If you work in engineering, operations, projects or leadership within energy, this episode matters because modern assets rely on connected systems more than ever. When those systems fail, are poorly understood, or are left exposed, the impact can be operational, financial and safety related. In this conversation, I speak with Tim Canning about careers in ICSS, OT cyber security, mentoring, problem solving and how technical people can stay valuable as the industry evolves.

Tim shares how he moved from the Air Force into the energy sector, built deep expertise in control and safety systems, and later transitioned into OT cyber security before it became a mainstream discipline. We also discuss the realities of working on live plants, handling pressure, and why broad technical curiosity can open doors throughout a career.

What stood out to me most was Tim’s honest view on growth. He talks about when staying with one company can work, when it may be time to move on, and why learning adjacent skills can future proof your career. He also speaks openly about trust, mentorship and helping the next generation develop confidence in high pressure environments.

🔑 Three Key Takeaways

🔹 Specialist skills create long term value

Deep knowledge in areas like ICSS, automation or OT cyber security can make you highly relevant when industries change.

🔹 Understand the whole system, not just your part

Strong professionals learn how equipment, data, people and process all connect — that’s where better decisions are made.

🔹 Experience should be passed on

Real leadership includes mentoring others, listening well, and helping less experienced people grow.

✅ Three Actionable Takeaways

🔧 Build one niche skill this year

Choose an area such as controls, cyber, reliability or project delivery and commit to becoming stronger in it.

🔧 Learn one adjacent discipline

If you are mechanical, learn controls. If you are controls, learn process operations. If you are project based, learn risk or commercials.

🔧 Find one trusted person at work

A mentor, peer or experienced colleague you can learn from honestly can accelerate your progress.