TOP 100 MAGAZINE

Bill Langin​

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In the ever-evolving landscape of the energy industry, few leaders have left as profound an impact as Bill Langin. With two decades of innovation under his belt, Bill has become a formidable force, steering Shell's Deepwater Exploration business unit with a dynamic approach that promises to fuel the world well into the 2030s. His forward-thinking strategies and transformative initiatives have positioned him as a pivotal figure in modern energy solutions.

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Bill's tenure at Shell is marked by his unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in energy exploration and production. Leading teams to explore some of the most geologically challenging terrains on Earth, he has spearheaded a revolution in subsurface imaging. By leveraging key internal capabilities and forging strategic partnerships, Bill has orchestrated a remarkable change in imaging technology, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of data interpretation. These advancements are a testament to his ability to marry cutting-edge technology with industry expertise, resulting in a more strategic and successful approach to exploration.

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One of Bill's most significant contributions is his teams’ pioneering work in new data acquisition designs, as well as processing and analyses methods, which are ultimately enabled by a transition to cloud-based computing. This shift has dramatically reduced the time from data acquisition to practical application, allowing for faster and more accurate decisions in project planning. By embracing a data science-driven approach to opportunity evaluation, Bill has ushered in a new era of image accuracy, setting a benchmark for the entire industry.

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Bill's influence extends far beyond technological advancements. His leadership style is purpose-driven, empowering employees to excel and deliver exceptional results. Under his guidance, teams have achieved remarkable accomplishments, including a more than threefold reduction in safety incidents while he was general manager of Upstream in Queensland, Australia. This feat was made possible through a combination of values-driven leadership, frontline empowerment, and strategic use of technology—a testament to Bill's holistic approach to leadership. Bill's efforts were instrumental in securing the stability of natural gas supply to the Queensland Curtis LNG Plant, a major source of liquefied natural gas for Asia, and were a key contributor to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by lessening reliance on coal.

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Bill’s global impact is further evidenced by his work with Petroleum Development Oman, where he played a crucial role in transforming and sustaining exploration performance, which is vitally important to the future economic prosperity of Oman.

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Bill’s academic background, with a BA in geology from Princeton and a PhD in geophysics from Cornell, coupled with a certificate in science in public policy from Princeton, has provided a strong foundation for his impactful career.

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We were excited to engage Bill in a Q&A session and Bill did not disappoint.

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Bill, you have a very interesting backstory. You were raised in a legacy coal mining region and grew up to become a leader in the energy space, leading major oil and gas projects around the globe. Will you tell us about this journey?

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Growing up in Northern Pennsylvania, I witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by communities when industries leave. The loss of good jobs had a profound impact on families. Initially, while pursuing my PhD, I thought I would go into research and teaching. However, I was inspired by friends who joined Shell and spoke about Shell’s dedication to cutting-edge data and technology. They highlighted how their work addressed real-world issues like energy security, which appealed to me more than theoretical studies. I realized that by applying my knowledge in a practical way, I could make a tangible impact.

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Some of my most rewarding experiences have been working directly with communities. From 2010 to 2013, I had the opportunity to return to Pennsylvania and work in Shell's Appalachia asset. The development of the Marcellus Shale revitalized the state, transforming it from a period of continuous deficits to becoming one of the country's leading economies. This attracted industries such as technology, medicine, and others. The agriculture sector also benefitted from the gas royalties; farmers paid off mortgages, modernized equipment, and became more competitive. Being part of a business that uplifts communities, provides jobs, and enhances quality of life is incredibly fulfilling for me. I am passionate about continuing this work and exploring how the energy industry can further transform communities by upskilling people and creating job opportunities.

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You’ve had an extraordinary career thus far, Bill. To what do you attribute your success?

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I attribute my success to a combination of factors. First, having a strong technical foundation while ensuring our work aligns with both business and societal drivers has been crucial. This balance allowed me to deliver technically while understanding the broader business and social context. My team often jokes that I return from vacations with new ideas for simplification and innovation, always asking why we can't try something new!

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Additionally, I've always valued the perspectives of others, particularly those with diverse views. My first major leadership opportunity came from a female general manager who believed in me. When she offered me a chance to compete for a “chief of staff role”, I was hesitant, anchored in my technical expertise. My wife encouraged me to pursue it, saying, “You want that job. Go sit outside Linda’s office until you get the interview and don't come home until you've done that.” I realized that confidence often comes from others' belief in you. This moment was transformative for my career and life, teaching me to embrace new challenges and opportunities.

 

 

Website: http://linkedin.com/in/williamlangin  

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/williamlangin