Investing in Tomorrow’s Energy Leaders: Insights from the ADIPEC Leadership Roundtable

Dec 09, 2024 / Blog

On November 7, 2024, I had the incredible honor of being one of 30 invited participants at the ADIPEC Leadership Roundtable, a thought-provoking session titled "Future Talent: Investing in the Leaders of Tomorrow." Moderated by Diana Vienne, Partner and Head of Human Capital Practice at SIA Partners New York, the discussion brought together university students, industry leaders, and energy professionals to tackle one of the sector’s most pressing questions: How do we prepare the leaders of the future to navigate the evolving energy landscape?

A Rich and Purposeful Conversation

The room itself set the tone—intimate, with only 30 participants allowed, fostering an environment of open exchange and collaboration. The questions posed were intentionally challenging, demanding not just answers but thoughtful deliberation, creativity, and even group work. Together, we examined what leadership means in the energy transition, what tools future leaders need, and how organizations can bridge generational gaps to ensure continuity of knowledge and innovation.

At Lagcoe, our mission is deeply tied to cultivating the next generation of energy leaders. Through programs like Little Energizers, Future Energy Professionals, and the Energy Leadership Program, we’re actively working to bridge generational divides and ensure that the wisdom of seasoned leaders is passed down. These initiatives gave me a unique perspective to contribute, sharing not only what we’re doing at Lagcoe but also our vision for how to equip leaders to thrive in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.

Key Themes from the Roundtable

The conversation focused on three critical areas:

1. Activating the energy transition: With the global push toward net-zero emissions and clean energy sources, the energy transition is no longer a future goal—it’s today’s reality. Leaders must find ways to balance legacy business models with new entrepreneurial approaches to adapt to external changes rapidly. It’s not just about being sustainable but also innovative and agile.

2. Promoting energy equity: As nations and industries invest in low-carbon solutions like hydrogen, synthetic fuels, and advanced electrification, the question of equity looms large. Who controls these resources and tools? How do we ensure access across geographies and demographics? The role of data in this transition cannot be overstated, and future leaders must be equipped to navigate its challenges while driving environmental stewardship.

3. Energy’s global community impact: The global energy economy is as dynamic as it is complex. Geopolitical alliances, affordability, labor diversity, and resource availability all play a role in shaping policies and practices. Leadership in this environment requires a unique blend of technical knowledge, emotional intelligence, and the ability to collaborate across cultures and sectors.

What Does the Future Leader Look Like?

A key outcome of the discussion was defining the critical skills and attributes necessary for energy leaders of tomorrow. Adaptability, inclusivity, entrepreneurial thinking, and a commitment to sustainability emerged as non-negotiables. Attracting, retaining, and developing leaders who embody these qualities is a challenge, but it’s one the energy sector is rising to meet.

A Focus on Youth

ADIPEC’s commitment to youth was evident throughout the conference, particularly in the Young ADIPEC section. From interactive activities like tic-tac-toe with a robot to sessions and workshops tailored for the next generation, the emphasis on youth was inspiring. It was an incredible opportunity to see global initiatives aimed at empowering young people and to share Lagcoe’s efforts in this space.

Looking Forward

Being part of the Leadership Roundtable at ADIPEC 2024 was not just an opportunity to share Lagcoe’s work but also to learn from others and gain insights into global best practices. As we look to the future, our focus remains clear: investing in young talent, bridging the generational divide, and fostering a collaborative and innovative energy community.

Lagcoe is proud to be part of this global conversation, and we’re excited to continue working with our partners and programs to ensure that tomorrow’s energy leaders are prepared for the challenges ahead.