The Humber’s energy sector is a hotbed of young talent, reflecting the commitment of Humber Energy Board (HEB) members to building a pipeline of ambition and skills into the future.
Several rising stars from Humber Energy Board member organisations have been recognised among the region’s outstanding young professionals in the Hull & Humber Top 30 Under 30 awards.
They are now taking part in a year-long Leadership Excellence Acceleration Programme (LEAP). The programme is designed to equip winners with the skills and confidence to become effective leaders, while also giving businesses the opportunity to invest in and nurture their future talent.
The Top 30 Under 30 winners from HEB members are:
Jessica Pidgeon, Process Engineer, VPI
Jessica balances a successful engineering career with her passion for competitive rowing.
Speaking about her ambitions outside of work, Jessica said: “I’ve always played sport throughout my childhood, and now I’m the women’s captain at York City Rowing Club. This year, I am really looking forward, outside of work, to getting into the Welsh rowing team. I have been trying for the past couple of years, and this year I feel like there has been a bit of a step up in my performance. So, I am excited about that.”
Jessica believes her colleagues would describe her as approachable and personable, “I really enjoy that personal connection and getting to know lots of different people,” she said.
Reflecting on receiving the award, Jessica said: “It was really exciting to find out, you don’t expect to win, you know there are a lot of other really excellent young people in this area.”
On what she hopes to gain from the programme, Jessica said: “I think it’s a really good opportunity to get to know myself better so that I can then learn some new tools to help me perform better at work, so I am really excited by that opportunity.”
Dainora Olechnovic, Quality Control Chemist, Phillips 66
Dainora has been recognised for her talent and dedication.
Speaking about the programme, Dainora said: “The whole point, from my understanding, is to grow the new generation of leaders. To try to encourage them to pursue higher positions in their career. Not just be a manager, but to lead other people.”
Dainora also reflected on the personal growth she hopes to achieve through the experience.
“I feel like I hate putting myself out of my comfort zone, but I know afterwards I gain so many skills. I am looking forward to getting over my fears and starting to get comfortable in things that I before wasn’t.”
Jack Drewry, Production Lead, Siemens Gamesa
Jack says he feels proud to receive the Top 30 Under 30 recognition after nine years with Siemens Gamesa.
Jack, whose personal hobbies include rugby and football, said: “My colleagues would say that I’m an outgoing person, someone you can rely on and have a chat to about anything really”
Reflecting on how he found out about his recognition, Jack said: “I got a message from my boss who basically said, ‘When you get up, can you give me a text?’. I gave him a phone call thinking ‘what’s this’, and he turned around and said ‘You’ve won a place on the top 30 under 30 in Hull’. I was really happy to be fair, I felt proud.
“I’ve been at Siemens for nine years. I have slowly but surely worked my way up, so it felt good to have this recognition. I’ve put the effort in, and the company are still putting effort back in towards me, as well through reward and recognition.”
You can see the full Hull & Humber Top 30 Under 30 list here: www.top30under30.co.uk/our-impact/this-years-winners/#hull