Ana Amicarella

Ana Amicarella is relentless.

“When I was 29 years old, I reached a big milestone in achieving my first executive job with GE,” she said. “This accomplishment was fueled by relentless determination and commitment to self-improvement.”

It’s an essential attribute to be an All-American synchronized swimmer at Ohio State and Olympic athlete who represented her native country of Venezuela. And it definitely comes in handy for a CEO implementing a cultural transformation of her company.

Amicarella credits her mother.

“My mentor and source of invaluable advice has been my mother,” she said. “Her guidance centers around having relentless and high expectations for oneself. The best advice she gave me is to be driven not by competition with others, but by a commitment to bettering yourself every day. This has become the guiding principle of my approach to my career, pushing me to strive for continuous improvement, setting ambitious goals and maintaining focus on personal growth and excellence.”

That said, Amicarella has turned to numerous mentors and teammates in the industry for guidance, opportunities and a network that empowered her to reach the executive level.

“It really reinforces for me the importance of not only building a strong support system and quality network, but also maintaining and nurturing these relationships through the years,” she said.

Amicarella was drawn to oil and gas by what she termed the profound connection between macroeconomics and the pivotal role energy plays in shaping global dynamics.

“The ability to influence and contribute to macroeconomic trends, coupled with the crucial role of oil and gas in shaping the world’s energy landscape, inspires me daily,” she said. “Being part of an industry that not only drives economic growth but also plays a pivotal role in addressing global energy challenges fuels my passion to lead and innovate in this dynamic sector.”

That passion led to one of the most memorable projects in her career: the cultural transformation initiative for the EthosEnergy, a joint venture between Wood Group and Siemens.

“This transformation went beyond organizational changes,” Amicarella said. “Our simplified OneEthos plan focuses on core strengths, eliminating unprofitable activities, embracing cultural principles and maintaining an unwavering commitment to quality and consistency for our customers.” 

The positive impact of the collaboration and productivity shift resulting from the program has been immensely gratifying, she said. “It’s more than a project; it’s a journey of fostering a unified ethos within the organization, enhancing teamwork and ultimately driving the business toward greater success.”

It’s also a manifestation of how Amicarella describes her leadership style: inclusive and engaging.

“I firmly believe in the power of teamwork and fostering a culture where diverse voices are not only heard but valued,” she said. “My leadership approach is rooted in transparency, open communication and a commitment to empowering individuals within the organization to contribute their unique perspectives and talents.”

That commitment to empowering individuals extends beyond her company to her advice to young professionals, especially women, in the energy industry.

“As professionals, recognize that you are where you are because you have earned it,” she said. “You have earned a seat at the table; leverage it. Make your voice heard, contribute boldly and be unapologetically yourself. Embrace your unique perspectives and insights. Diversity of thought is a catalyst for innovation, so don’t shy away from challenges. Instead, see them as opportunities to showcase your expertise.”

Her advice for the industry as a whole is to focus on adapting to change.

“Personally, I believe leaders should lead by example in embracing transformation,” Amicarella said. “Educating yourself is crucial, and I have made it a priority to stay informed about emerging technologies, industry trends and sustainable practices. By enhancing my understanding, I can effectively educate others, fostering a collective mindset that supports the industry’s growth. It’s not just about keeping pace … it’s about leading the charge toward a sustainable and innovative future for the energy sector.”

Check out the rest of Hart Energy's 2024 Women in Energy here.