In this episode of the WGLC Podcast Series: Empowered to Lead, Rachel McGhie speaks with Lamé Verre, co-founder of Lean In Equity & Sustainability. Lamé shares her journey as an advocate and changemaker, the gaps she saw in representation across the energy and sustainability sectors, and how her platform is driving progress for women—especially women of color. Together, they explore why equity matters, how mentorship and networks fuel leadership, and what true empowerment looks like in boardrooms, strategy teams, and across the global energy landscape.

Tune in for insights on building inclusive leadership, the transformative role of WGLC, and a bold vision for the future of women in energy.

Middle East gas could provide an economic and more sustainable energy option especially in terms of meeting local demand, Crystol Energy CEO Carole Nakhle tells Petroleum Economist’s Paul Hickin. She warns against oversimplifying energy debates around peak demand, explains the evolutionary role of OPEC and talks about the importance of diversifying Middle East economies not just regional energy mixes along with the role of fiscal systems to maximise a country’s strengths

OPEC+ spare capacity is much lower than the market consensus and US shale will also struggle to add extra supply in the second half of 2025 providing upside risk to oil prices, according to Emily Ashford. The Standard Chartered energy analyst tells Petroleum Economist’s Paul Hickin that while tariffs, trade and geopolitics add bearishness, much has been priced in and may be offset by a supply side that is likely to see OPEC+’s members involved in additional voluntary cuts take a hiatus in returning volumes after the summer.

Oil and gas can and should coexist with renewables, and policymakers must be aware of the risks to energy access, affordability and sustainability from sometimes ill-judged efforts to tackle climate issues and demonise energy companies, argues Amy Miller. The PRAGMA CEO tells Petroleum Economist’s chief economist Paul Hickin that it’s important to appreciate every country has a unique energy journey and a practical approach to energy and climate needs to be embraced given its pivotal role in everyday life.

In the debut episode of the WGLC Podcast Series: Empowered to Lead, Conference Director Rachel McGhie sits down with Lauren Levicki Courville, President of Dress for Success Houston, to explore what empowerment looks like for women navigating economic independence, career growth, and leadership.

Lauren shares the incredible work of DFS Houston—an organisation that has impacted close to 50,000 women and 65,000 children through professional development, mentorship, and community support. From the first suit to sustained career advancement, she paints a vivid picture of how confidence and community are transformative forces.

Tune in for insights on:

• Why empowerment starts with being seen and supported
• How community engagement builds long-term impact
• The shared mission of DFS Houston and WGLC in advancing women’s leadership in energy and beyond

This episode is a reminder that leadership doesn’t start in the boardroom—it starts when a woman realises she deserves a seat at the table.

Learn more and register for WGLC 2025, taking place in Houston on October 28–29, at wglconference.com

Discover the mission of DFS Houston at dfshouston.org

In this episode, Petroleum Economist sister title Hydrocarbon Processing spoke with Nav Sharma, Director of Product Management, Cybersecurity, Honeywell, on safeguarding assets from cyber attacks. This includes behavioural analytics and deception technologies, and what a truly proactive cyber defense system looks like in OT environments to protect vital infrastructure

The energy transition is a false narrative that has caused vast sums of government money to be wasted warns Mark Mills, executive director of the National Center for Energy Analytics. The US energy thinktank leader talks to Paul Hickin, chief economist of Petroleum Economist, about how Jevons paradox is a pivotal energy paradigm and the crucial role of hydrocarbons in meeting electrification needs.

While oil demand is weakening and OPEC+ is bringing back barrels, a lack of non-OPEC supply—especially as US shale sputters—will likely see an oil market revival in 2026, says EnergyRogue.com’s Brian Pieri. Petroleum Economist’s chief economist, Paul Hickin, and Brian also explain why betting against OPEC is a fool’s errand.