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