On this episode of the Oilfield 360 Podcast, recorded live from the #FossilFueled event in Houston, Texas, David de Roode and Victoria Beard Queen were joined by Beth McDonald, CEO of SM Energy.
In this conversation, Beth shares her journey from a young engineer in the field to leading a public company focused on disciplined growth, strategic M&A, and unlocking value in underappreciated basins.
We dig into what it really takes to create value in today’s energy market, from capital allocation and integration execution to building high-performing teams grounded in curiosity, hustle, and humility.
This is a conversation about leadership, discipline, and how great operators scale with intention.
00:00 Why Oil and Gas Matters
00:36 Podcast Mission and Sponsors
01:58 Live at Fossil Fueled Houston
02:51 Meet Beth McDonald
03:15 Roots and Geology Passion
04:16 Texas A&M and Giving Back
05:03 Early Career Lessons at Fina
08:46 From Hess to Pioneer Growth
10:06 Joining SM Energy Culture
11:54 Innovation and Basin Strategy
15:00 CITAs Merger Value Case
16:42 Integration Planning and Talent
17:33 Merger Momentum
18:55 Family Life Balance
20:55 Mentors Who Shaped Me
23:04 Why Energy CEO
24:09 Legacy and Leadership
25:12 Weekends Sports Outdoors
26:55 Roots and Space Inspiration
28:18 Closing Advice and Farewell