In this episode of The Energy Executive 360 Podcast, we sit down with Foday Mansaray, Director General of the Petroleum Directorate of Sierra Leone — a leader at the forefront of shaping one of Africa’s most promising energy frontiers.
A self-proclaimed “Oil & Gas man,” Foday embodies Sierra Leone’s ambition to redefine its place on the global energy map. In this powerful conversation, he shares why he believes that oil and gas is truly borderless, and speaks with conviction about how energy development can transform the life of every Sierra Leonean — because, as he says, “Energy is life.”
We explore the nation’s frontier oil and gas potential — including the opportunities stemming from an estimated 30 billion barrels of reserves — and discuss how Sierra Leone is positioning itself to attract global investment. The conversation also delves into Africa’s role in the global energy transition and the critical balance between growth, justice, and sustainability in today’s energy narratives.
Beyond energy, Foday opens up about personal lessons on justice, introversion, decisiveness and leadership in a sector that is often misunderstood. This is more than a discussion about resources; it’s about identity, collaboration, and the human side of our industry — what it truly means to create comfort, opportunity, and dignity through power.
What You’ll Learn⬛ Why Foday calls himself an “Oil & Gas man” — and what that means for Sierra Leone’s national pride
⬛ How the Petroleum Directorate is positioning Sierra Leone as a serious frontier for global investment
⬛ Why “energy is life” — and how access to energy transforms entire societies
⬛ How leadership, humility, and introversion intersect in high-stakes decision-making
⬛ Why Africa’s energy transition must be “just,” inclusive, and locally defined
⬛ The importance of discourse, debate, and courageous truth-telling in today’s energy narrative
⬛ Why collaboration between African nations is essential for shared progress
⬛ How Sierra Leone aims to unlock up to 30 billion barrels of potential oil reserves
⬛ Why Foday believes Sierra Leone could “make every Sierra Leonean a millionaire” — and what that really means
Connect with Foday Mansaray
Follow the Petroleum Directorate of Sierra Leone: https://pd.gov.sl/
Follow Foday on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/foday-man...
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Visit TEE360 Studio: https://www.emiliofaulmata.com
Subscribe to The Energy Executive 360 Newsletter: LinkedIn Newsletter
► Stay tuned for future episodes exploring leadership, mindset, entrepreneurship, and the future of global energy.#energytransition #africa #sierraleone #leadership #futureofenergy #oilandgas #mindset #collaboration #resilience #energysecurity #energyforall #justtransition #energyleadership
In this episode of The Energy Executive 360 Podcast, we sit down with Mounia Attiga, an energy & sustainability strategist whose career journey and powerful insights shed light on the future of leadership, identity, and collaboration in the energy sector.
From her early beginnings at Schlumberger to her current role at Vodafone and position as Chair of the Lean In North Africa Network, Mounia’s story is one of resilience, self-belief, and using identity as a superpower. She challenges traditional narratives about the energy transition, highlights the untapped potential of North Africa, and shares her vision for how the next generation can drive innovation across the global energy system.
This conversation is a raw, insightful look at the realities of building a career in energy—especially as a woman, and as someone who has often been “the triple minority in the room.” For Mounia, success has meant leaning into her uniqueness, shutting out the noise, and creating opportunities not just for herself, but for others who will follow.
What You’ll Learn:
⬛ How to build a career in energy with honesty, courage, and clarity about where you are today
⬛ Why shutting out the noise and focusing on “who you want to become” is critical for growth
⬛ Why identity can be your biggest asset—and how to proudly own it in every room you enter
⬛ What it really means to be an energy & sustainability strategist in today’s industry
⬛ The importance of regional nuance in the energy transition—why there is no one-size-fits-all solution
⬛ Why energy security, affordability, and reliability remain the foundation of the transition
⬛ The misconceptions around oil & gas—and why pointing fingers misses the bigger picture
⬛ Why collaboration and partnerships will define the next decade of energy innovation
⬛ How AI, digital transformation, and implementation gaps are shaping the industry’s future
⬛ The mission of Lean In and how women in energy can create platforms of opportunity
⬛ Why North Africa is a new frontier for energy—and how it can become a global player
⬛ How failure, persistence, and finding “who can help you” are the keys to resilience and growth
Connect with Mounia Attiga
Follow Mounia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mounia-attiga-3b4a742/
And take a look at Lean In where Mounia chairs the North Africa Network: https://leaninequity.org/
And also take a look at the Pan African Female Leaders in Energy List with Africa Oil Week: https://www.aowenergy.com/aow-energy-d-and-i-program/
The Energy Executive 360 with Emilio Faulmata
Follow Emilio on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/EmilioFaulmata
Visit The Energy Executive 360 / TEE360 Studio Website: https://www.emiliofaulmata.com
Subscribe to The Energy Executive 360 Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7305786308113645569
► Stay tuned for future episodes exploring leadership, mindset, entrepreneurship, and the future of global energy.
#EnergyTransition #WomenInEnergy #Leadership #NorthAfrica #FutureOfEnergy #Sustainability #OilAndGas #Mindset #Collaboration #Resilience #Innovation #CareersInEnergy
Today, we uncover the journey of Jordan Ferguson—CEO of Pier Solutions—whose story captures resilience, risk, and the future of energy leadership. This episode of The Energy Executive 360 Podcast dives into mindset, purpose, and the realities of the energy transition, while offering hard-hitting lessons for young professionals and industry leaders alike.
Jordan’s path from humble beginnings to engineering the energy transition has been fueled by a hustler mentality, calculated risk-taking, and an unshakable belief in the opportunities the energy industry still holds. His story is as much about resilience and patience as it is about disruption, purpose, and responsibility to future generations.
What You’ll Learn:
⬛ Why mindset, failure, and risk are the foundations of leadership and growth
⬛ The importance of shutting out “the noise” and staying focused on purpose
⬛ How to rebuild after setbacks—and why humility is key to success
⬛ The realities of the energy transition: economics, policy, and infrastructure
⬛ Pier Solutions’ role in “engineering the energy transition”
⬛ Why policymakers need to listen to industry voices before it’s too late
⬛ Career opportunities and why young people should be proud to work in energy
⬛ Leadership 101: patience, purpose, and always hiring for attitude over ability
⬛ Why energy needs to “come out of the shadows” and tell its story
⬛ How collaboration through platforms like Neccus can drive real transition impact
Pier Solutions & Jordan FergusonFollow Jordan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-ferguson-781a1831/ Follow Pier Solutions via their website: https://pier-solutions.com/
The Energy Executive 360 with Emilio FaulmataFollow Emilio on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/EmilioFaulmata Visit The Energy Executive 360/ TEE360 STUDIO Website: https://www.emiliofaulmata.com/ Subscribe to The Energy Executive 360 Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relati...
► Stay tuned for future episodes exploring leadership, mindset, entrepreneurship, and the future of global energy.
#EnergyTransition #FutureOfEnergy #OilAndGas #Sustainability #Engineering #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #Mindset #Resilience #Innovation #ClimateAction #CareersInEnergy
Today on The Energy Executive 360 Podcast, we sit down with Lewis McDonald—Global Co-Head of Energy at world-renowned law firm Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer—for a deep-dive interview on energy law, leadership, and the future of the global energy system.
From billion-dollar oil, gas, and renewables deals to the massive rise in global energy demand, Lewis shares how mindfulness, resilience, and international experience has shaped his career across Perth, London, Hong Kong, Singapore, Seoul, and Tokyo.
We explore why the energy transition is not one story but many transitions, why cheap, reliable, and clean energy is the true foundation of prosperity and how AI is set to transform both energy law and the global value chain.
Along the way, Lewis unpacks football analogies, pragmatic insights, and lessons on leadership—challenging us to think differently about energy, business and the world.
What You’ll Learn:
⬛ Why Lewis combined his passion for the natural world, law, and energy into a global career—from zoology and climate treaties to billion-dollar deals
⬛ How mindfulness, football analogies, and the discipline of presence help him stay grounded in the high-pressure world of global energy law
⬛ Lessons from an international career across Perth, London, Hong Kong, Singapore, Seoul, and Tokyo—and how constant movement shaped his resilience and worldview
⬛ The hidden role of lawyers in energy—from structuring billion-dollar transactions to managing the smallest contractual details that keep the global system running
⬛ Why the global energy system is bigger than most people imagine—and why renewables growth, while crucial, can’t yet keep pace with rising demand
⬛ The importance of R&D, technology, and innovation in driving the next wave of energy solutions, from methane detection satellites to green hydrogen projects
⬛ Why the public narrative around oil & gas must change, and how initiatives like PRAGMA aim to create a more pragmatic, balanced conversation about energy transition
⬛ The evolution of the energy transition: from “transitions” in the plural to today’s messy, non-linear path, where subsidies, costs, and political will determine outcomes
⬛ Advice for the next generation of lawyers and energy professionals—how to build a career, navigate complexity, and embrace serendipity in a sector where opportunity is everywhere
Episode Chapters & Highlights
0:00 Introduction
1:18 Lewis’ Journey to Energy Law
9:55 Lessons from Travelling the World
14:00 Power of Being in the Moment, Reflection & Mindfulness
18:30 How Big is Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer’s Global Energy Team?
19:38 How to Lead a 700-Person Global Team?
23:47 What Do Energy Lawyers Do?
29:13 The Truth About the Global Energy System…
37:40 The Pragma Philosophy: How to Change the Narrative
41:50 HSF Kramer’s Energy Vision, Mission & Strategy
46:04 The True Origin of the Phrase “Energy Transition”
49:55 The Big Oil vs Big Shovel Debate
53:58 How is AI Changing the Energy Industry?
58:13 Advice to Budding Energy Lawyers
1:01:00 Final Question to the Audience – How Will You Be More Present?
Herbert Freehills Smith Kramer & Lewis McDonald
Follow Lewis McDonald on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lewis-mcdonald-7a69728/
Follow Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer via their website: https://www.hsfkramer.com/
The Energy Executive 360 with Emilio Faulmata
Follow Emilio on all platforms: linktr.ee/EmilioFaulmata
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emiliofaulmata/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emiliofaulmata/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@emiliofaulmata
X: https://x.com/EmilioFaulmata
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emiliofaulmata
Visit The Energy Executive 360/ TEE360 STUDIO Website: emiliofaulmata.com
Stay tuned for future episodes exploring leadership, entrepreneurship, and the future of global energy.#energy #leadership #mindset #law #energytransition #AI #LewisMcDonald #HSFKramer
Today, we unlock the story behind one of the energy industry’s boldest CEOs—Sherif Foda—who built NESR from scratch into a $1.3B oilfield services powerhouse. This episode of The Energy Executive 360 Podcast with Emilio Faulmata goes beyond headlines and dives deep into mindset, risk-taking, and the future of energy in the Middle East and beyond.
Sherif Foda, founder & CEO of NESR, ex-Schlumberger executive, shares his journey of resilience, leadership and disruption, offering insights that will transform the way professionals and entrepreneurs view the energy industry, as well as their own futures.
What You’ll Learn:
⬛How quitting Schlumberger set Sherif on a new path
⬛How to live life on the edge and maximise the impact you can make throughout your life
⬛Mindset, discipline, and belief required to build a billion-dollar MENA services champion
⬛The risks and doubts behind NESR’s founding
⬛Lessons from 25 years at Schlumberger, shaping business strategy and competition
⬛Dealing with pressure, staying sharp, and thriving through volatility—from NASDAQ listing to major setbacks
⬛The secrets behind becoming a master in negotiation and leadership
⬛Why energy transition is addition, not competition—shifting the global narrative
⬛How NESR’s ESG Impact Unit turns sustainability into revenue, not just a cost
⬛The importance of legacy, partnerships, company culture, and a relentless drive to rewrite regional perceptions
⬛Key advice for young leaders and entrepreneurs in MENA and worldwide: mindset, risk tolerance, and building for the future
Episode Chapters & Highlights
1:27, Who is Sherif Foda? Outlook on Life, leaving Schlumberger & Heart Palpitations in Oman.
8:05, Sherif's Mission to Make an Impact.
12:20, Early Life, Influences, Dream to be James Bond & How to Always be Aware.
17:12, Risk , Uncertainty & the Foundations of Growth and Success.
21:20, How Sherif entered Oil & Gas, Lessons & Rise through Schlumberger.
28:00, Birth of NESR, Entrepreneurship & Building the National Champion of MENA.
33:00, The Art of Negotiation & How to Choose your Partners.
40:38, How to Lead in Crisis, the Energy Industry & Make Tough Decisions?
47:08, Fomenting Company Culture, Meritocracy & NESR stock options.
52:18, Definition of Success, Personal Responsibility & Ambition.
57:13, Sherif's Biggest NESR Challenge - NASDAQ delisting.
1:01:50, The Future of Energy, Message to the Oil and Gas Industry & the Wider World.
1:06:09, Affordability, Hydrocarbons, Decarbonization & the Energy Transition.
1:19:04, What does the Future Hold for Sherif & NESR?
1:21:41, Final Question to the Audience - Do you believe us?
NESR & Sherif Foda
Follow Sherif on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherif-fo...
Follow NESR via their website (https://www.nesr.com/), or across all platforms below:
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl-7...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nesr_mea?ut...
X/ Twitter: https://x.com/NESRCorp
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nati...
The Energy Executive 360 with Emilio Faulmata
Follow Emilio on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/EmilioFaulmata
Visit The Energy Executive 360 Website: www.emiliofaulmata.com
Subscribe to The Energy Executive 360 Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relati...
And if you're a young energy professional or somoene who just wants to learn more about the industry and be part of a pragmatic dialogue and debate around the future of energy, join our discord - NEXT GENERATION OF ENERGY COMMUNITY By TEE360 STUDIO - below... https://discord.gg/zqta6AFe
► Stay tuned for future episodes covering entrepreneurship, energy transition, leadership, and more... #energy #leadership #entrepreneurship #oil #gas #SherifFoda #NESR #energytransition #billiondollarbusiness
I am Emilio Miguel Faulkner Matamoros, but from today onwards you may refer to me as Emilio Faulmata...
This is the very beginning of The Energy Executive 360 Podcast. Just me, a mic, a mission — and quite a lot of belief.
I don’t have a big audience (yet). I’m not famous. There’s no studio, no team, no investor. But I do have a vision: to make this the biggest energy podcast in the world, and to change the way people see the energy industry.
In this first episode, I wanted to strip it all back and share who I am, what drives me, and why I’m building this. Think of it as me interviewing myself before the guests come in.
I open up about:
Growing up between cultures, languages, and worlds of wealth and scarcity.
The feeling of being underestimated, and how it shaped my mindset.
Why I believe the only opinion that truly matters is your own.
How I’ve learned to process fear, failure, and uncertainty — and why that matters more than talent or timing.
The mission behind this podcast: to bring a new audience to energy, to unleash the voices of the leaders shaping its future, and to rewrite the narratives around the industry.
If you’re listening as a potential supporter, or even as one of the dream guests I’ve reached out to, this is your chance to hear my story before everything kicks off.
This isn’t just a podcast to me. It’s personal. It’s the start of something much bigger.
FOLLOW US ON ALL PLATFORMS HERE
The Energy Executive 360 Podcast is here.
Hosted by Emilio Faulmata, this new podcast sits down with the most influential leaders in global energy to uncover their stories, their mindset, and their vision for the future.
For too long, the energy industry has been misunderstood, even vilified. We’re changing that.
By giving energy’s biggest decision-makers a platform to speak openly, honestly, and unfiltered, we’ll reveal the human side of leadership and the truth behind the energy transition.
Energy powers every part of our lives. It is the foundation of human progress. And yet the world rarely hears from the people driving it forward. That changes now.
This is the podcast that takes you behind closed doors — into the minds of the executives shaping our collective future.
🎥 Watch the trailer, subscribe on your favourite platform and follow me below:
Spotify - Youtube - Apple Podcasts - Amazon Music - Linkedin - Instagram - TikTok
This is just the beginning. The first full episode of The Energy Executive 360 Podcast drops in one week.
Let’s change the narrative. Let’s shape the future — together.