What do CEOs look for in talent?
According to Energy Workforce Board Member Stuart Bodden, President & CEO of Ranger Energy Services, it starts with becoming exceptional at what you do, developing strong problem-solving skills and creating opportunities to showcase your capabilities.
Industry professionals recently gathered at NOV for an engaging Leadership Forum discussion where Bodden shared lessons from his leadership journey and the experiences that shaped his path to the C-suite.
The forum opened with remarks from Emerging Executives Committee Chair Nate King, NOV, who welcomed attendees, introduced Bodden and then led the discussion.
Reflecting on his path to the C-suite, Bodden emphasized the importance of going after opportunities that build both experience and perspective. From launching a restaurant after college to leading businesses across Southeast Asia and eventually returning to Houston to lead organizations in the energy industry, Bodden encouraged attendees to remain open to calculated risks and career experiences.
The conversation then turned to talent development and the qualities that set high-performing professionals apart. Bodden stressed the importance of embracing challenges and consistently seeking opportunities that go beyond one’s day-to-day responsibilities.
“Be great at what you’re good at,” Bodden said, encouraging attendees to identify their strengths and continue refining the skills that make them uniquely valuable to their organizations.
Throughout the discussion, Bodden returned to a central theme: great leaders don’t try to do everything themselves.
As the conversation shifted to leadership, Bodden shared lessons learned from leading teams across different organizations, cultures and business environments. He noted that one of the most important transitions for new managers is recognizing that leadership is not about having all the answers; it’s about building a team based on trust and communication.
“One of the biggest mistakes young leaders make is trying to do everything themselves,” he said. “Great leaders know how to delegate, empower their teams and bring together the right people to solve problems.”
From leadership and mentorship to career development and team building, attendees walked away with practical insights on the qualities that drive success at every level of an organization.
Thank you to our event sponsors! NOV, Ranger Energy Services
Britney Turcios, Marketing Specialist, writes about the Energy Workforce & Technology Council. Click here to subscribe to the Energy Workforce newsletter, which highlights sector-specific issues, best practices, activities and more.
