Adam Esparza
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Adam Esparza was on the road to a hands-on career as a chiropractor when he took a detour to the oil patch. At the urging of his future brother-in-law, he landed a summer job prior to deciding to pursue a degree in petroleum engineering at Marietta College. That summer as a roustabout (a hands-on career), laboring alongside pumpers and field workers, and developing a passion for the energy industry made all the difference. “It was a rewarding and pivotal moment, forever altering my career trajectory,” he says. Esparza, now working in corporate development at the newly formed Expand Energy, previously headed the corporate development team at Southwestern Energy that handled the $24 billion merger with Chesapeake Energy. In that role, he provided crucial day-to-day leadership and strategic insights to both senior management and the board of directors, ensuring a smooth and successful process.
What qualities do you think are necessary to be a good leader in the oil and gas industry?
A strong leader is a blend of vision, communication, and character. They can paint a compelling future, inspiring others to follow and then guide them strategically to achieve it. Effective communication, both clear and empathetic, is instrumental in building trust and fostering collaboration within the team. Most importantly, a leader’s integrity serves as the foundation for everything else. By consistently demonstrating honesty and ethical behavior, they earn the respect and trust that empowers a team to thrive.
What keeps you motivated and passionate about working in the oil and gas industry?
The constant change in our industry and the evolution of how big a part the U.S. oil & gas sector is impacting globally. People in the world need clean and affordable energy and it keeps me excited to be a part of that journey.
How have you exercised leadership to help shape your company?
Leadership for me at Southwestern (now Expand Energy) has been focused around staying connected to the people I work with day in and day out. Connecting with teams and understanding what drives them while also providing a sounding board and voice for them is important to growing a team-first oriented culture.
What professional and/or personal advice would you give other young professionals in the industry?
Go beyond your role—actively seek out new challenges and connect professionally and personally with colleagues across your organizations. Immerse yourself in company cultures and understand the bigger picture. Finally, expand your network by engaging with industry peers to stay informed and build strong relationships for the future.
What do you think young industry members (those under 40) as a group have to offer that is unique to them?
I think everyone in our industry offers something different and that is what it takes to create a truly innovative and resilient sector. For those under 40, I think the creativeness and willingness to utilize new technology and processes has been incredible. Whether it is AI or other tech, they seem to be embracing change and truly push new ideas.
Take a look at the rest of the Forty Under 40 2024 winners.
