EWTC’s Emerging Executives Committee kicked off its Leadership Forum series this week at SLB, bringing together industry professionals for a discussion on leadership, career growth, and navigating strategic turnarounds.
Emerging Executives Committee Chair Nate King, Director of Sales – Western Hemisphere Land, NOV, opened the session with welcoming remarks and set the stage for the conversation ahead.
The forum featured EWTC Board Member Ryan Ezell, CEO of Flotek Industries, who kicked off the discussion by reflecting on his career path, spanning from global roles across multiple regions to his current role as CEO. He emphasized how exposure to different markets, cultures, and operational challenges has shaped his leadership style and strengthened his ability to adapt.
“Lateral moves aren’t always lateral, they’re how you round out your skill set,” Ezell shared, underscoring the importance of embracing diverse experiences throughout a career.
Building on his experience, Ezell centered his forum on the theme, “Leadership Through a Strategic Turnaround.” He walked attendees through the realities organizations face during periods of transformation, highlighting that successful turnarounds require discipline, clarity, and consistent execution over time.
He emphasized the key drivers of organizational performance during times of change: a strong safety culture, open communication, accountability, and talent development.
“Organizations with strong safety cultures typically have better financial performance,” Ezell noted, reinforcing the connection between culture and outcomes.
Throughout the discussion, Ezell also highlighted the importance of curiosity, perspective, and thoughtful decision-making in leadership roles. He encouraged attendees to slow down, seek understanding, and remain open to different viewpoints before making decisions.
“Be curious, not judgmental,” he said, underscoring the value of listening in leadership.
Ezell closed the forum by going through the lifecycle of a turnaround, explaining that organizations often move through predictable phases, from discovery and initial change to early wins, fatigue, and ultimately cultural alignment.
“It can take years to execute a turnaround and only a short time to lose it,” he shared.
The session concluded with a Q&A, where attendees engaged directly with Ezell to explore his leadership journey and approach.
Thank you to Ryan Ezell, Flotek Industries, and to our event sponsors, SLB and Flotek.
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.
