Neale Stidolph is the Head of Strategic Development in Sword’s Energy Sector team. Neale is based in Aberdeen and has been in the energy sector supporting IT-related business improvement, risk reduction, operations, major capital projects and M&A asset transfers for the last 35 years.
“My message is to always take the long view, have faith in yourself and be as adaptable as the energy sector is.”
My interest in technology blossomed from school days, and in my early twenties I had the chance to apply this in the oil and gas sector which led to a temporary move from London to Aberdeen, and I’m still here as it felt like the place I was supposed to be – combining endless technology and service opportunities with the natural and cultural benefits of the Northeast.
Steep learning curves in oil and gas with fast-paced changes in technology have been very rewarding. Any work pressures that have arisen were very much offset by spending time outdoors in the hills and on the rivers, filled with constant learning and opportunities to acquire new skills.
My career quickly evolved from a hands-on technologist to roles in sales and business development. Having completed hundreds of tenders and proposals with supermajors, independents, and supply chain, it’s never been boring. One key lesson from this journey is the importance of truly understanding problems. This doesn’t always align with tendering processes, which is why I’ve placed strong emphasis on strategic development – more complex challenges demand a different approach. That’s why I enjoy strategic development – it’s rooted in early engagement to understand the client, their situation, desired outcomes, and openness to innovation.
Having watched oil and gas facilities such as FPSOs or platforms being built, to construction yards and their journeys through to decommissioning really bring home the cycles of energy and the passage of time. Companies must navigate this, from boom times, to downturns, riches to hardship all driving very different behaviours and needs. Taking photos in Nigg and Ardesier in the McDermott days, to seeing rebirth and supporting Haventus, as the Port of Ardesier comes back to life to support floating offshore wind, it shows the tenacity of the people and businesses who will keep the lights on.
Having spent the last 18 years with Sword, throughout numerous stages of evolution, has never been dull and the journey continues. The opportunities I’ve had to work on global energy projects have been very rewarding and shows that experience, adaptability, and inquisitive problem-solving skills continue to be of great value. Spending time in the Northwest of Saudi Arabia, Europe, and across the USA, I saw the amazing opportunities available and gauged a deep cultural understanding, while also challenging myself in many ways – all of which highlighted the need to help others along their energy journey. It’s an incredible thing to be able to share knowledge, to encourage and help develop others.
The main part of my role is exploring new business relationships, monitoring developing markets, navigating the energy transition and relating that to Sword’s business activities. This recently led to our focus on renewable energy generation, transmission and distribution. That transition within our business has helped transfer people and their valuable skills as workloads shift from oil and gas, increasing career options.
Having been involved in two decades of M&A work, especially asset transfers, has really helped support the changing operator landscape. The players may change but the energy needs remain and present innovation opportunities, require new ideas, investment, extension of asset and field life to support UK energy security.
The energy sector is a fantastic place to work. Its dynamic nature, big challenges, evolving landscape, and personal opportunities can provide a great career. All of this has a very tangible benefit to everyone in the UK, we all need energy in all its forms.
My message is to always take the long view, have faith in yourself and be as adaptable as the energy sector is. Be inquisitive and open minded so that you can tackle challenges and construct solutions. Technologies can be learned but critical thinking is more of a personal attribute. Do that well and it won’t drive people nuts, it will show that you will challenge assumptions until everything becomes much clearer and puzzles will be solved.
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