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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
This research examines how transformational leadership, emotional intelligence and leadership adaptability influence organizational responses to the energy transition.
The study combines an MLQ5X 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.
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.
Apply the Research
Is your board or executive team navigating a material energy, AI, capital or transformation decision?