Mousumi Dalal, Director of Business Applications, HMH, is a graduate of the Energy Workforce Executive Leadership Program. She recently shared her insights on the energy services and technology sector.
Energy Workforce: What is your role with the company? What are your core responsibilities? What does a typical day look like?
MD: I am the Director of Business Applications, Information Technology.
My responsibility is to lead the strategy, development, and management of enterprise software (CRM, ERP, HRIS, etc.) to align technology with business goals, overseeing teams, budgets, and vendors, and ensuring system quality and efficiency across departments such as Sales, Finance, Supply Chain, and HR.
EW: Why did you join the energy industry? Was there an individual who influenced your decision? Was there an event or piece of technology that got you excited?
MD: I joined the energy industry in 2013 with no prior sector experience. My goal was to grow professionally by stepping into a completely new and complex industry environment. The scale of operations and opportunity to solve business challenges with IT solutions drew me in very quickly, even if I didn’t initially have a specific mentor guiding that decision.
EW: What individual has been most instrumental in helping with your career? What did their mentorship look like, and how did it guide your path?
MD: I’ve been fortunate to work with exceptional leaders throughout my career at GE, Baker Hughes, and now HMH. One individual who was truly instrumental in shaping my career is Rajat Seth, Vice President and Division CIO at Baker Hughes. His mentorship pushed me to stretch beyond familiar roles and take on opportunities that challenged my thinking.
EW: What has surprised you most about the industry?
MD: The industry’s resilience has been the biggest surprise. Despite repeated market cycles and downturns, energy companies consistently adapt, rebuild, and innovate. That strength and perseverance demonstrate a unique culture of problem-solving and determination.
EW: Where do you hope to see the industry develop over the next five years?
MD: With the International Energy Agency projecting that global data‑center electricity use will more than double by 2030—driven largely by AI—I hope to see the industry expand, innovate, and diversify its energy strategies to meet this rising demand in a sustainable and resilient way.
EW: How has your involvement in Energy Workforce supported your career goals?
MD: The programs have strengthened my leadership skills and expanded my ability to navigate organizational change. I’ve also valued the strong networking opportunities and the chance to learn from diverse industry speakers, whose insights continually broaden my perspective and enhance my approach as an IT leader.
EW: Who are one or two individuals you’ve met while working in the industry who have impacted your thinking?
MD: I’ve had the opportunity to meet several inspiring professionals through Energy Workforce events who have broadened my perspective. One standout was Jennifer Simons, Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, and Secretary at Oceaneering, whose journey along a non-traditional career path—and her willingness to embrace unexpected opportunities—was truly compelling. I’ve also learned a great deal from Chuck Chaviere, HMH’s COO. I admire his leadership style and his consistent challenge to everyone to step outside their comfort zone and grow.
EW: What’s a technology or innovation you’ve seen in the sector that impressed you?
MD: I’m particularly impressed by the increasing level of data collection and automated monitoring across drilling, production, and supply chain operations. The ability to gather real-time data and leverage predictive analytics is transforming decision-making and significantly improving operational safety and efficiency.
EW: What advice would you give someone just getting started in the energy industry?
MD: Stay curious and open to learning. The energy industry—and really every industry today is evolving at an unprecedented pace. Embracing change with a flexible, growth-oriented mindset will set you up for long-term success, no matter where your career takes you.
EW: What do you wish other people knew about oil and gas?
MD: Oil and natural gas are an integral part of our everyday lives, and it’s not only the gasoline we put in our cars or the natural gas that heats our homes or businesses. Oil and natural gas are used in everyday products such as lipstick and deodorant, as well as in life-saving medical devices such as MRI machines and pacemakers.
EW: What do you do for fun, or what’s your idea of a perfect vacation?
MD: My perfect vacation is spending quality time with family and friends by the ocean. I also love relaxing on the beach with a great book while enjoying the sunshine.
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