Published by: Hart Energy and Oil & Gas Investor
Claire Harvey’s life started in the energy industry. She watched her parents launch their own companies and knew that building a business was something she also aspired to do.
“I wanted to write a business plan, raise capital, build a team and build a business,” she said.
Harvey earned a finance degree and an MBA. But much of her career education came from on the job from mentors.
Her father, Mike Harvey of Stonegate Production and other companies, was her first teacher. He and Joe Foster, founder of Newfield Exploration, taught her the importance of dedication and discipline, as well as managing expectations.
“Not every single decision and outcome will go your way,” she said. “You must play the long game to be successful.”
Part of the challenge of occupying the top spot at an energy company is navigating the sometimes choppy waters of market forces. Harvey has made the notorious cycles of the oil and gas business work for her companies’ bottom lines.
“I have always known this industry was scrappy, but I have been pleasantly surprised at just how often we have been able to do more with less,” she said.
Part of the innovation the industry is known for comes in the form of finding ways to stretch a dollar.
“We continue to push the envelope of productivity in wells,” she said. “Just when you think we will reach the point of diminishing returns, we figure out something better to do to produce more for less money.”
Harvey has come to expect the unexpected in her career, which keeps her on her toes and energized for the next exciting turn.
“I loved that there was always another challenge to face, whether it be technological, operational, financial,” she said. “The industry has constantly pushed to do more with less, and I love that it brings out an entrepreneurial spirit.”
One of the most pivotal times in her career came during the time of COVID-19.
“I had just been sponsored by Blackstone and the world changed overnight,” she said. “Blackstone halted investments in upstream oil and gas and I had a team to support while we raised new capital.”
Harvey endured the period by keeping her team unified. She learned the important lesson of teamwork at Texas A&M after losing the starting position on the women’s volleyball team.
“I learned that my success means very little,” she said. “My team’s success means everything. My job is to push each individual on my team so that we can collectively achieve our goals.”
That team spirit approach has influenced her leadership style.
“I truly believe that people who enjoy working together will perform for themselves and for each other,” she said. “We have lunches together. We tell a joke at the beginning of every team meeting. We promote an atmosphere of camaraderie.”
Accountability is important: Harvey said she makes it a point to do what she says she will do. She also creates ambitious goals for herself and her team, then helps them as they strive to achieve them together.
“I will work tirelessly alongside my teammates to achieve those goals and will experience the bumps in the road alongside them,” she said.
Harvey’s career success took time. She tells young professionals to be patient as they grow their careers.
“A career is a long time. It is so important to get the right tools and experiences,” she said. “If you are patient and get those experiences, great things will happen. You just have to be patient without leapfrogging too quickly.”
