In The Spotlight

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Terry Charleton

In The Spotlight

What career advice would you give your younger self?

It would be to plan a bit more, try and think ahead about what you really want to do. We didn’t get much career advice at School or University and the standard advice was do what your parents did, medicine, work for the bank, civil service or go into “science”. I would really like to have gone into something more creative but I’m pretty sure these would have been deemed a waste of time.

What do you think are the benefits of being a member of SPE?

The SPE is a fantastic organisation. Not only do you get great technical information you get to network with like-minded individuals. Travelling around the world and hooking up with local SPE chapters in each location I visit has been such a positive experience. The opportunities to volunteer within the SPE is also rewarding and worthwhile.

Best achievement so far?

For me its comments from folks who have worked for me over the years. I’ve always enjoyed mentoring folks and getting feedback on this fills me with pride and gives me hope for the next generation!

What did you want to be when you were younger?

Something in music! I played in a band when I was a School and DJ’ed at various events in my local area. I was not super talented but I did and still have a passion for music.

What are the main career stepping stones you have taken?

For a young lad from the West of Northern Ireland the oil business was some sort of exotic industry half a world away. So taking a leap and taking the train to Aberdeen to find a geology job felt like a huge step at the time. Moving from operations into Business Development/sales at Expro was something that I wasn’t really sure about but has since given me so many positive opportunities since.

Anything you would do differently?

I’m not sure I would change much. If I hadn’t come to Aberdeen I wouldn’t have ended up with the fantastic family I have now. If I had stayed in Ireland I might have moved into mining geology, who knows.

Who has been your greatest influence?

Sounds corny but my Mum. She is an amazing woman who has always been such a busy person and would do anything to help others. I’ve tried to emulate these traits but even though she is 90 I still can’t match her energy. I was so proud when she got her MBE in 2000 for services to the Red Cross.

What is the best way to motivate others?

Communication and honesty I find work well. Show an interest in what they are doing and try to be positive at all times.

What’s your dream job?

Radio DJ, playing music and chat all day, perfect.

What’s your idea of perfect retirement?

I have no idea, I like being busy with stuff on the go so not sure what retirement would look like.

Your favourite stress-buster?

Gaming – the sign of a wasted youth ☺

Where is your favourite place to go on holiday?

Has to be Northern Ireland, just so many beautiful places to visit and the people are great. Only drawback is the weather.

What are you reading, listening to or glued to on TV?

Just catching up on a show called Cardinal set in Canada, a bit bleak but compulsive viewing. The Netflix Eurovision movie is a laugh and worth a watch.

What would your autobiography be called?

Stay Positive – Volume 1

If you were a character in a TV series or movie who would you be?

Samwell Tarly from Game of Thrones, I think I would play a good sidekick.

What’s on your bucket list – the things you still want to accomplish?

Tough one, I would love to interview Gary Lightbody from Snow Patrol and I think I have a plan for this one so potentially one off the list who knows.

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