The Human Side of Mega Projects

When people think of oil and gas mega-projects, the first images that come to mind are towering offshore jackets, sprawling modular yards, and the intricate web of piping systems. Steel, machinery, and engineering dominate the conversation. But in nearly two decades of delivering projects across the Middle East, Europe, and Africa, I’ve come to realize a simple truth: mega projects are not built by steel and concrete alone — they are built by people.

The True Foundation of Any Project

Behind every module fabricated, every offshore topside installed, and every piping system commissioned, there are hundreds — sometimes thousands — of individuals working together. Welders, engineers, crane operators, safety officers, inspectors, and managers each contribute a unique piece to the puzzle.

I’ve had the privilege of leading multidisciplinary teams across cultures — from fabrication yards in Indonesia to chemical plants in Spain and offshore projects in Qatar. What struck me time and again is that no matter how advanced our tools, processes, or methodologies become, the defining factor of success remains the human element.

Leadership in High-Risk Environments

Oil and gas projects are rarely simple. Offshore environments bring unpredictable weather, brownfield facilities require working alongside live operations, and shutdown tie-ins carry risks that demand surgical precision.

In one project, I was tasked with overseeing offshore brownfield modifications while production continued. The stakes were high — one misstep could jeopardize safety, production, and reputation. What carried us through was not just technical expertise but the trust and coordination of the team. Clear communication, respect across disciplines, and a culture of accountability ensured that everyone worked as one.

That experience reaffirmed my belief: leadership in construction is less about issuing instructions and more about building trust, empowering people, and creating alignment under pressure.

Culture and Communication: The Hidden Drivers of Success

Working across continents exposes you to the richness of human diversity. I’ve managed teams where ten nationalities worked side by side, each bringing different approaches to problem-solving. While technical standards like ASME or API codes provide universal guidance, cultural differences can make or break collaboration.

In Europe, precision and adherence to procedures often dominated. In the Middle East, adaptability and rapid decision-making were critical. In Africa, resourcefulness and resilience stood out. Recognizing and respecting these differences allowed me to tailor my leadership approach, ensuring every team felt valued and motivated.

The lesson? Engineering delivers structures. People deliver projects.

Beyond Productivity: Building a Safety Culture

Safety is often spoken of in numbers — “X million manhours without incidents.” But true safety culture goes deeper. It’s not just compliance; it’s conviction.

On one LNG modular project, I recall pausing operations because a worker reported an unusual vibration during lifting. Technically, the risk seemed minor, but his confidence in the system mattered. We investigated, and the issue turned out to be more serious than expected. That one voice, empowered to speak, prevented what could have been a costly — even dangerous — incident.

Moments like these reinforced for me that safety is not enforced from the top — it’s built into the mindset of every individual on site.

The Legacy of Human-Centered Leadership

As projects grow in size and complexity, it’s tempting to think success depends solely on advanced tools, methodologies, or project management certifications. And while these matter — ICAPS, OPERCOM, and other frameworks are vital — their true power is unleashed only when combined with people who believe in the mission.

For me, the legacy of a project is not just the steel left standing but the people who leave stronger, safer, and more skilled than when they arrived. That is how you measure true impact.

Looking Ahead