Meet Azamat Ibragimov

We were lucky to catch up with Azamat Ibragimov recently and have shared our conversation below.

Azamat, thank you so much for making time for us today. We’re excited to discuss a handful of topics with you, but perhaps the most important one is around decision making. The ability to make decisions is a key requirement for anyone who wants to make a difference and so we’d love to hear about how you developed your decision-making skills.

My decision-making skills were developed through a combination of hands-on experience, strategic thinking, and learning from high-pressure situations in the oil and gas industry. Over the years, I’ve had to make critical decisions that directly impacted operational efficiency, safety, and project success.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am Azamat Ibragimov, a seasoned oil and gas engineer and industry leader with over a decade of experience in large-scale energy projects, specializing in natural gas extraction, process optimization, and industrial safety enhancements. My expertise spans engineering, project management, automation, and sustainability, and I have worked on some of the most critical energy infrastructure projects in Turkmenistan.

My Story & Professional Focus
From a young age, I was captivated by the energy sector’s role in shaping economies and societies. This passion led me to pursue a degree in Oil and Gas Engineering at Turkmenistan’s National Oil and Gas University, where I gained a deep understanding of hydrocarbon processing, safety engineering, and large-scale resource management. My career has taken me through various leadership roles, including serving as Chief Engineer at Turkmengas’ Lebap Base No. 4, where I was responsible for overseeing multi-million-dollar projects.

Currently, my focus is on bringing my expertise to the U.S. energy sector with a vision to contribute to innovative, efficient, and environmentally responsible industrial solutions. One of my key areas of specialization is the production of Diethylene Glycol (DEG), an essential chemical used in gas processing. I aim to establish a cutting-edge, environmentally friendly DEG production facility in the U.S., leveraging automation and sustainable manufacturing processes to enhance the efficiency of natural gas treatment operations.

What Makes My Work Exciting & Special?
The oil and gas industry is undergoing a massive transformation, with automation, digital monitoring, and sustainability at the forefront. What excites me most is the opportunity to modernize and optimize industrial operations by integrating smart technologies that improve safety, efficiency, and environmental compliance.

Innovating Gas Processing: My work involves developing advanced gas dehydration techniques using high-purity diethylene glycol, reducing energy consumption and increasing efficiency.
Sustainability & Safety: I focus on implementing safer chemical processes, ensuring that the industry meets strict environmental standards.
Global Impact: By optimizing production processes and reducing operational risks, my work contributes to energy security and sustainability at a global level.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three key qualities have been most impactful in shaping my career and establishing my expertise in the oil and gas industry: technical expertise, leadership, and adaptability. Each of these played a crucial role in overcoming challenges, driving innovation, and achieving success in high-stakes projects.

1. Technical Expertise & Continuous Learning
The oil and gas industry is highly specialized and constantly evolving with new technologies, safety standards, and engineering methodologies. My strong foundation in oil and gas engineering, combined with hands-on experience in leading large-scale projects, has been essential in making critical decisions, optimizing processes, and ensuring operational efficiency.

Advice:
For those early in their journey, I recommend investing in education and continuous learning. Stay updated with industry advancements, take relevant courses, and participate in technical workshops and certifications. Additionally, hands-on experience is invaluable—seek internships, apprenticeships, or mentorship opportunities with industry professionals.

2. Leadership & Strategic Thinking
As I progressed in my career, I realized that technical skills alone are not enough. The ability to lead teams, manage resources, and make strategic decisions is what differentiates a good engineer from a great industry leader. In my role as Chief Engineer, I was responsible for managing multidisciplinary teams, ensuring project completion under tight deadlines, and navigating unexpected challenges, such as supply chain disruptions and safety concerns. Strong leadership allowed me to guide teams through high-pressure situations and deliver successful outcomes.

Advice:
Developing leadership skills early in your career is crucial. Take initiative in group projects, volunteer for leadership roles, and learn how to effectively communicate and inspire teams. Books on leadership, mentorship from senior professionals, and real-world experience in managing teams or projects will help cultivate these skills.

3. Adaptability & Problem-Solving
The oil and gas industry is unpredictable—whether it’s unexpected equipment failures, logistical delays, or regulatory changes, adaptability is key. One of my most challenging experiences was during the commissioning of the Malay compression station, where a critical equipment shipment was delayed. Instead of allowing the project to stall, I worked with suppliers, adjusted the project timeline, and found alternative solutions. The ability to think on my feet, stay composed under pressure, and pivot when necessary has been instrumental in my success.

Advice:
To build adaptability, step out of your comfort zone. Take on challenging projects, learn new technologies, and cultivate a mindset of resilience. Problem-solving skills can be developed through case studies, industry simulations, and learning from past experiences. Additionally, staying informed about global industry trends and being proactive in seeking solutions will make you a valuable asset in any organization.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

Over the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been expanding my expertise in automation and sustainability within the oil and gas industry, particularly in the integration of safer, more efficient, and environmentally responsible technologies. As the industry continues to evolve, I’ve made a conscious effort to stay ahead by learning about and implementing cutting-edge process automation, digital monitoring systems, and sustainable extraction methods.

One of the key improvements I focused on was optimizing gas dehydration processes using diethylene glycol (DEG) to enhance efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. By studying advanced chemical treatment methods and integrating smart monitoring solutions, I developed a strategy to reduce waste, lower emissions, and improve overall operational safety.

Another major area of growth has been leadership and strategic decision-making in high-pressure environments. Leading a team through complex infrastructure projects while navigating supply chain disruptions and evolving industry regulations has refined my ability to think critically, manage resources effectively, and drive innovation under constraints.

Beyond technical skills, I’ve also worked on expanding my international business acumen as I transition into the U.S. market. Understanding U.S. industry regulations, business development strategies, and forming connections with key stakeholders has been an invaluable learning experience.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/5380.azamat/