In this Q&A, Abigail shares her career journey, gives an insight into her day-to-day role supporting Fulkrum’s global operations, and discusses the key skills needed to succeed in a fast-paced commercial environment, along with her advice for anyone starting a career in commercial or client-facing roles.

Can you give an insight into your background and career history which led to your current position as Commercial Lead at Fulkrum?

I’m a Quality Engineer by profession, with over 20 years of experience in the oil and gas industry.  Over that time, I’ve been lucky to have the opportunity to take on a variety of roles including Inspection Coordinator and SECE Coordinator with a large international oil and gas operator spanning 10 years in CAPEX and OPEX projects, and latterly in Drilling and Wells.  My last role before leaving the UK was as a Competence & Training Advisor for a global diving company.

In my capacity as a Quality Engineer, I’ve been actively involved in numerous tenders on the client side.  While working with a global diving company, I expanded my experience to include more hands-on input into tendering from the EPC / service provider side.

The range of experience I’ve gained across these roles has given me a strong set of transferable skills, which I’ve been able to apply effectively in my current position at Fulkrum as a Commercial Lead.

Could you walk us through a typical day in your role?

Every day here at Fulkrum is never the same!  Here in the Commercial Department we support all regions globally managing Tenders, RFQs, Client Registrations, Client Contract review and management, Subcontractor management and everything in between!

My position is currently supporting the APAC region, and the new Asset Integrity Management (AIM) service line, from the Abu Dhabi office.  Being based in the Middle East allows me to provide support across the regions more easily due to the time differences, whilst still being able to work closely with my team in the UK.

What has been a recent highlight since starting your role at Fulkrum late last year?

Hand on heart, it’s the people who really make this company what it is. I’ve worked in environments where you walk into a completely silent office, and that just isn’t for me. I’m a real people person and love getting to know those I work with.

Being able to take the time to chat with colleagues throughout the day and build those relationships, while still getting the job done, is incredibly refreshing. It’s one of the things I’ve enjoyed most since joining Fulkrum.

In your experience, what are the most critical skills for a commercial leader to succeed in a fast-paced, international company like Fulkrum?

For me, there are three key skills every Commercial Lead needs: communication, time management, and organisation.

Communication is a big one. You’re working with a wide range of people, including internal teams, stakeholders, and clients, so it’s important to keep everyone aligned and communicate clearly. It’s just as much about listening as it is about talking, and knowing how to adapt your communication style depending on who you’re speaking to.

Time management is equally important because there’s always a lot happening at once. Balancing multiple priorities and deadlines while focusing on what matters most helps keep everything moving forward.

Organisation ties it all together. Having a structured way of working allows you to manage the detail, stay in control of multiple tasks, and avoid last minute pressure.

What advice would you offer to someone just starting their career in commercial, business development, or client-facing roles?

Firstly, be yourself. Many people feel they need to change who they are to fit in or impress others, but in my experience, colleagues and clients can usually see through that. When you’re genuine, you’re more relaxed, authentic, and able to build stronger relationships.

Secondly, don’t be afraid to ask questions. No one knows everything. After all, every day is a school day!

Asking questions not only helps you become better informed, but also demonstrates curiosity and a genuine willingness to learn. The right questions lead to a better understanding, more informed decisions, and more meaningful conversations with both clients and colleagues.