MEL #057 | From Corporate Research to Energy Innovation Leadership Through Earning Trust with Dr. John Farrell

In this episode, I speak with Dr. John Farrell, Associate Laboratory Director for the National Laboratory of the Rockies Mechanical and Thermal Engineering Sciences Directorate.John’s path into chemistry was anything but linear. A high school friend and an inspiring freshman professor opened his eyes to science, eventually leading him to earn a PhD in physical chemistry. After 15 years in corporate R&D at ExxonMobil, he transitioned to national lab leadership, where he now oversees hundreds of researchers across diverse energy technologies.In our leadership segment, John talks about one of his first major leadership roles, which involved building a brand-new research group from scratch. He had to earn the trust of senior scientists who did not automatically respect his formal authority. Through humility, delegation, hiring strategically, and learning to communicate through story, he developed both the culture and credibility needed to move the work forward.John’s advice for aspiring engineering leaders?  Seek mentors, pursue feedback intentionally, and guard your time fiercely. Leadership is fundamentally about people, not just technical excellence. Start with core leadership tools, practice them daily, and grow your skills steadily over time.Explore the full episode summary, including guest bio, key takeaways, transcript, and recommended resources in the shownotes at www.drangeliqueadams.com/podcast