Transformational Leadership to Accelerate the Energy Transition
As the oil and gas sector faces increasing pressures from the low-carbon transition, effective leadership becomes critical for navigating uncertainties, implementing sustainable practices, and addressing climate change.
This SPE Distinguished Lecture presents findings from a comprehensive research study that tested the hypothesis: transformational leadership significantly influences the success of energy transition efforts.
The research employed a deductive, qualitative methodology, utilizing two primary methods: a survey and a comparative case analysis. The survey applied the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire, a well-validated tool for assessing transformational leadership across various industries. The comparative case analysis incorporated content analysis based on established leadership frameworks, alongside executive interviews. Case studies were conducted on three major international oil and gas companies recognized for viewing the energy transition as a transformational process.
The findings indicate that leaders in the energy transition consistently demonstrate higher levels of transformational leadership compared to other styles. Statistical analysis revealed a positive correlation between transformational leadership behaviors and successful transition outcomes. Additionally, content analysis highlighted the role of emotional intelligence in shaping leadership styles, enabling leaders to adapt their strategies for optimal outcomes. Senior executives confirmed the transformational nature of the energy transition through their experiences and narratives.
The lecture provides practical recommendations for developing talent, mitigating risk, fostering partnerships, enhancing collaboration, engaging stakeholders, and aligning organizational goals to accelerate the energy transition. Potential barriers are also discussed, along with suggestions for further research opportunities using diverse methodologies to advance knowledge sharing and support the industry's shift toward sustainability.
Registration closes on Wednesday, March 18 at 8AM MDT.
Date/Time
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Registration: 11:45 AM MDT
Start Time: 12:00 PM MDT
End Time: 1:00 PM MDT
Location
Calgary Petroleum Club | 319 5 Ave SW, Calgary, AB, T2P 0L5
*This event will be in-person only, and will not be recorded.
Speaker Bio
Michael Etuhoko
Founder and CEO, Protekz Inc.
SDTS Board Member and Co-Theme Lead: Energy System Transformation
With more than three decades of global experience in the energy industry, Michael Etuhoko is the Founder and CEO of Protekz Inc., an executive coaching and advisory firm that helps CEOs, senior executives, and boards turn complex risks into competitive advantage. He also serves as a CEO Chair with TEC Canada and an Adjunct Professor at the SAIT School of Business.
A London Business School Sloan Fellow, Mike is pursuing a Doctorate (DBA) in Emerging Technologies, researching Generative AI and leadership resilience. He holds an MBA (Distinction) from Warwick Business School, an MSc in Petroleum Engineering from IFP School (France), and a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Ibadan (Nigeria).
A professional coach and accredited board director, Mike serves on several boards, including SPE International - SDTS, ALS Society of Canada, and Alberta Dreams.
**Please Note
Lunch will be served. Please be sure to include your dietary restrictions during the online registration process so we can do our best to accommodate.
An event reminder will be sent the day before and the morning of the event.
Group Discounts
Group discounts are now available! A discount of 10% will be applied at checkout for groups of 6-9 people, and a discount of 15% will be applied for groups of 10+ people. Please note the discount will only be applied if all tickets are purchased in the same transaction.
If you wish to reserve a table, please email calgarysection@spe.org and specify your company name and the specific event title/date to hold the reservation. Please note that table reservations only apply to groups of 8.
Group Discount (10+ People)