This episode covers oil and gas leadership development, landman career progression, and field-to-executive transitions, all explored by Dudley Land’s leadership team. The candid conversation digs into the personal side of stepping off projects into management, as executives who started as field landmen discuss identity shifts, new communication demands, and the real obstacles in letting go of daily operations.

Brent Broussard, Brandon Ward, and Steve Carr break down the difference between “putting out fires” in project management and steering strategy that lasts years, not days. We reveal hard lessons from moving to executive roles: trusting new managers, promoting next-gen leaders, and finding meaningful ways to communicate company direction all the way down to the field and office teams.

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Specific takeaways include:

– How to navigate the mindset shift required for successful landman-to-executive transitions

– Pitfalls and strategies in delegating, communication, and talent development

– Ways to “build your bench” and foster buy-in across remote, multi-basin teams

– Practitioner tips for mentoring new land professionals to handle both technical and leadership challenges

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For senior landmen, regional managers, or any energy professional eyeing advanced roles (or helping others make the leap), this is an honest, practical guide—not just to moving up, but to building a resilient organization.

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