Episode 053: Reinventing Purpose: Energy Transition, Academic Rigor & the Freedom to Learn with Dr. Helen Croskell

Dr. Helen Croskell is a seasoned global energy executiveturned scholar-practitioner.  She is a 2024 graduate of the University of Rhode Island’s Doctor of BusinessAdministration program, recipient of the inaugural Dean’s Excellence Award. Her research bridges economics, policy, and sustainable development, focusing on innovative contract structures that support renewable energy in developingnations.With more than 30 years of global executive experienceacross companies such ExxonMobil, Amerada Hess, Marathon Oil, Equinor/Statoil, and Ecopetrol, Helen made a bold decision: to step away from a high-powered energy career and reinvent herself through academic rigor, intellectualcuriosity, and purposeful contribution to the global energy transition.Her doctoral research explores an innovative idea: applyingProduction Sharing Agreement (PSA) structures which is traditionally used in oil and gas to offshore wind projects in developing countries.The goal? To create economic models that allow developingnations to benefit more fully from renewable energy while accelerating a balanced energy transition.But this episode isn’t just about energy policy. It’s aboutreinvention! In This Episode, We Explore:Why pursue a DBA after 30+ years at the top of industry?The brutal first semester — and almost quitting Academic rigor vs. business speed Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs) and the energy transition What it would mean for a developing nation to choose offshore wind over oil and gas, not just environmentally, but economically Freedom after reinvention — from learning Spanish in Santiago to pursuing a private pilot’s license and skiinstructor certification, Helen shares how the DBA reignited her joy of learning and reshaped her post-career identity  Why This Episode MattersThis episode offers a powerful example of how DBA researchcan emerge directly from decades of lived executive experience and how scholarly rigor can strengthen, rather than distance itself from, real-world operational practice.For DBA students, practitioner-scholars, and senior leadersalike, Helen’s story illustrates what it truly means to reinvent with purpose: to embrace discomfort, bridge academia and industry, and use research not as theory for theory’s sake, but as a tool for meaningful economic and societal change.Connect with UsLinkedIn: DBA ChroniclesWebsite: www.dbachronicles.orgSubscribe & ReviewIf this episode resonated with you, please leave a review. Your support helps us continue sharing stories, insights, and inspiration from across the DBA community.