Catherine Gillings

Leadership and Culture

Midstream, Downstream, Upstream, Clean Tech

 

United States, Canada, Europe, Africa

1. What is your profession? Or if you are retired, what was your profession?

Principal Consultant - Talent Management and Executive Coaching

2. What are your areas of expertise?

Midstream 

Downstream

Upstream: Corporate Development, Commercial

3. Current employer:

Me

TechnipFMC, FMC Technologies Inc, CGG Veritas, Veritas DGC Inc.

5. How did you end up in the Energy Industry?

The first drawing I remember my dad doing for me was of an oil rig - I was 5. He worked for an oil company and I think that very early imprint was significant. My first real job was with equipment manufacturer VETCO which gave me a chance to learn about the oil and gas business. I later worked for a seismic company and TechnipFMC before setting up my own business.  

6. Why do you like working with Start-Ups?

Large organizations offer amazing solutions and create too much administration. Start ups are a breath of fresh air! New ideas flourish and risks are taken without the angst of red tape and endless meetings. Coaching offers leaders of Start-Ups a way to explore different ideas about their own leadership and organizations in a supportive and confidential environment. It's energizing to spend time with people who are driven to make the world a better place!

Okay, now for some fun things about Catherine…

7. What are three of your interests outside of work?

• Meeting interesting people - from CEO's to students to those starting a new business, people with a mission are engaging and insightful.

• Riding my bicycle, when possible on a beach.

• Learning how to paint. I am enthusiastic.

8.  What are your top 3 accomplishments (personal or professional)?  Don’t be shy!  Give ‘em to us.

• Getting into University. I had obstacles but this ended up being a first in my family.

• Receiving an offer to work in my dream job, in the USA, in the Energy industry - I took it!

• Creating and running a Start-Up.

9.  If I were a superhero, my superpower would be               .

Using my special powers to ensure every child would be off to a great start!

10. When I was 5, I was pretty sure I'd be a                 when I grew up.

5 is very young - I think I wanted to have nice clothes. By 10 it was definitely a career!!

11. If I weren't so damn good at what I do now, I'd probably be                 .

An author and speaker

12.  My favorite song is               by            .

The first album I bought was Hotel California! That weird song is still a favorite.

13.  If I won the lottery tomorrow, I'd          .

Cooperative

14.  The best piece of advice I've ever been given is                              .

When I would get scared as a kid my dad would say - "Come on, gather up your brave." I often think of that when brave seems a bit lacking!