Energy Workforce, in partnership with Heidrick & Struggles, held the third session of the yearlong Executive Leadership Program: Integrated Leadership last week at HMH. The program equips participants with the skills and tools to effectively lead their teams and become intentional leaders.
Advisory Board Member Doug Orr and Laura Gironda, Principal, Heidrick & Struggles, facilitated an extensive session. They hosted a guest speaker and conducted a simulation exercise to evaluate internal training effectiveness and emphasize the value of genuine connections in organizational dynamics.
Guest speaker Lees Rodionov, Energy Industry Executive-Board Director, highlighted how emotional intelligence and influence have been paramount throughout her career. She spoke about her career trajectory within the energy services sector and shared some key insights on leadership: Talk in outcomes that matter, have data at your fingertips, build and understand your circles of influence, and understand that getting a “no” may be a lesson for future opportunities.
Jon Graziano, Principal at Heidrick & Struggles, led the cohort through interactive exercises, group discussions, and presentations that emphasized the importance of influence, emotional intelligence, and authentic connection in leadership.
Key takeaways from the discussion included leading through influence rather than authority, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability and building networks and relationships as a foundation for effective decision-making influence.
At the session’s close, participants were invited to share their key takeaways from the discussions and content covered.
One participant shared, “I have recognized that hierarchy doesn’t always equal influence.”
Another comment from the group was, “What resonated with me was the 4 R’s of influence and how I will be able to apply them throughout my leadership journey.”
Energy Workforce is preparing for the upcoming programs in 2026, offering even more participants the opportunity to effectively lead their teams and become intentional leaders.
For more information about the yearlong Executive Leadership Program, contact Vice President, Programs & Events Peggy Helfert
Peggy Helfert, Vice President Programs & Events, writes about the Energy Workforce’s sector-specific best practices and leadership. Click here to subscribe to the Energy Workforce newsletter, which highlights sector-specific issues, best practices, activities and more.
