Beyond The Blend

In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Blend, Steve Knapp speaks with Sophie Wand, Sales and Marketing Advisor for UK Lubricants Indirect at Shell, about her journey from a graduate program to a pivotal role at one of the world's largest energy companies. Please note: Sophie's views are her own.

Sophie’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and seizing opportunities in an ever-evolving industry.

Key highlights from the episode include:

Navigating a Dual Role: Sophie shares how she balances her work in sales, managing a territory in the South and engaging directly with automotive customers, with her contributions to Shell’s marketing strategy, including digital campaigns and event planning.

Diversity in the Energy Sector: Reflecting on her experiences as a young female leader, Sophie discusses Shell's inclusive culture and the importance of visible female role models in breaking down barriers in male-dominated industries like automotive and energy.

Passion for Energy Transition: Sophie delves into her commitment to addressing climate change and why she joined Shell to be part of the solution, emphasising the significance of making meaningful contributions to the energy transition.

Building Confidence: From leading workshops for Euro Car Parts account managers to navigating workshops as a customer-facing advisor, Sophie offers insights into developing confidence and the importance of putting yourself forward.

Future Aspirations: Sophie talks about the opportunities she sees in Shell’s global operations, including roles in e-mobility and social investment, as well as her desire to make an impact in energy transition initiatives.

Whether you're a graduate exploring career paths, a professional navigating the challenges of customer-facing roles, or someone passionate about the energy industry, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and inspiration.

Connect with Sophie Wand on LinkedIn and explore her journey as she continues to make waves in the lubricant and energy sectors.

*All content, views and opinions expressed by Sophie belong solely to her and do not reflect or represent Shell plc.

Brought to you in partnership with the Lubricant Expo!

Join Lubricant Expo Europe from 16-18 September 2025 at Messe Düsseldorf, and help shape the future of lubrication together.

Lubricant Expo Europe is the must-attend annual event for professionals looking to discover or promote the latest advances in lubricant and lubrication technology. Whether you’re an engineer, executive, or industry professional, this free-to-attend exhibition and conference connects lubricant solution providers with end-user buyers and the entire chemical and equipment supply chain.

Bringing together the lubricant community and end-users from over 80 countries, Lubricant Expo Europe is a comprehensive showcase of all lubricant technologies, including finished lubricants, additives, process equipment and machinery, condition monitoring, automation systems, testing and analysis, data technologies, lubricant manufacturing equipment, end-user application systems and more.

Join Lubricant Expo Europe from 16-18 September 2025 at Messe Düsseldorf, and helpshape the future of lubrication together.

⁠REGISTER FOR FREE TODAY!⁠

In this episode of Beyond the Blend, we sit down with James Moorhouse, Director at ABN Resource, to explore his fascinating journey from a recruitment agency floor in Leeds to becoming a leading voice in lubricants talent management.

With candour and insight, James shares how he’s reshaping recruitment practices and raising the profile of the lubricants industry.

Key Takeaways:

A Purpose-Driven Career: James shares how he transitioned from high-street recruitment to establishing ABN Resource, focusing exclusively on the lubricants industry, and the challenges and opportunities he’s encountered along the way.

The Importance of Goal Setting: As a structured thinker, James discusses his annual goal-setting process, using it to align personal ambitions with professional growth.

Raising the Profile of Lubricants: James reflects on the industry’s struggle to tell its story effectively and highlights the need for a collaborative effort to attract diverse talent and build awareness beyond STEM.

Work-Life Balance in Leadership: James provides honest advice on setting boundaries, managing remote work, and prioritising time with family while leading a growing global business.

The 2024 Lubricants Talent Report: With job satisfaction on the rise, James highlights key findings, including the importance of pay, career progression, and flexibility in retaining top talent.

Why Listen?

James’s story offers valuable insights for anyone in the lubricants supply chain looking to attract and retain talent, adapt to new market demands, or simply build a better work-life balance. Whether you’re a business leader, recruiter, or aspiring professional, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped with actionable takeaways.

Where to Connect:

ABN Resource Website: abnresource.com

Talent Report: Available via LinkedIn or by searching "2024 Lubricants Talent Report."

Brought to you in partnership with the Lubricant Expo!

Join Lubricant Expo Europe from 16-18 September 2025 at Messe Düsseldorf, and help shape the future of lubrication together.

Lubricant Expo Europe is the must-attend annual event for professionals looking to discover or promote the latest advances in lubricant and lubrication technology. Whether you’re an engineer, executive, or industry professional, this free-to-attend exhibition and conference connects lubricant solution providers with end-user buyers and the entire chemical and equipment supply chain.

Bringing together the lubricant community and end-users from over 80 countries, Lubricant Expo Europe is a comprehensive showcase of all lubricant technologies, including finished lubricants, additives, process equipment and machinery, condition monitoring, automation systems, testing and analysis, data technologies, lubricant manufacturing equipment, end-user application systems and more.

Join Lubricant Expo Europe from 16-18 September 2025 at Messe Düsseldorf, and helpshape the future of lubrication together.

⁠REGISTER FOR FREE TODAY!⁠

In this insightful episode of Beyond the Blend, Steve Knapp sits down with Daniel Tait, Managing Director of Oil Store, to explore his inspiring journey from starting as an office junior to leading one of the UK's most dynamic lubricant distributors. Daniel shares his story of growth, challenges, and the bold moves that have shaped Oil Store into a trailblazer in the lubricant industry.

Key takeaways from this episode include:

• Climbing the Ladder: Daniel’s career progression from entry-level to MD, highlighting the importance of hands-on experience across all areas of the business.

• Adapting to Change: How Oil Store embraced digitalisation, moving away from traditional sales models to focus on an innovative e-commerce strategy.

• Team Culture and Development: Insights into building a young, vibrant team and fostering a culture that prioritises attitude, adaptability, and personality over technical expertise.

• Customer-Centric Approach: Oil Store’s unique value proposition of multi-brand distribution, meeting exact customer demands without compromising on quality or service.

• Leadership Lessons: From navigating generational shifts in the workplace to managing transitions and challenges, Daniel reflects on the lessons that have shaped his leadership style.

Whether you’re a sales professional, a leader in the lubricant market, or simply interested in stories of resilience and innovation, this episode offers valuable lessons on adapting to a changing industry and thriving in a competitive marketplace.

Connect with Daniel Tait on LinkedIn, or explore Oil Store's offerings at oil-store.co.uk. Don’t forget to check out their entertaining LinkedIn Christmas series and stay tuned for future updates.

Brought to you in partnership with the Lubricant Expo!

Join Lubricant Expo Europe from 16-18 September 2025 at Messe Düsseldorf, and help shape the future of lubrication together.

Lubricant Expo Europe is the must-attend annual event for professionals looking to discover or promote the latest advances in lubricant and lubrication technology. Whether you’re an engineer, executive, or industry professional, this free-to-attend exhibition and conference connects lubricant solution providers with end-user buyers and the entire chemical and equipment supply chain.

Bringing together the lubricant community and end-users from over 80 countries, Lubricant Expo Europe is a comprehensive showcase of all lubricant technologies, including finished lubricants, additives, process equipment and machinery, condition monitoring, automation systems, testing and analysis, data technologies, lubricant manufacturing equipment, end-user application systems and more.

Join Lubricant Expo Europe from 16-18 September 2025 at Messe Düsseldorf, and helpshape the future of lubrication together.

⁠REGISTER FOR FREE TODAY!⁠

In this compelling episode of Beyond the Blend, we sit down with John Grierson, Sales Director at Pennine Lubricants, as he shares his remarkable journey from humble beginnings in the warehouse to leading one of the industry's most respected teams.

With over 25 years of experience, John reflects on how his hands-on approach — from smashing drainpipes to navigating the Yellow Pages — shaped his understanding of the lubricants market. John discusses the evolving arena of B2B sales, the role of modern tools like LinkedIn, and why fostering open communication with customers and colleagues is critical to long-term success.

Key highlights from the conversation include:

• Learning by Doing: John’s belief in hands-on experience and how this approach has informed his leadership style.

• Evolving Sales Strategies: From door-knocking to leveraging social media, John explains how Pennine Lubricants has adapted to changing buyer behaviours.

• Authentic Leadership: Insights into managing a team with diverse needs, emphasising individuality and understanding.

• Turning Failures into Success: John shares a pivotal career moment when a product failure nearly derailed his confidence— and how perseverance transformed it into a lasting partnership.

• Making Lubricants Attractive: The challenge of drawing top talent into the industry and how Pennine’s approach gives underdogs a chance to thrive.

This episode is packed with practical advice for sales professionals, leaders, and anyone curious about the lubricant market. John's candid reflections and actionable insights make this a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Connect with John on LinkedIn or learn more about Pennine Lubricants by visiting their website or giving them a call — because, as John says, "We still pick up the phone!"

Brought to you in partnership with the Lubricant Expo!

Join Lubricant Expo Europe from 16-18 September 2025 at Messe Düsseldorf, and help shape the future of lubrication together.

Lubricant Expo Europe is the must-attend annual event for professionals looking to discover or promote the latest advances in lubricant and lubrication technology. Whether you’re an engineer, executive, or industry professional, this free-to-attend exhibition and conference connects lubricant solution providers with end-user buyers and the entire chemical and equipment supply chain.

Bringing together the lubricant community and end-users from over 80 countries, Lubricant Expo Europe is a comprehensive showcase of all lubricant technologies, including finished lubricants, additives, process equipment and machinery, condition monitoring, automation systems, testing and analysis, data technologies, lubricant manufacturing equipment, end-user application systems and more.

Join Lubricant Expo Europe from 16-18 September 2025 at Messe Düsseldorf, and helpshape the future of lubrication together.

⁠REGISTER FOR FREE TODAY!⁠

In this vibrant episode of Beyond the Blend, Steve Knapp connects with Sanya Mathura, Founder and CEO of Strategic Reliability Solutions Ltd.

Sanya shares her dynamic journey from electrical and computer engineering into the world of lubricants and reliability solutions. From her early challenges as a young female engineer breaking into a male-dominated industry to building a globally recognised business, Sanya’s story is one of resilience, tenacity, and a passion for breaking barriers.

Sanya discusses the founding of Strategic Reliability Solutions, her vision to create a global hub for expertise, and the role of technology in connecting professionals worldwide. She also dives into her experiences as a published author, including her motivation behind her Women in STEM series and the importance of showcasing diverse voices in the industry.

Through candid reflections on leadership, navigating biases, and embracing authenticity, Sanya offers invaluable insights for professionals striving to make an impact in their fields.

Whether you’re an aspiring engineer, an industry veteran, or simply curious about the lubricant market, this episode is brimming with inspiration.

Connect with Sanya on LinkedIn, explore her books on Amazon, or discover more about her work with Strategic Reliability Solutions.

This conversation is not to be missed!

Brought to you in partnership with the Lubricant Expo!

Join Lubricant Expo Europe from 16-18 September 2025 at Messe Düsseldorf, and help shape the future of lubrication together.

Lubricant Expo Europe is the must-attend annual event for professionals looking to discover or promote the latest advances in lubricant and lubrication technology. Whether you’re an engineer, executive, or industry professional, this free-to-attend exhibition and conference connects lubricant solution providers with end-user buyers and the entire chemical and equipment supply chain.

Bringing together the lubricant community and end-users from over 80 countries, Lubricant Expo Europe is a comprehensive showcase of all lubricant technologies, including finished lubricants, additives, process equipment and machinery, condition monitoring, automation systems, testing and analysis, data technologies, lubricant manufacturing equipment, end-user application systems and more.

Join Lubricant Expo Europe from 16-18 September 2025 at Messe Düsseldorf, and helpshape the future of lubrication together.

⁠REGISTER FOR FREE TODAY!⁠

In this compelling episode of Beyond the Blend, Steve Knapp delves into an inspiring conversation with Leyla Alieva, CEO and Co-founder of Neol Copper Technologies.

Leyla shares her remarkable journey from a career in finance and investment banking to pioneering innovation within the lubricant industry. She candidly discusses the challenges and opportunities of running a startup in a traditionally conservative sector, the importance of embracing diversity, and her personal reflections on leadership, motherhood, and neurodivergence.

Discover how Leyla's "why not" philosophy, shaped by her upbringing, fuels her ambition to innovate and make a meaningful impact in the world. From managing a dynamic team to navigating the evolving lubricant landscape, Leyla's insights offer valuable lessons for professionals at all levels.

Whether you’re an industry insider or new to the field, this episode promises a blend of inspiration, authenticity, and practical wisdom.

Tune in to learn more about Leyla's vision for the future and her mission to challenge the norms within the lubricant industry.

Connect with Leyla on LinkedIn or through the Neol Copper Technologies website to continue the conversation.

Brought to you in partnership with the Lubricant Expo!

Join Lubricant Expo Europe from 16-18 September 2025 at Messe Düsseldorf, and help shape the future of lubrication together.

Lubricant Expo Europe is the must-attend annual event for professionals looking to discover or promote the latest advances in lubricant and lubrication technology. Whether you’re an engineer, executive, or industry professional, this free-to-attend exhibition and conference connects lubricant solution providers with end-user buyers and the entire chemical and equipment supply chain.

Bringing together the lubricant community and end-users from over 80 countries, Lubricant Expo Europe is a comprehensive showcase of all lubricant technologies, including finished lubricants, additives, process equipment and machinery, condition monitoring, automation systems, testing and analysis, data technologies, lubricant manufacturing equipment, end-user application systems and more.

Join Lubricant Expo Europe from 16-18 September 2025 at Messe Düsseldorf, and helpshape the future of lubrication together.

REGISTER FOR FREE TODAY!

Meet Rob and Steve - your hosts of Beyond The Blend. In this short introductory episode they explain the motivation behind starting this podcast, and the stories and people they aim to cover as the series unfolds.