Brayden Hudson
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Soon after Brayden Hudson started a new job as controller of his company in November, he was given a deadline to get a $100 million deal completed by the end of the year. The company had no debt in place and not enough equity to close the transaction, but Hudson set his financial wizardry in motion and got it done. He is the kind of guy willing to jump in and learning new. “Because of that and my work ethic,” he says, “I was given responsibilities in turbulent times within various organizations, which ultimately led to my promotion as CFO.”
What qualities do you think are necessary to be a good leader in the oil and gas industry?
This industry is transaction-based so it requires some long days and nights. Being able to anticipate tomorrow’s needs is a necessity. We are a relationship-based industry, so being friendly and helpful to everyone and not doing things to go behind people’s backs or hurt them is important.
What or whom do you credit for helping you develop leadership abilities during your career?
The relationships I have developed along the way. I’ve had senior leaders at each company I’ve been at who have been open and willing to help shape me. They have taught me a lot about the industry, how to treat people, and how to work hard.
How have you exercised leadership to help shape your company?
I aim to lead by example. I also give people the freedom to be who they are and what they are good at. I want everyone to work together, respect one another and feel the ability to speak up when needed. I do expect the team to work hard and put in the effort, but also get to relax and enjoy life when slower times happen.
Who is your mentor? What is the most valuable advice they have given you?
One of the two best pieces of advice came from a prior CFO I reported to. He always told me I couldn’t see the forest for the trees and taught me to step back and look at everything. He also told me to “play dumb,” asking lots of questions even if I may know the answer because multiple perspectives and more knowledge was always helpful.
What keeps you motivated and passionate about working in the oil and gas industry?
I still foresee the industry as pivotal for future energy inputs for the world. I enjoy the declining nature of the asset as it challenges us each and every day. I hope to see new technology and new ideas out there and how we can marry all this to a better future.
What do you think young industry members as a group have to offer that is unique to them?
Energy and new ideas. They aren’t set in their ways and can challenge the standards.
Which transformations do you think the industry must undertake for it to thrive in the future?
Technology is the biggest thing. We need to keep the best and brightest in the industry as well and not lose them to other “attractive” industries.
Take a look at the rest of the Forty Under 40 2024 winners.
