Gayle Meikle Founder & CEO, Frontier Energy Network

Thriving in a Traditionally Male-Dominated Industry

As a female Founder, CEO and entrepreneur in the oil and gas industry, I am conscious that I occupy a space where women are still relatively rare. It is a responsibility I carry with pride, but also with a strong awareness of the broader journey many women in this sector have taken to reach leadership roles. 

Whatever the path you have taken or are taking and whatever your specialism, nationality or background; respect and resilience is what translates into real power and leadership and it is this unique combination that women bring that ultimately makes the industry more successful. 

When I think back to the early days of my career, attending oil and gas conferences alongside my uncle, Duncan Clarke, women were not particularly visible in the industry. The corridors were filled with seasoned veterans discussing acreage, seismic surveys and fiscal terms. It was an intellectually fascinating world to step into, but one that was undeniably male-dominated.

Yet even then, I found the industry to be curious, pragmatic and, in many cases, welcoming to those who were willing to engage seriously with the issues. Over time that culture of pragmatism has allowed the sector to evolve. Today the picture is changing and women are increasingly visible across exploration teams, advisory firms, regulators, national oil companies, investment institutions and global leadership positions.

The Women Shaping the Industry

Many women in the industry have been deeply inspiring to me. Leaders such as Sophie Zurquiyah , Meg O'Neill, Cany Jobe (M.Eng, MIPM), Valerie Marcel, Fatoumata SANOGO and Proscovia Nabbanja represent a breadth of expertise and perspective that strengthens the industry as a whole. What stands out about many of these women is not only their professional capability but the generosity with which they support others entering the sector. Mentorship, collaboration and a willingness to lift others up are powerful forces for change. The presence of strong women in leadership roles is helping to create a more balanced and thoughtful industry, one that recognises the value of diverse perspectives in tackling complex global challenges.

The Reality of the Journey

The reality, however, is that the journey for women in the energy industry has not always been straightforward. Building credibility in a sector that has historically been dominated by men requires resilience and confidence. It also requires a willingness to step forward, sometimes before the path is fully clear.

What I have learned over time is that meaningful progress often challenges expectations. When individuals - women or men - push boundaries, build new platforms or bring fresh perspectives into established industries, it can prompt strong reactions. Yet that is often how industries move forward. Constructive tension and new ideas are part of the process of evolution.

Leadership Beyond Gender or Nationality

The upstream sector operates at the intersection of geopolitics, capital allocation, technology and national development. Decisions made in this industry affect economies, communities and energy systems across the world.

In that environment, leadership is not defined by gender, nationality or background, but by competence, credibility and the ability to bring people together to solve complex challenges. The industry ultimately respects those who come prepared, who understand the issues and who contribute meaningfully to the conversation.

Convening the Global Upstream Community

Over the past two decades I have had the privilege of building Frontier and convening leaders from across the global upstream sector through platforms such as the Africa Energies Summit, the World Energies Summit and the Global Upstream Leaders Forums worldwide. These gatherings bring together governments, investors, operators and service companies to exchange ideas and unlock opportunities.

One of the most encouraging developments I have observed through this work is the growing presence of women shaping strategic conversations in the industry. Women are increasingly influencing decisions around exploration, investment, licensing and energy policy. Their contributions are not simply symbolic - they bring valuable perspectives that strengthen decision-making and collaboration.

Within the Frontier team I see this every day. The women in our organisation bring exceptional professionalism, insight and determination to the work we do. Across the wider network we convene, women are contributing to discussions on everything from frontier basin exploration to energy transition strategies.

Mutual Respect and Collaboration: The Foundation of Progress

Ultimately, the future of the energy industry will depend on our ability to work together with mutual respect and shared purpose. The most effective leadership I have seen - from both women and men - is grounded in collaboration, openness and the recognition that progress comes from combining different perspectives.

The upstream sector faces enormous challenges and opportunities in the years ahead. Meeting them will require strong leadership, intellectual diversity and a commitment to constructive dialogue. Encouraging more women to enter and lead in this industry is therefore not simply a question of representation. It is about strengthening the sector itself.

Energy has always been a global endeavour, shaped by cooperation across borders, cultures and disciplines. The more inclusive and collaborative our leadership becomes, the stronger and more resilient the industry will be.

Thank you to all the women and men who have held me up, supported and guided me in this journey. I am looking forward to what the next decade will bring, but most of all the friendships and collaborations that will come along the way. 

KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: Frontier

Africa Energies Summit® | Africa’s Premier Global Upstream Conference | 11th - 14th May 2026