Featuring Dave Sheret, CEO of Sheret Offshore Energy
Episode Overview
Welcome back to Taproom Talks! Today, our host Kenny Dooley sits down with Dave Sheret, the insightful founder of Sheret Offshore Energy. Join us as Dave recounts his fascinating career journey, beginning in marketing where he engaged with Aberdeen Football Club, and how that unique background eventually led him to establish his own strategic consulting and pre-screening firm in the dynamic world of offshore energy.
Dave will unveil the distinct advantage of Sheret Offshore Energy. Discover how his firm provides candid, objective advice, meticulously preparing companies for complex transactions or capital raising. He’ll share why integrity and deep industry experience are paramount in helping businesses proactively identify challenges and unlock their maximum value, setting his approach apart from conventional investment banking.
Our conversation then plunges into Dave’s seamless transition into the oil and gas industry. He’ll reveal how his early marketing experiences became a foundation for a successful career in business development and sales. We’ll explore his astute observations on the evolving landscape of the North Sea, the critical importance of life extension for subsea infrastructure, and the transformative role of data and technology in optimizing asset performance.
Finally, Dave casts his gaze to the future of the energy sector, emphasizing the vital need for meticulous preparation and strategic engagement. This episode promises a compelling blend of entrepreneurial spirit, hard-won industry wisdom, and a truly forward-thinking perspective on the complex challenges and exciting opportunities shaping the offshore energy market. You won’t want to miss it!
Questions That Shaped the Story
Introduction & Personal Background (Getting to Know David)
Growing Up & Early Life:
- “David, thanks for joining us. To start, could you tell us a bit about who you are and what you do?
- Where did you grow up? What was your early life like?”
- “Were there any particular influences or experiences from your childhood that you feel shaped your approach to life or work?”
Dyslexia & Learning:
- “We understand you’re passionate about learning, but also that you’re dyslexic and prefer listening to podcasts and watching science programs. Could you elaborate on how this has impacted your learning style and perhaps even your approach to business and information gathering?”
- “How has this perspective contributed to your success, particularly in a data-heavy industry?”
Entrepreneurial Drive – Nature vs. Nurture:
- “Did you always see yourself as an entrepreneur, or was it something that developed over time? Was there a specific ‘aha!’ moment, or a series of events that led you down this path?”
- “You’ve mentioned Archer Knight was ‘born from adversity’ after being paid off from a previous role. Can you tell us more about that pivotal moment and how it ignited your entrepreneurial spirit?”
Career Journey Leading to Archer Knight
Pre-Archer Knight Career:
- “Before co-founding Archer Knight, you spent over 20 years in senior management, with 14 focused on the subsea oil & gas sector. Could you walk us through some of the key roles and experiences that shaped your expertise in strategy, business development, commercial, market intelligence, and communications?”
- “What were some of the most significant challenges or breakthroughs you encountered in those earlier roles that prepared you for entrepreneurship?”
Serving on Boards & Advisory Roles:
- “You served as an executive director of Subsea UK (now Global Underwater Hub) and sat on the board of private equity-led companies as an independent advisor. How did these experiences broaden your perspective on the industry and business growth?”
Archer Knight: The Business Journey
Founding Archer Knight:
- “You co-founded Archer Knight with Michael Watson. Can you tell us about the initial vision for the company? What gap in the market did you identify, especially with the industry shifting towards renewable energy?”
- “You mentioned at the start, you wanted to ‘do things a little differently,’ but then realized ‘it’s not about being different, it’s about being better.’ Can you elaborate on this evolution of thought and how it shaped Archer Knight’s strategy?”
- “What were the very first steps in getting Archer Knight off the ground? What were the biggest hurdles in the early days?”
Taking on Investment:
- “Archer Knight grew significantly. Can you discuss the process of seeking and securing investment? What were you looking for in investors, and what were the key challenges in this phase?”
- “What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs considering taking on external investment?”
Growth & Business Model:
- “Archer Knight offered market intelligence and consultancy services, including the SAAS platform Flowline. How did these services evolve, and what was the key to their success in attracting over 140 customers in 10+ countries?”
- “Could you share a challenging project or client experience and how Archer Knight navigated it, perhaps even walking away from a contract that didn’t align with your values, as mentioned in one interview?”
- “You’ve emphasized finding people with ‘attitude, ability, and attitude again’ over prescriptive HR templates. How did this philosophy contribute to building the team at Archer Knight?”
Selling the Business:
- “Archer Knight was acquired, though the specific details of its sale (to whom and for how much) aren’t widely publicized in the same way as some other company sales. Can you shed some light on the decision to sell Archer Knight? What factors influenced that choice?”
- “What was the process of selling the business like, from initial discussions to completion?”
- “What were the biggest lessons learned during the acquisition process?”
- “What did the sale mean for the future of Archer Knight and its services?”
Life Beyond Archer Knight & Future Endeavors
Post-Archer Knight:
- “You’ve recently launched Sheret Energy Offshore (SEO). What motivated this new venture, and what do you aim to achieve with it, especially considering its focus on AI and targeted consultancy?”
- “How does your experience with Archer Knight inform your approach to SEO?”
Away from Work:
- “When you’re not immersed in the energy sector, what do you enjoy doing? What are your hobbies or passions outside of work?”
- “How do you maintain a work-life balance, especially as an entrepreneur?”
Reflections & Advice:
- “Looking back at your journey so far, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self?”
- “What’s next for David Sheret, both professionally and personally?”
Listen on Your Favourite Platform
