Guy's Story
Working in the Energy Sector
I began my career in the energy sector in the mid-1990s after becoming a Chartered Accountant. In 1998, I joined a major international energy company, embarking on a 25-year journey spanning multiple continents. My decision was career-driven rather than passion-driven. The energy sector presented complex professional challenges and attractive remuneration, though at that time, I underestimated the climate risks associated with fossil fuels. Like many, I accepted that our role was to supply energy to meet societal demand, without questioning the nature of that demand.
Over my tenure, I progressed through finance leadership roles, culminating as deputy-CFO for a division spanning conventional and renewable energy. I held senior roles across several countries and also undertook responsibilities including ethics and corporate affairs. My work included managing large-scale financial integrations and systems implementations. Mentors who valued rigour and integrity deeply influenced me, and working within a multinational gave me broad commercial and organisational insight.
Although rewarding professionally, tensions arose as climate science and awareness grew. I rationalized involvement by framing our work as supplying energy rather than fossil fuels, focusing on consumption patterns rather than production. This allowed me to maintain a sense of moral neutrality even as I engaged with renewable energy projects on the sector’s periphery.
Realising It Was Time to Transition
I gradually recognised that fossil fuel production conflicted with my values. Despite career momentum and financial security, I experienced growing cognitive dissonance. Moving towards renewable and downstream energy roles helped manage this discomfort but did not fully resolve it. I became aware of the gap between corporate commitments on net-zero and the persistence of fossil fuel business models.
Continuing in the sector was thereafter unsustainable for me personally. Leaving in 2022 meant facing challenges to my identity, financial security, and future direction. The transition was difficult but supported by coaching, financial preparation, and peer support. Joining a voluntary carbon offset developer marked a significant reorientation from fossil fuel finance to climate mitigation, aligning purposefully with my values.
What are you doing today?
I now work as a fractional CFO, board advisor, and climate coach, advising organisations focused on renewable energy and climate infrastructure on financial strategy and governance. My coaching supports individuals and organisations navigating professional and psychological aspects of climate transition, combining systemic thinking and personal agency.
Many skills transfer fully, including financial strategy, mergers and acquisitions, international leadership, and communicating complex issues. The greater challenge has been unlearning industry narratives and separating loyalty from honest assessment. Climate work demands authentic alignment of values and professional life, often confronting uncomfortable truths.
Choosing climate solutions brings responsibility and agency despite some trade-offs. This shift has brought ethical coherence, increased freedom, and a supportive community. Though the journey continues, I embrace the new direction wholeheartedly.
Reflections and Advice
My fossil fuel career was foundational; it equipped me with skills and networks that support my current work. By the 2010s, as I started to understand the climate risks more and more, the cognitive dissonance took its toll. I now firmly believe that financial security alone is insufficient for well-being; genuine alignment arises from values and collective action, not distant corporate strategies.
For others in fossil fuels feeling dissonance: you are not alone. The industry encourages compartmentalisation, but this is unsustainable. Acknowledge tensions honestly, seek supportive communities, build financial buffers, and focus on moving toward meaningful, impactful work rather than simply leaving something behind.
The fossil fuel sector shaped my career, yet the imperative to transition is personal and societal. Every choice to support climate solutions shifts what is possible. We are not passive actors but creators of alternatives. Transformation may be delayed, but it is always within reach. This message of hope and responsibility I offer forward.