EAG Spotlight: Carlos Huertas

Meet Carlos Huertas, Manager, Consultant at EAG. In his spotlight, Carlos describes his journey at EAG, proudest moments, who inspires him, and more! Read the full story below.

1. How would you describe EAG?

EAG is an energy consulting company successfully assisting a broad spectrum of oil and gas organizations to improve their processes and optimize their resources.   EAG achieves this objective under a culture that fosters collaboration, efficiency and a high standard of professionalism.

2. What’s been one of your proudest moments working at EAG?

I’m very proud of the results of a major project I just completed with a major E&P company after two intense years of execution.  For me, it was a double effort because I had not played the role of a consultant in the past.  I moved from the industry (E&P operators) to consulting when I started working with EAG.  Even after 20+ years of professional experience I’m learning new things, I continue growing and I’m navigating the industry through a different path while successfully contributing as part of a team in a complex, sizable project. It has been a very rewarding experience.  It feels like it was ages ago when I merely had an idea of what a data conversion mapping is or when the implementation jargon used to throw me off in despair countless times!  A smiling client with accomplished goals is a great badge of pride!

3. What advice do you have for prospective candidates that want to join EAG?

Don’t be afraid to jump in the water, especially if consulting is attractive but new to you.  EAG offers plenty of challenging opportunities to learn, to grow and to contribute as part of a Team.   No one can be knowledgeable about everything and the EAG culture is based on mutual support and constant interaction and feedback.  There are multiple sources of help, available at any time.

4. What’s one thing – either industry-related or not – you learned in the last month?

Don’t expect a boring implementation Go-Live!  Even if your activities up to Cutover phase look polished and aligned with the project objectives, there will be curved balls hitting you from several angles.   In addition,  the consultant may have to handle not only the technical aspect of the project but also the client’s emotions and behavior which can suddenly change the dynamics of work.

5. What do you like to do in your free time? Any favorite places you like to visit?

I love music and I’m currently learning to play the guitar.   My hotel nights while traveling for our client make a good time to practice (I got me a spare guitar I can leave on site in our gracious Project Manager’s office while I’m working remotely).  I also enjoy traveling with my family to a place with a nice beach or to places that expose us to new customs, different food and unfamiliar culture.  “Old World” cities are a favorite, Madrid at the top.

6. Tell us something that might surprise us about you.

I play classical piano and have participated several times in the Piano Texas festival.   If you have some spare time and feel like listening to a “vintage” amateur audition of mine (mistakes included!), please follow this link for two short pieces by Brahms and Schumman. https://youtu.be/E08qucsqY1M

7. How do you balance your career with other priorities?

Organization, prioritization and striving to use time efficiently are keys to maintain that balance.  Take time off, spend it with family, friends and sometimes on your own doing anything you like and takes your mind away from work.  Also, having a hobby you can practice frequently over the long run will yield only positive outcomes in your life.

8. Who or what inspires you and why?

I’m inspired by the fruits of my effort as reflected in the satisfaction of the individuals and the teams I help to meet and to exceed their goals.     A consultant is foremost a facilitator who procures solutions from his/her knowledge and experience.  Having an early goal to get to the end of a project with a smiling client is a strong motivator that drives our performance throughout the ups and downs of any consulting endeavor.

9. What is your life motto or favorite quote?

Anything by Mark Twain, he’s witty and revealing.  Among my favorite quotes is “Do the thing you fear most and the death of fear is certain”.  Or “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog”.

10. What’s your superpower?

I’m a good observer and listener.  I can gather and process information that can be easily missed and that helps a lot when making decisions, talking to clients, interacting with colleagues and keeping my sanity intact!