GAIN YOUR EDGE | RESEARCH PAPERS
Evidence for Better Decisions Under Pressure
Original research and evidence-informed analysis for boards, CEOs and senior executives navigating energy transformation, responsible AI, governance and high-consequence decisions.
FEATURED RESEARCH
Transformational Leadership and the Energy Transition
The Role of Oil and Gas Executives
Mike Etuhoko | Warwick Business School MBA Research | Energy Transformation Leadership
This research examines how transformational leadership, emotional intelligence and leadership adaptability influence organizational responses to the energy transition.
The study combines multifactor leadership survey, comparative analysis of Ørsted, TotalEnergies and Shell, content analysis and interviews with senior energy executives.
This dissertation was completed as part of the MBA programme at Warwick Business School, where Mike Etuhoko graduated with Distinction.
This MBA research provides part of the evidence base informing Protekz’s work in transformational leadership, executive judgment and energy transformation. Protekz’s current advisory frameworks and applications continue to evolve through executive practice, global engagement and continuing research.
Full dissertation access is available for legitimate academic, research and professional purposes, subject to applicable copyright and research-participant considerations.
Key Findings
Transformational leadership was the dominant leadership pattern observed.
Effective executives adapted their leadership approach as conditions changed.
Emotional intelligence supported leadership adaptability.
Participants viewed the energy transition as enterprise transformation rather than incremental change.
Why This Research Matters
Leadership
Transformation requires executives who can adapt as conditions change.
Governance
Boards must align long-term commitments with evolving technology, regulation and stakeholder expectations.
Execution
Strategic ambition must be supported by clear accountability and an organization capable of sustaining change.
The central question is not simply whether the organization has an energy-transition strategy. It is whether its leadership and decision architecture are capable of delivering it.
About the Researcher
Mike Etuhoko is Founder and Principal Advisor of Protekz Inc., a global energy executive, accredited board director, executive coach and 2025–26 SPE Distinguished Lecturer. He completed his MBA with Distinction at Warwick Business School and is currently pursuing doctoral research focused on Generative AI, executive judgment and board-level decision quality.
Thought Leadership
This research informs Gain Your Edge, my weekly reflection for boards and executives navigating high-consequence decisions.
Gain Your Edge | #30
Decision Quality Is a Leadership Discipline
Gain Your Edge | #34
When Alignment Becomes a Strategic Risk
Apply the Research
Is your board or executive team navigating a material energy, AI, capital or transformation decision?