Leigh, can you share how your career began?
After studying and an early foray into agribusiness, I found myself in the rapidly growing oil and gas industry in Western Australia in the early 2000’s. I was given an opportunity to become an engineer by Halliburton which kicked off the next 12 years in the energy sector.
What pivotal moments or experiences have shaped your career trajectory?
Certainly being offered an engineering role without a degree was pivotal. That said, I did have to pass all the post graduate requirements and a technical training program with Halliburton. I proved to myself that if you want something bad enough and put the hard yards in, it will all pay off. In 2005, the industry was screaming out for engineers, so it was being at the right place at the right time and taking the opportunity.
I was also made redundant from an industry that gave me so much. This became a hard and fast lesson in adaptability and reinventing yourself. Something that I have used again since on numerous occassions. The fundamentals of business are the same across many industries, so it shouldn’t be so scary to redirect down another career path. Keep learning and trying new things.
How did you come to work at entX?
In 2019, I had a consultancy business focused on assisting SMEs develop business maturity for contracting to the defence sector. I already knew Bryn Jones (entX MD) and was engaged to undertake some market scoping work for the GenX technology and during our Series A capital raise I was keen on a full-time role and was fortunate to join as employee #1 alongside the founders.
What do you love most about working at entX?
First and foremost, I love the energy. I also like being the least smartest technical person in the room. I find what we can do with a core capability in nuclear and materials science quite fascinating. Our technology is addressing some of the world’s most pressing issues. The team is given a healthy length of rope to be bold, yet accountable. I believe we give our shareholders a really good reason to back us.
How does entX foster a culture of innovation and collaboration among its employees?
Interestingly, we come from all walks of life and are of all ages. Our youngest is in their early 20’s and our most senior engineer is around 70. However, we are fiercely protective of the culture we’ve developed that is super inclusive and encouraging. All employees are challenged and given the floor to speak up and share opinions and knowledge. This cross pollination contributes to a number of our achievements. We’re also able to have robust conversations for the good of the business.
What key skills or qualities do you believe are essential for success in this field?
Research, adaptability, being able to pivot, don’t get emotionally attached to a technology, being able to speak up, learning from mistakes and most importantly keeping our eye on the prize. At the end of the day, we have a finite cash flow and timeline to commercialise our great ideas.
Can you share any valuable lessons you’ve learned throughout your career that you wish you knew when starting out?
I would probably tell my younger self not to hesitate with making yourself heard and voicing good ideas. Also, not to worry about what people on the periphery think. Basically, take your chances, be bold. They can only say no and there is a lesson behind every knock back.
In your opinion, what are some emerging trends or technologies that will significantly impact the industry?
We are decarbonising a fast-moving world. We need technologies to keep stride with the world’s expectations for a standard of living. Quantum and AI are achieving step changes in how we create and communicate knowledge, solve problems, treat illness, find resources and keep track of friends and foes on earth and throughout space. The best companies will leverage this and succeed.
How important is networking and building professional relationships in your role?
In my role it’s paramount. I wouldn’t have thought it in my earlier career, however in the last few years I have seen it time and time again, the value in having a respected network and being respected by your network. That trust and integrity will open doors.
What advice would you offer to someone aspiring to enter your field?
I could get carried away with 100 bits of advice, but if I restrict myself to two, it would be to be bold but be humble. Also, remember who has helped you along the way and give back when you can. Integrity is so important.
