Meet the founders of flipping the barrel

 

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jamie and Massiel. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jamie and Massiel below.

Jamie and Massiel, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

Our purpose really became clear as we each navigated our careers in the oil and energy sector. As two women in an industry where female representation is still far too low, we felt a deep need to create a community that would uplift and empower others like us. We realized that many women in energy face similar struggles and lack mentors who understand their unique challenges. This underrepresentation isn’t just a statistic to us—it’s something we’ve lived, and we’re determined to help other women feel seen, supported, and inspired.

For both of us, this mission took on a whole new meaning when we became mothers. We each have daughters, and we want them to grow up seeing strong women leading in every industry, including energy. We’re passionate about showing our girls—and the next generation of women—that they belong wherever they aspire to be, whether it’s out in the field or leading a company.

Founding Flipping the Barrel was about filling a gap we saw firsthand and inspiring change. We’re not just working to shift perceptions in oil and gas; we’re creating a legacy, a platform that encourages women to pursue careers they may never have considered and to do so with confidence and resilience. It’s become more than a career goal for us; it’s our purpose and our way of giving back to an industry we believe in, even as we push it to grow more inclusive.

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?

We’re excited to share the evolution of Flipping the Barrel and everything we’re working on right now! We started FTB to create a space where the stories of women in energy could be told, connections could be fostered, and a sense of belonging could be built for all those navigating a career in the industry. Our mission is to inspire, educate, and connect—values that continue to drive every new addition to our community.

One of the most exciting new chapters for us is the launch of our sister platform, Energy IYKYK, which is focused on engaging the next generation in the oil and energy sector. Alongside this, we recently added the Energizing Tomorrow event to our portfolio. This event is geared towards attracting new talent to the oil and gas industry while also addressing the unique role of parenting in that journey. It joins our annual gatherings, Representation Matters and Pursuing Greatness, which have become key platforms for fostering diversity, innovation, and leadership in energy. Together, these events help us continue building a supportive, forward-thinking community in the industry.

Another exciting update is the launch of our online store, featuring a range of oil and energy-inspired merchandise! You’ll find everything from tees and socks to souvenirs and items for both adults and kids, all designed to celebrate the spirit of our community. This collection allows our members to connect with and proudly represent the industry that keeps the world moving, offering something special for everyone in the family.

Lastly, on a personal note, Jamie just welcomed her second daughter, Kyndall! Balancing family with our mission at FTB is a big part of our story, as being mothers fuels our dedication to building an inclusive industry. We’re even more committed to making energy a space where our daughters and other young women can see themselves represented and empowered to lead.

Flipping the Barrel has grown from a small idea to a vibrant community, and with each new addition, we’re driven to make a lasting impact on this industry we love. Thank you for being part of our journey—there’s so much more to come!

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 on our journey with Flipping the Barrel, we can identify several qualities that have been truly impactful. First and foremost, passion has been our driving force. It’s what inspired us to create a platform where women in the oil and energy sector could feel seen and supported. Our love for the industry and our commitment to empowering others inspired our initial vision and continues to ignite our work today.

Alongside passion, we’ve had to cultivate grit and resilience. The road hasn’t always been smooth, and we’ve faced our share of challenges, from securing sponsorships to breaking down barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field. But it’s this very grit that has kept us pushing forward, even in the face of adversity. Each obstacle we’ve encountered has taught us valuable lessons and strengthened our resolve.

Additionally, the importance of a supportive community and sisterhood cannot be overstated. Having partners who believe in our mission, along with a network of women rallying around each other, has been crucial. It reminds us that we’re not alone in this journey. For those early in their careers, we encourage you to seek out and build your own support network. Find mentors and peers who uplift you and share your passion. Don’t hesitate to lean on each other, as these relationships can be incredibly transformative.

Our advice for anyone starting their journey in this industry is to embrace multitasking and adaptability. The ability to juggle various responsibilities while staying focused on your goals is essential, especially in a fast-paced environment like oil and gas. Remember that every step, whether big or small, contributes to your growth and development.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Yes, we are always looking for partners and collaborators who share our mission at Flipping the Barrel! We’re particularly interested in connecting with oil and gas companies that want to support our podcasts and events. By partnering with us, you can help empower women and promote diversity in the energy sector.

We also have a sister platform, Energy IYKYK, focused on engaging Gen Z in the oil and energy sector. Collaborating with companies eager to connect with this younger demographic would be incredibly valuable as we work to inspire the next generation of leaders.

If you’re interested in joining us on this journey, please reach out to us at flippingthebarrel@gmail.com. We’d love to explore how we can work together to make a positive impact in the industry!

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