How to Lead Through Global Crisis! Why I Left BP to Build My Own Firm with Emily Watt

In this episode of The Energy Executive 360 Podcast, we sit down with Emily Watt, former BP executive and now founder of Pontiva Advisory, to explore what it really takes to step away from a high-powered corporate career and build something from the ground up.After nearly two decades in leadership roles — including heading trading and shipping across Europe and Africa at BP — Emily shares the defining moments that shaped her career, from moving out of finance in search of purpose to leading through disruption in global energy markets.She breaks down the realities of leadership at the highest level: how decisions are made under pressure, why delegation is critical as you scale, and the importance of knowing your strengths — without trying to be someone else.Emily also opens up about her biggest leap yet: founding Pontiva Advisory — a company built to help energy businesses navigate complexity, enter new markets, and unlock growth by rolling up their sleeves and working side by side with clients.⬛ What it really means to go from BP executive to founder⬛ Why leadership is about knowing your strengths — and delegating effectively⬛ How decisions are made in high-pressure environments⬛ Why many professionals don’t bring their full selves to work⬛ The mindset shift from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship⬛ Why today’s energy sector needs both expertise and creativity⬛ How to build meaningful relationships and stand out to mentors⬛ The key frameworks for managing crisis in global energy markets⬛ Why Africa is one of the biggest opportunities in energy today⬛ The importance of integrated energy systems and flexible solutions⬛ How to navigate risk, uncertainty, and complex decision-makingFollow Emily Watt & Pontiva AdvisoryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-ehrgood-watt-20608bb9/The Energy Executive 360 with Emilio FaulmataFollow Emilio on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/EmilioFaulmataTEE360 Studio: https://www.emiliofaulmata.com► TEE360 Future Energy Leaders Network: https://www.skool.com/tee360-global-energy-network-7260/aboutWe’ve recently launched the TEE360 Future Energy Leaders Network — a global community designed for ambitious young professionals, entrepreneurs, and students in energy who want to level up their careers.Get access to the right connections, build relationships across the global energy industry, and learn directly from executives and CEOs shaping the future of the sector.If you’re serious about becoming an energy leader, join us today:https://www.skool.com/tee360-global-energy-network-7260/about#corporatetofounder #founderstory #bp #pontivaadvisory #energyleadership #entrepreneurship #energytransition #energymarkets #africaenergy #emergingmarkets #leadership #businessleadership #careergrowth #decisionmaking #futureofenergy