MOLLY DETERMAN, President, Energy Workforce & Technology Council (EWTC)
Molly Determan, President, Energy Workforce & Technology Council
In this business, we’ve learned not to chase headlines. We all know firsthand that we can’t base our companies on bold predictions by pundits or political promises. The real progress being made in American energy doesn’t come from a silver bullet policy or strategic initiative. Instead, it’s being made by the men and women who show up, each and every day, in steel-toed boots, rain or shine, dust or wind, to keep the wheels of American energy turning.
While the market narrative swings from cautious to confident and back again, the energy workforce stays focused on what matters: safe operations, steady output, and doing the job right the first time.
There’s no sugarcoating it; oil prices are down. In April 2025, Brent crude lost around 15%, and we saw the largest monthly drop in three years, as trade wars and tariffs began to erode the outlook for fuel demand. Supply chain fears continue to build, with investor sentiment swaying in the political winds. But if the energy sector knows one thing, it’s how to navigate challenges. As we move forward, operators and service providers are tightening their belts, moving forward with discipline and purpose. We’ve been here before, and we’ve learned not to overbuild, over-hire, or overspend.
Industry’s strength. While market watchers and news cycles chase the price per barrel, the real measure of strength in our industry lies in the hands of technicians, engineers, and field crews, who keep operations running with precision, day in and day out. It’s their commitment that drives up time, maintains safety records, and pushes efficiency gains; the KPIs that actually matter when markets fluctuate.
No matter what, you can’t fake reliability. And the energy workforce delivers that strategic reality, each and every day, regardless of what the market says. This workforce isn’t new to volatility. They’re experienced, adaptable, and take pride in delivering with precision, no matter what the ticker says. Skilled trades and technical roles are the ones who keep operations moving smoothly. It’s those same boots on the ground that are the real engine behind the oil and gas industry.
The reality is that advancement in this industry rarely goes viral…and that’s exactly the point. It looks like targeted training initiatives, and like EWTC’s industry-backed SecureWell program, which delivers purpose-driven, practical instruction for cased hole well operations, enhancing safety and operational confidence. It’s reflected in frontline leadership programs that prepare first-time managers to lead with clarity and accountability.
You’ll see it in faster equipment turnaround, fewer delays, and leaner crews achieving more with less. It shows in the steady decline of incident rates and the daily, unwavering commitment to getting every worker home safely. These aren’t viral moments. They’re quiet, consistent wins that make the industry stronger day by day. Because real development isn’t loud; it’s a job done right, a site left clean, and a team that goes home safe.
But these quiet wins don’t happen in a vacuum. They require an environment where industry can operate with clarity and confidence… something that’s been hard to come by in Washington.
A new era in Washington. While global trade dynamics may still introduce uncertainty into the market, it makes a real difference when policymakers take a steady, pro-growth approach. Today, we’re seeing renewed momentum from Washington to remove regulatory roadblocks, streamline permitting approvals, and unleash American energy. When government and industry work in alignment, the entire energy value chain benefits, from operators to service providers to the communities we serve. That kind of stability gives companies the confidence to invest, hire, and prioritize long-term performance. Make no mistake: the regulatory environment matters. And right now, it’s moving in the right direction.
People make the difference. The energy industry is no stranger to ups and downs. But if there’s one lesson that we’ve learned through each and every cycle, it’s that the smartest investment you can make is in your people. Yes, rigs and equipment matter. But it’s the people who make those operations happen that turn potential into performance. As we continue to navigate an ever-changing global landscape, things may feel uncertain, but now isn’t the time to pull back. It’s time to double down on training, leadership development, and workforce readiness.
This industry has always found its strength in its people. Looking forward, investing in training, leadership, and operational readiness will remain essential, regardless of the market cycle. We know that long-term competitiveness depends on a workforce that is skilled, safety-minded, and prepared for the challenges ahead. If we want to lead the next phase of growth, we keep showing up, working smart, and building a future we can stand behind.
Same boots. Same grit. No silver bullet needed.
MOLLY DETERMAN is President of the Energy Workforce & Technology Council, leading the development and management of the association’s strategy and activities to promote the energy services and technology sector of the oil and gas industry. She advocates on behalf of the energy workforce and speaks frequently on workforce, culture, leadership, HSE and supply chain. Additionally, Ms. Determan oversees Energy Workforce committees, including those focused on leadership development, best practice sharing and benchmarking, as well as the acclaimed State Department Houston Energy Course. She earned bachelor’s degrees in journalism and German from Samford University in Birmingham, Ala. Ms. Determan serves on World Oil’s Editorial Advisory Board and is a member of Rotary International. She was named an E&P magazine “40 Under Forty” honoree in 2021, and HBJ’s Women Who Mean Business Award in 2023.
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