looks for passion in interviews—not just technical skills. Whether you’re a graduate or a senior hire, aligning with the long-term value of your work (like 30-year recyclable panels) helps you stay resilient. Mentioned in this episode: Granola AI Head to go.granola.ai/michelle for a full one‑month trial of Granola.

For graduates, students and anyone trying to build a career in energy, knowing where the industry is heading is only part of the challenge. You also need to understand where your skills fit, what employers are looking for and what you can do now to create opportunities for yourself. In this episode of Energy Sector Heroes, I speak with Tony Appleton, Managing Director of Green Power Global, about careers in offshore wind, the changing energy mix and what it really takes to establish yourself in the energy sector. Tony has spent around 20 years in offshore wind and has worked across more than 80 projects worldwide, covering everything from feasibility and bankability through to operations and maintenance. His wider career has also taken him through coal fired power generation, oil, nuclear and renewables. One of the themes we return to throughout our conversation is that the future of energy is unlikely to belong to one technology alone. Tony sees oil and gas, nuclear, wind, solar and other sources continuing to form part of the energy mix, with the balance varying considerably between countries and regions. We also discuss why this creates opportunities for people already working in traditional energy. Offshore experience, engineering knowledge, safety awareness, technical capability and project experience don't suddenly become irrelevant because the technology changes. Many of those skills can move across sectors. 🎓 For graduates, however, having the qualification is only the beginning. Tony and I talk about the difficult gap between employers saying they need engineers and graduates struggling to secure that first opportunity. His advice is to start building practical experience before leaving university through internships, placements, industry events, professional networks and direct engagement with companies. We also discuss using AI as a career planning tool. Rather than seeing AI simply as something that could replace jobs, Tony suggests using it to research career paths, understand the qualifications and experience required for particular roles, identify skills gaps and explore how different areas of the energy industry fit together. But AI doesn't replace technical knowledge. You still need enough understanding to ask good questions, assess the answers and develop your own expertise. Another important part of our conversation is what happens after you get that first job. Your first role may not be exactly what you imagined, but it can still give you valuable experience. Tony recommends actively looking for opportunities to learn, asking for additional responsibilities, attending conferences and speaking with managers about where you can contribute. Careers don't necessarily develop in a straight line either. Tony shares how his own career changed unexpectedly when, as a young production engineer, he was offered the opportunity to move to Hong Kong as a commercial manager ultimately taking his career away from engineering and towards commercial and leadership roles. 🔑 Three Key Takeaways🔹 The energy transition is creating different careers, not simply removing old ones. Energy demand continues to evolve, and skills from oil and gas, engineering and offshore operations can transfer into renewables and other parts of the energy system. 🔹 Start building your career before graduation. A degree matters, but employers also look for evidence that you've explored the industry, gained practical exposure and taken responsibility for developing yourself. 🔹 Career plans should provide direction without becoming rigid. Understand where you would like to go and what skills you'll need to get there, while remaining open to opportunities that could take your career somewhere you hadn't originally considered. 🎯 Three Actionable Takeaways✅ Map one potential career route. Choose a specific role that interests you and research the qualifications, technical skills and experience typically required at entry level, three years and five years. ✅ Create practical experience before you need it. Look for internships, placements, industry events, professional organisations and opportunities to speak directly with people already doing the work you want to do. ✅ Ask for specific development opportunities. Instead of asking your manager, “What else can I do?”, identify something concrete a course, conference, project or additional responsibility and explain how both you and the organisation would benefit. This episode is a useful reminder that there isn't one predetermined route through the energy sector. The industry is changing, technology is changing and individual careers will change with it. The important part is understanding your options, developing relevant experience and being prepared to put yourself forward when opportunities appear.

For anyone building a career in energy — whether you’re a graduate trying to get your first opportunity, an experienced professional adapting to new technology, or someone wondering where the industry is heading — the skills we develop now will matter enormously over the coming years. In this episode of Energy Sector Heroes, I’m joined by Simon Seaton, CEO of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), to talk about the changing energy workforce, the impact of AI, the challenge facing new graduates and why engineering skills will remain important well beyond traditional oil and gas. Simon has spent 35 years in industry and is now in his fourth year leading SPE. We discuss what he has seen change since we last spoke, including the pressures facing the sector, changing employment patterns and the role professional organisations can play in keeping technical knowledge and professional networks alive. 🎓 Getting into the energy industry We talk openly about the challenges graduates can face when looking for that first role. Simon makes the point that a degree alone may not be enough. Building relationships, attending industry events, taking internships and sometimes accepting a role that gets you into the right environment can all help create a route into the career you ultimately want. We also discuss why graduates increasingly need to demonstrate something beyond their core qualification — whether that's an understanding of AI, carbon capture, geothermal, critical minerals or other technologies shaping the future energy system. 🤖 AI, productivity and the changing workforce AI is already changing how technical professionals find information and carry out everyday work, but Simon doesn't see the story simply as AI replacing engineers. Instead, we discuss how technology allows organisations to achieve more with fewer people and why professionals who learn how to work effectively with AI could have an advantage. Simon also shares what SPE is developing, including an AI knowledge assistant designed to draw on SPE's technical papers, journals, books and conference material while providing references back to the original technical sources. 🌍 Where will the engineering jobs of the future come from? Oil and gas remains part of the discussion, but we look much further ahead. Simon explains why petroleum engineering and other technical disciplines can transfer into geothermal, carbon capture and storage, critical minerals and other emerging areas of energy. That raises a bigger issue: are enough young people choosing STEM subjects to provide the engineers and technical professionals required to deliver the infrastructure of the future? We discuss the importance of role models, schools, families and the industry's own responsibility to show younger generations what engineering careers actually involve. Three Key Takeaways🔹 Engineering skills are becoming broader, not obsolete. Skills developed in oil and gas can increasingly transfer into geothermal, CCUS, critical minerals and other areas of the evolving energy system. 🔹 AI literacy is becoming part of professional competence. The opportunity isn't simply to compete against AI, but to understand how to use it alongside trusted technical information, engineering judgement and experience. 🔹 Careers rarely follow a perfect route. Your first opportunity may not be your ideal job. Building experience, relationships and exposure to the industry can create opportunities that aren't obvious at the beginning. Three Actionable Takeaways✅ Build your network before you need it. Attend technical events, SPE meetings and industry conferences, speak to people outside your immediate discipline and stay connected afterwards. ✅ Add one emerging skill to your existing expertise. Start developing practical knowledge of AI, geothermal, CCUS, critical minerals or another area that complements your core engineering background. ✅ Create more than one route into the industry. If your ideal position isn't available immediately, consider adjacent roles, internships, projects or disciplines that give you relevant experience and access to the organisations where you ultimately want to work.

For anyone building a career in energy, considering starting a business, or wondering whether their career has to follow a conventional route, this episode looks at what actually matters over the long term: learning, commitment, relationships, commercial awareness and being prepared to adapt when circumstances change. In this episode of Energy Sector Heroes, I’m joined by Mark Skinner, Managing Director of Scotchbridge, a business operating from Singapore and Aberdeen that helps UK companies develop opportunities across Southeast Asia. Mark’s career didn’t begin with university or a carefully mapped-out plan. He left school at 16, started work as a motor mechanic and later moved into industries including distilling, paper and oil & gas. He learned much of what he knows by working alongside experienced people, eventually becoming a business owner and helping grow John Bell Pipeline before selling the company in 2017. We talk about what that experience taught him and why learning through other people, doing the work and paying attention to how businesses operate can be just as important as formal development. 🌏 We also explore international growth and Southeast Asia. Mark explains why Scotchbridge focused on the ASEAN region and discusses opportunities across markets including Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia. We look at what companies need before trying to enter a new market—including research, resources, connections and the stamina to stay with it. 💼 Entrepreneurship is another major part of our conversation. Mark is very clear that running a business requires more than having an idea. We discuss researching whether customers actually want what you're offering, finding a point of difference, having enough funding to survive periods without sales and understanding the sacrifices that can come with owning a business. We also talk about something that can easily get overlooked: knowing when to switch off. Mark works with business owners and managing directors and explains why constantly working isn't sustainable—and why burnout ultimately doesn't help the individual, their employees or their clients. 🎓 For graduates and people earlier in their careers, we discuss choosing employers carefully, learning from experienced colleagues, finding mentors and giving yourself enough time within an organisation to understand how a business actually works. Mark also shares his perspective on frequent job-hopping and why employers may value evidence of commitment and development. And we talk about mistakes. Rather than pretending they can be avoided, Mark discusses learning from them, not repeatedly making the same ones and having people around you who can offer both encouragement and constructive feedback. Three Key Takeaways🔹 Your career doesn't have to follow a predetermined route. Mark moved from being a motor mechanic to working across industry, becoming a business owner and eventually developing companies internationally. What mattered was continuing to learn and applying himself as opportunities emerged. 🔹 Research comes before assumption. Whether you're starting a company or entering an international market, enthusiasm alone isn't enough. Speak to customers, buyers and end users, understand the market and establish whether there is a genuine need for what you're offering. 🔹 Relationships accelerate learning. Mentors, experienced colleagues and professional connections can give you knowledge that is difficult to acquire alone. You don't necessarily need a mentor who has followed exactly the same career—they need experience and the ability to challenge and support you. Three Actionable Takeaways✅ Test an idea before investing heavily in it. If you're considering a business or new service, speak directly with potential customers and end users. Ask what they currently use, what isn't working and whether your proposed solution solves a problem they would actually pay to address. ✅ Identify someone you can learn from. Look within your company or professional network for someone with more experience who is willing to share what they've learned. Ask specific questions rather than simply asking them to "be your mentor." ✅ Audit where you're putting your effort. Being busy isn't the same as being effective. Look at what you're doing each week and identify which activities are actually developing your skills, strengthening customer relationships or moving your career or business forward.

This week on Energy Sector Heroes, I’m joined by Neal Turluck, a geologist and president of S&S Oil and Gas. Neal shares his journey through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship in the oil and gas industry. If you’re navigating career risks, managing uncertainty, or just curious about the geology behind energy production, this conversation offers relatable insights and strategies. Key Takeaways:📘 Learn from Failures, Not Just Successes Failures are inevitable but invaluable. Seek feedback, self-analyze, and use your network to avoid repeating mistakes. 🌐 Build a Strong Network Surround yourself with mentors and peers who challenge and support you. A reliable network is crucial for growth and problem-solving. 🎯 Focus and Specialize Hone a specific skill set to stand out in competitive fields. Whether in geology, engineering, or business, being a subject matter expert will open doors.

The energy sector is changing, but one thing hasn't changed: there are still opportunities for people who are willing to adapt, keep learning and build strong professional relationships. Whether you're just starting your career, already working in the industry, or developing new technology, this episode explores how well construction is evolving, why innovation matters, and what skills will help you build a long term career. This week I'm joined by Tristam Horn, CEO of Centrset. We discuss his journey from graduate drilling engineer at BP to leading a technology startup focused on solving challenges in well construction. We also talk about the future of drilling, carbon capture and storage (CCS), entrepreneurship, business development, and why authenticity is one of the most valuable qualities you can bring to your career. 🔑 Three Key Takeaways 🔹 Well construction is evolving, not disappearing. The skills developed in drilling continue to be valuable across traditional oil and gas, carbon capture and storage, geothermal energy and other emerging applications. 🔹 Innovation succeeds when it solves real problems. New technology only creates value if it addresses genuine operational challenges, improves safety and delivers measurable commercial benefits. 🔹 Relationships still matter. Building a professional network, maintaining an authentic LinkedIn profile and having genuine conversations with people across the industry can open doors throughout your career. ✅ Three Actionable Takeaways ✔️ Take time to build your professional network before you need it. Attend industry events, connect with people on LinkedIn and have conversations with professionals across different parts of the energy sector. ✔️ Stay curious about where your technical skills can be applied. Experience gained in well construction, drilling and engineering can transfer into areas such as CCS, geothermal and other energy projects. ✔️ When presenting ideas or pursuing opportunities, focus on understanding the problem first. The strongest solutions come from listening carefully before trying to persuade others. Thanks for listening, and if you enjoy the episode I'd really appreciate it if you could subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might find the conversation useful.

Finding Your Next Role in Energy: What Executive Headhunters Really Look For Whether you're actively looking for your next role, thinking about a career move, or simply wanting to understand how senior hiring really works, this episode is packed with practical advice. Many people spend hours applying for jobs online without knowing what actually happens behind the scenes. In this conversation, I speak with executive headhunter Andy Jenkins about how recruiters search for senior talent, how AI is changing recruitment, and what candidates can do to improve their chances of standing out. Andy shares his perspective after almost three decades in executive search, including his experience recruiting senior leaders across the global energy sector. We discuss everything from LinkedIn profiles and CVs to networking, graduate careers and why human connections still matter in an increasingly AI-driven hiring process. 🎯 Three key takeaways 🔹 Executive recruitment is different from traditional recruitment. Many senior opportunities are never openly advertised. Headhunters often approach people directly, making industry relationships and visibility increasingly important. 🔹 AI is changing recruitment, but it hasn't replaced people. Recruiters are using AI to save time, while candidates are using it to tailor applications. Despite this, genuine conversations and personal networking remain some of the strongest ways to build opportunities. 🔹 The energy sector continues to create opportunities in new areas. From carbon capture to data centres and the wider energy transition, engineers and experienced professionals have transferable skills that can open doors across multiple industries. ✅ Three actionable takeaways 💡 Review your LinkedIn profile and make sure it clearly reflects your specialist experience, achievements and the type of opportunities you want recruiters to find you for. 💡 Tailor your CV for each application rather than relying on one generic version. Highlight the experience that directly matches the role you're applying for. 💡 Don't rely solely on online applications. Reach out to hiring managers, attend industry events, and continue building your professional network through real conversations.

In this captivating episode, our host Michelle Fraser engages in an inspiring conversation with Lyn Penman, an expert in mental health management at Mental Wellbeing Solution. Join us as we explore Lyn's incredible journey, witnessing her evolution from a nurse to a renowned global leader in the field of mental health. Delve into the compelling story of Lyn's career transition and the pivotal moments that shaped her path. From her early days as a nurse to her current influential role, Lyn's journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication to making a profound impact. Michelle expertly guides the conversation, unraveling the insights and experiences that have shaped Lyn's transformative journey. Discover the catalysts that led to her career redirection, the challenges she encountered, and the life-altering effects of embracing the "now step." This episode promises to be an illuminating exploration of personal growth, professional metamorphosis, and the profound significance of prioritising mental well-being. Join us as we uncover Lyn Penman's extraordinary story, gaining invaluable insights into her role as a global leader in mental health and discovering the transformative power of embracing the present moment. Mentioned in this episode: Granola AI Head to go.granola.ai/michelle for a full one‑month trial of Granola.

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.

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.

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. 🔹 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.

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 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.