Mike Davidson

In this episode of Beyond the Blend, Steve sits down with Mike Davidson to explore a career shaped by international experience, strong influences, and a thoughtful approach to leadership. From growing up across the Middle East to returning to the UK as a teenager, Mike’s early life gave him a broader view of people, culture and work. That perspective, combined with the influence of his father’s engineering career, helped shape his own path into the industrial world. Starting out in software before quickly realising it wasn’t the right fit, Mike moved into engineering-led environments across pumps, fluid technology and valves, before arriving in speciality lubricants with Klüber. Along the way, he built a leadership style rooted in support, accountability and using data in the right way. A big theme in this conversation is Mike’s view on data and performance. Rather than using numbers to pressure people, he sees data as a way to understand trends, identify roadblocks and help teams improve. It’s a refreshing take on leadership in a world that often becomes too focused on dashboards and not focused enough on people. We also talk about international working, cultural adaptability, sales process, service expertise, and how the lubricant industry is evolving through technology, regulation and changing expectations. If you’re building a career, leading a team, or trying to balance process with people in a technical business, this episode is well worth your time.If this episode resonates, take a look at: Selling Lubricants Smarter – A Lubricant Seller’s Journey from Crisis to Successhttps://sellinglubricantssmarter.com/