With over 36 years of extensive industry experience across seven countries, Paul W. McLaughlan brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to his role as General Director at Schoeller Bleckmann Oilfield Equipment Vietnam Ltd. (SBO Vietnam). A seasoned professional in the oil and gas sector, Paul leads a stand-alone plant that manufactures high-precision components for the global market leader in non-magnetic drillstring components used in directional drilling. In his role, he holds full P&L responsibility and reports directly to the board of directors in Austria.
As the only expatriate on-site, Paul is known for his hands-on, servant leadership style, which emphasises empowering and developing employees, fostering strong business relationships, and delivering positive financial results. Passionate about continuous improvement, Paul excels in managing change, motivating teams, and ensuring that SBO Vietnam meets the highest standards of quality, health, safety, and environmental performance.
In this interview, Paul shares insights into his career journey, leadership philosophy, and the steps SBO Vietnam is taking to address key industry challenges while staying committed to sustainability and innovation.
Q. What motivated you to pursue a career in the oil and gas sector?
Growing up in Aberdeen, Scotland—Europe’s oil capital—was a major influence. In the early 1970s, the city transitioned from a fishing hub to a centre of the petroleum industry. Aberdeen played a pivotal role in the development of offshore drilling technology, which was integral to the region’s success. I was fortunate to begin my oil and gas career right after serving five years in the British Army. The oil industry’s growth in Aberdeen inspired me to contribute to this dynamic and evolving field.
Q. Having worked in multiple countries, what have been some of your most valuable lessons in adapting to different cultures?
One of the key lessons I’ve learned is the importance of cultural awareness and understanding. By immersing myself in other cultures, I’ve gained a deeper respect for their beliefs, perspectives, and ways of life. This fosters empathy and open-mindedness, which in turn reduces conflicts and builds stronger relationships. Cultural awareness is not just about acknowledging differences; it’s about celebrating diversity and embracing new ways of thinking. Every day offers an opportunity to learn from others, and that continuous learning is essential to personal and professional growth.
Q. How is the experience of leading a stand-alone plant that produces high-precision components for the global market?
Leading a stand-alone plant that manufactures high-precision components is a truly invaluable experience. What makes it special is working alongside a talented and diverse team. We constantly learn from each other, promoting safe, efficient, and innovative ways to manufacture our products. Our daily focus is on customer satisfaction, ensuring that every decision is guided by the goal of delivering the highest quality products to the market.
Q. How is Schoeller Bleckmann addressing sustainability and environmental impact in its manufacturing processes and product offerings?
Schoeller Bleckmann Oilfield Equipment (SBO) has made significant strides in sustainability. Recently, we received the newly introduced ESG Award, recognizing our commitment to environmental responsibility, social governance, and corporate ethics. This reinforces our dedication to sustainable growth and excellence. We’re expanding our capabilities in geothermal energy and carbon capture and storage, reducing emissions, and promoting the circular economy. As CEO Klaus Mader stated, “ESG is more than just a reporting standard for SBO—it’s a transformative commitment embedded in our strategy.” Sustainability is at the core of our business, opening up new opportunities while driving long-term value.
Q. What are the biggest logistical challenges you’ve faced in your career and how did you overcome them?
Throughout my career, I’ve faced numerous logistical challenges, particularly when working across different countries. However, the Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of geographical diversification in supply chains. The disruption underscored the need to have multiple suppliers across different regions, ensuring resilience and minimizing risks from global crises. This experience taught me the critical value of flexibility and contingency planning in logistics.
Q. As a leader, how do you keep your team motivated?
Our corporate culture is the heartbeat of our organization, reflecting our shared values of inclusivity, respect, and collaboration. We encourage transparency, where every voice is heard and diversity is celebrated. By empowering our employees to share ideas and contribute to our collective goals, we foster a culture of innovation. We also emphasise work-life balance through wellness programs, flexible working arrangements, and support systems to ensure our employees thrive both personally and professionally. Our focus on continuous learning, team-building activities, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) further strengthens motivation, creating a positive, purpose-driven environment.
Q. What steps do you take for your own continuous learning and professional development?
I believe that continuous learning is essential for professional growth. The starting point is always identifying clear goals and creating a roadmap to achieve them. This includes acquiring the necessary knowledge, skills, and understanding to remain relevant in the field. It’s important to share your goals with others, reflect on progress, and evaluate what’s working. This is an ongoing journey that requires patience and persistence, but it is critical for long-term success.
Q. How do you maintain a work-life balance, especially given the demands of your role?
At SBO, we recognise the importance of work-life balance as essential to employee well-being. A strong team around me ensures that we prioritise balance to prevent burnout and stress while promoting overall health. Although it can sometimes be challenging to juggle career and personal life, we consistently maintain a supportive environment that fosters both professional success and personal fulfillment.
Q. Looking ahead, what are the key strategic goals for Schoeller Bleckmann over the next few years, and how do you plan to achieve them?
Our strategy is grounded in effective communication, solid values, and continuous improvement. Key to our success has been the dedication of our employees, technological innovation, and our strong reputation in Vietnam and globally. Moving forward, we plan to continue investing in high-quality, complex products, improve market dominance, and meet the ever-increasing expectations of our customers. Our focus on expanding capabilities, including new Capex investments, ensures we’re poised for long-term success. We’re also committed to nurturing future leaders through a robust succession plan, positioning ourselves for sustainable growth and enduring success. As we chart our course, we remain guided by our core values and our drive to build a legacy of innovation and resilience.
