Oil and Gas executive James Kydd has been at the forefront of pipeline and processing plant construction for nearly all of his 20-plus-year career. Based in Calgary, Alberta in Western Canada, Kydd has played a pivotal role in managing the implementation of some of that region’s most important energy infrastructure, including the TransMountain Expansion Pipeline, the Coastal GasLink Pipeline, and the North Montney Mainline.
Known for his ability to manage large teams and lead complex projects, the various senior roles Kydd has occupied have involved not only overseeing the construction phases and establishing operational processes of these billion-dollar projects, but also negotiating with union representatives, collaborating with third-party contractors, and building strong relationships with landowners.
Q: As a 20-year veteran of the Canadian oil and gas sector, what’s been the most challenging part of your career in the oil and gas industry so far?
James Kydd: Apart from the technical problems I’ve encountered, I would say that establishing a trusting rapport with the stakeholders is the most challenging. We need the consent and approval of all stakeholders to move forward on any project. That includes contractors, community members, government officials, and union reps, among others. Building these relationships requires patience, transparency, and a willingness to listen, which I’ve found to be just as important as any sort of technical expertise. Successful projects, especially ones that are large in scope, are built on trust as much as they are on engineering.
Q: What’s been the most rewarding aspect?
James Kydd: The best part of the job is knowing that I played a small part in keeping the power running for millions of people. This keeps the heat on in the winter, the lights on in the darkness, keeps food from spoiling, keeps your shows streaming – the important, fundamental things that keep society going. When it comes to energy production in North America, oil and gas do the majority of the heavy lifting, and by executing my role efficiently, I’m an important part of that process. Whenever my job gets tough or stressful, I reflect on that responsibility.
Q: Can you give us a little more detail about your approach to building relationships with community members, landowners, and all the other concerned parties before beginning work on new energy projects?
James Kydd: I can tell you that each situation, each interaction is different, and requires highly developed people skills. So, before I meet with a stakeholder or a group of them, no matter from which profession or walk of life, I do my research. I find out as much as I can about them, their companies, and their interests. That’s helpful, but it’s maybe fifteen percent of the work. Most of my approach depends on what’s happening in the room. I’m talking about stuff like tone of voice, word choice, and body language. You can read a lot about people by observing these things, and I base a lot of my strategy on how to proceed on these cues. But ultimately, it’s about finding common ground and showing that you’re willing to listen and work together to address their concerns.
Q: What qualities do you look for when building and leading a successful team on a major project, such as a pipeline or a processing facility?
James Kydd: I look for people who are adaptable and willing to work together toward a shared goal. In my line of work, a successful team needs technical experts, sure, but it also needs people who respect each other’s skills and communicate effectively. I look for all these qualities. I also value a strong work ethic and the ability to stay calm and focused under pressure.
Q: What insights can you share about the future of the energy industry, specifically as it relates to Western Canada?
James Kydd: The energy industry in Western Canada is going to continue evolving, as it has for the past century and a half. As technology improves, I’m sure that there will be a greater emphasis on sustainability and reducing the impact on the environment. No doubt scientists will develop cleaner methods for surveying, extraction, refining, and transportation—that’s inevitable and it’s happening as we speak. For some time, though, there’s been a lot of talk about renewable energy taking up a big swathe of the market share currently occupied by oil and gas, but I don’t think that’s realistic until at least the 2050s, if then. Oil and gas will remain critical for meeting energy demands for the foreseeable future. The key will be balancing innovation with practical solutions that keep energy affordable and reliable for everyone.
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