Internet Interview - Garry Flanagan
<a href=www.businessnews.com.au>Business News, 19-June-03 Written by Staff Reporters Garry Flanagan Name: Garry Flanagan Title: Commercial Analysis Coordinator Company: ChevronTexaco Location: Houston Texas
A brief explanation of your company and where it sits in the corporate landscape: World's fourth largest publicly traded, integrated energy company (based on oil equivalent reserves and production).
It is the second largest in the US with operations in 180 countries.
Job last held in Perth and when you left it: Senior Project Engineer (ChevronTexaco Australia) until July 2002.
What is your current role: Coordination of project economic and shipping-logistical analysis as well as strategic planning and contract management for ChevronTexaco’s Liquefied Natural Gas business based in Houston.
What other roles do you play in your industry or local business community: I represent the company at energy conferences and regularly presented aspects of the industry to year 10 classes in Perth high schools as part of the Schools Information Program.
I have supported functions put on by the Australian American Chamber of Commerce, most notably the 2003 Australia Day Ball held in San Francisco. I also assist the company with cultural integration.
Explain how you got this particular job: ChevronTexaco encourages development opportunities for selected employees in international locations.
I expressed an interest in working overseas and was ‘loaned’ to our head office in San Francisco for three months last year. The International Gas Group wanted an experienced Engineering MBA to assist in some strategic planning work and from this I was fortunate enough to secure a longer-term assignment in Houston.
Outline your office culture: The company has recently been through a merger (Chevron and Texaco) and there is a lot of energy going into creating a new culture.
It is an exciting time for our company and working for a global company gives you the opportunity to work with people from all over the world.
My department has people from the US, Venezuela, Australia, the UK and Canada. We work a nine-day/80-hour fortnight and my hours are typically 7am – 6pm.
How much commuting do you do:
It is a 10-15 minute drive each way from my home in the West University district to our office in downtown Houston. Occasionally I will visit one of the other ChevronTexaco office locations in the Houston area.
Does your job involve travel, if so how much, where to and to what purpose: Mainly to San Francisco where our global headquarters is located and some international trips to places such as Japan and Canada.
How well did your work in Perth equip you for your current job: The main advantage is the international perspective I bring to the team and my involvement with our Australian gas business, such as the Gorgon gas development. The team is also impressed with my social coordinating skills. I have introduced a proud Aussie tradition to the team – the sundowner.
Can you see yourself returning to Perth, if so how long and under what circumstances: My current assignment may last anything from two to five years with the possibility of another international post such as Asia or Europe.
In the meantime, I am making the most of working in an overseas location with the ultimate aim of returning to Australia because this is where my home and allegiances are.
What is your email address: garrytflanagan@yahoo.com
p Do you want to nominate someone you know for the Internet Interview? If they are working interstate or offshore in an interesting job send us their email address and some details to editorial@wabusinessnews.com.au