A visionary executive with over 35 years of experience, Brian Reinsborough has established an exceptional record of strategic, leadership, and management success across the energy industry. But you don’t get that from playing small.
Throughout his career, he has developed and executed multiple business plans, including the launch of two Deepwater ventures in the Gulf of Mexico that have grown into industry-recognized programs. His expertise and forward-thinking leadership have resulted in the discovery of over 2.4 billion barrels of oil equivalent (BOE), shaping the future of exploration and production in some of the world’s most challenging environments.
Brian Reinsborough holds a PMD from Harvard Business School, an M.S. in Geology from the University of Texas at Austin, and a B.S. in Geology from Mount Allison University. A finalist for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year National Award in 2014, he has also successfully raised more than $2.5 billion in private equity funding, fueling innovation and growth within the sector.
Brian’s career is defined by his rare combination of scientific expertise, business acumen, and visionary leadership that continues to leave a lasting impact on the industry.
His secret? Having the drive to push through uncertainty, bouncing back from adversity, and betting on yourself even if you’re the only person in the room.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:16 Brian's Background and Career Journey
03:27 Challenges and Turnarounds at Recon
06:41 Navigating Uncertainty and Leadership
10:17 ReconAfrica's Business Model and Strategy
11:32 Focus on Namibia and Community Engagement
15:48 ESG Initiatives and Community Impact
19:14 Future Vision and Growth
20:22 Navigating ESG and Community Involvement
21:07 Commitment to Transparency and Environmental Responsibility
22:10 Defining Business Philosophy and Strategy
22:59 The Guardrails Process: A Deep Dive
24:04 The Need for External Help
26:18 Embracing Change and Rebranding
29:17 Leadership and High Performance Teams
32:48 Advice for Aspiring Leaders
34:42 Personal Stories and Career Lessons
40:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Topics Discussed:
Connect with Brian Reinsborough:
About Rethink Change:
When growth is stagnant, culture’s a mess, the brand’s adrift, and the board wants miracles by Monday, Pennebaker’s podcast, Rethink Change, is where innovators and disruptors go for clarity.
Hosted by Founder Ward Pennebaker and President Matt Pennebaker, this podcast delivers sharp insights from battle-tested leaders who’ve navigated chaos and turned challenge into momentum. You’ll hear from executives from startups to global behemoths, from a wide range of industries. No fluff. All results. These conversations uncover what actually works, so you can think differently and act smarter.
Get Connected with Rethink Change:
