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
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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