In this episode of Building Doors, host Lauren Karan chats with Erik Vandenberg, a seasoned leader with a fascinating journey from technical expert to executive in the energy sector. Erik’s career spans diverse roles in aircraft maintenance, oil and gas, and now, executive leadership in energy transitions. Erik reveals his insights into leadership evolution, the power of emotional intelligence, and the rapid changes in the energy industry.

From navigating mergers and organizational change to making high-stakes decisions in critical environments, Erik’s journey offers valuable lessons on how to lead through uncertainty and drive meaningful progress. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting in your career, this episode provides actionable insights for anyone looking to thrive in complex industries.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Emotional Intelligence & Leadership

• How emotional intelligence and curiosity shaped Erik’s leadership success and enabled him to manage teams through mergers and cultural shifts.

Navigating Energy Transitions

• Erik shares how the energy sector is evolving and how businesses need to adapt to sustainability and technology shifts, including AI and decarbonization.

Leadership Challenges

• From technical expert to strategic leader: the skills and mindset Erik adopted to lead across diverse disciplines and industries.

Lessons from the Field

• Real-world insights into managing high-stakes projects in oil and gas, including a terrifying near-miss in commissioning gas turbines.

The Role of AI in Leadership & Business

• How AI is changing industries, but also the concerns it raises about workforce development and cognitive abilities for the next generation.

Key Quotes from Erik Vandenberg

• "The skillset you need as a leader in technical industries is vastly different from being a problem-solving SME."

• "It’s a transition of emotional intelligence, not just retaining information. As leaders, you need to learn how to lead people, not just manage projects."

• "The energy transition isn’t a cliff. It’s a mix of solutions. Nuclear, gas, renewables, AI, all are part of the puzzle."

• "Leadership is about doing the right thing, having the right conversations, and making tough decisions, even when it’s uncomfortable."

About Our Guest

Erik Vandenberg is a leadership expert with extensive experience in mechanical engineering, oil and gas, and the energy sector. Currently focused on leading growth during the energy transition, Erik’s career spans technical, operational, and strategic roles. Passionate about mentoring, he continues to navigate complex projects, always seeking the next challenge. Erik advocates for the importance of combining technical expertise with emotional intelligence in leadership.

About Your Host

Lauren Karan, founder of Karan & Co. and host of Building Doors, is dedicated to helping professionals unlock their potential. Through insightful interviews and real-life stories, Lauren empowers listeners to create opportunities and thrive in their careers.

How You Can Support the Podcast:

• Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
• Share this episode with engineers, contractors, and leaders in construction and infrastructure.
• Connect with Erik Vandenberg on LinkedIn to learn more about his journey.

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Let’s Connect:

• Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email us at reachout@buildingdoors.com.au.

Thank you for listening! It’s time to stop waiting and start building.