PEOPLE IN ENERGY - RUTH CAMERON

RUTH CAMERON - Director, Energy Resourcing

Ruth has led the Energy Resourcings UK operations for around two years, since the consolidation of Primat Recruitment and Energy Resourcing in 2021. Ruth’s career started over sixteen years ago in the people function within the Aberdeen business, supporting project teams across the business’s portfolio in O&M, Engineering, Construction, holding positions in Global Mobility, People Operations, Recruitment and Contract Management.

How did you get into the Energy sector and how long have you been working in it?

I have been working in the energy sector since I started my career after completing university in 2006. I grew up in Aberdeenshire and I am very familiar with the sector, with family members having careers in Oil & Gas as it was when I started out. A lot of the employers at the time were energy companies and so I naturally fell into the industry that’s thrived in this area for many years.

What does your job involve on an average day?

Problem solving! It’s probably the largest aspect of my role, helping my team, clients and contractors with their resource challenges and trying to find solutions for them. Our business is growing and so another large part of what I do day to day is making sure the team have everything they need to be successful.

What are main barriers to international growth for ambitious companies and what advice do you have for them?

I think understanding the market you’re trying to get into, whether that’s a geography or a sector, is really important. Each come with nuances that can trip you up if you don’t dig into the details of how things currently work and in particular when you’re dealing with people, employment law and tax. I feel like we can always do more due diligence before we jump into things, sometimes that’s just the nature of our work, but also its important to step back and take a considered view before you make the leap.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Being able to lead the teams I have over the years is always the highlight of my career – the most challenging also! People are so dynamic and individual, but watching individuals and teams grow, develop and succeed is immensely rewarding.

What ambitions have you still got to fulfil professionally in your career?

The only ambition I really have is to continue to grow a successful business, I am lucky enough to be able to reflect on my career path over the last 16 years and think, maybe its time to slow the pace down! Maybe that’s wishful thinking.

Who has been the most influential person in your life professionally?

I have had some quite influential leaders in my career, those I worked directly for, and those from other parts of the business. All have played an important part in my professional career and when you spend as much time as you do with your work colleagues those relationships become deep and long lasting. I have seen great resilience and strength in these people, but also a real element of caring. Caring about the people we work with and the teams we support.

Over the next 10 years, what changes would you like to see in the energy sector with respect to D&I?

Its key to understand the split of Diversity and Inclusion, being the what and the how. There has been a lot of focus on creating workforces of a more diverse nature however, we don’t always give people the tools they need to thrive in that environment when they get there.

So, a focus on inclusivity, inviting them to the party yes, but making sure that their contributions and voices are really heard. This will enable a more diverse pipeline of talent to grow within our organisations.

Within the next 10 years, seeing greater representation of female CEOs in the FTSE 100 would be one great example of D&I succeeding and provide some great role models for our future female talent. Currently there are only 9.

Given the experience you have now, what advice would you give a graduate just starting his career in the Energy sector?

Try every opportunity offered to you and give it your all, but don’t work yourself into the ground. As much as I hugely value my career, my family, friends and my own health, come first.

If you were inviting guests to a dinner party, which 3 people would you invite and why?

Dalai Llama – I would love to hear his words of wisdom and learn more about his way of living, he has a very gentle nature and kind spirit.

Whitney Houston – I love Whitney Houston and whilst she had many tragic elements to her life she was a great entertainer with an amazing voice and I am sure she would have many stories to tell.

Billy Connolly – I find him hilarious and love to watch his early and later year programmes. He is a great advocate for Scotland and knows much about its history, I find him very insightful.