CEO Insights Magazine

In the ever-evolving landscape of global business, certain individuals stand out as visionary leaders who chart new courses and drive innovation in their respective industries. Mohammad Puri, the Founder of Energi, is one such luminary who has made a profound impact on the oil and gas sector through his dynamic leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence.

In his role as Energi's Founder and Director, Mohammad Puri personifies the culture of innovation and steadfastness that characterizes the organization. His trajectory, from his academic roots to becoming a central figure in the energy sector, serves as compelling evidence of his visionary leadership and resolute dedication to moulding the course of energy infrastructure and trading. With Mohammad at the helm, Energi persists in flourishing and adapting, establishing fresh standards in the perpetually changing energy arena.

Below is an excerpt of Mohammad Puri’s exclusive interaction with CEO Insights ASIA magazine.

How has your professional journey been so far? And what motivates your daily routines?

I hail from the vibrant streets of London and embarked on my academic journey at London Metropolitan University, graduating in 2010. Fast forward to today, I find myself at 34, reflecting on a remarkable journey. After graduation, I started working with Glencore, a global oil and gas commodity trading giant. I contributed to their development in Pakistan until 2014 when I founded my venture, Energi, driven by the untapped opportunities in Pakistan's energy market. Starting as a consultancy, we later invested in Oil and Gas infrastructure and started trading. Today, we own and operate 300,000 cubic meters of storage and a robust distribution network across Pakistan and Mozambique.

Furthermore, my motivation comes from the process of learning something new everyday. It's about overcoming daily challenges, exploring new markets, nurturing lasting relationships and above all enjoying the whole process while you make mistakes, face different challenges and to achieve goals.

Define Energi as an organization & its position in the market.

Energi is primarily an oil and gas infrastructure investment company, which has progressively ventured into trading. We operate as a medium-sized player in the industry, with approximately 300 employees. Within our core markets, including Pakistan, East Africa, the UAE, and the Far East. We are esteemed as preferred suppliers to our customers and outperform even the world's top traders with them. In essence, Energi thrives in diverse oil and gas landscapes, combining infrastructure investment with formidable trading capabilities.

What are the kinds of impacts you deliver in your role in the company?

As a founder, my detail oriented approach ensures excellence cross the group, keeping the energi family motivated. Our company operates in distinct segments and our journey exemplifies our determination and motivation. We treat challenges as a learning experience while having fun as a family.

Tell us about your leadership approach. What are the guidelines or methodologies you follow as a leader?

As a leader it is crucial that you walk the walk and talk the talk. One should always be prepared to roll their sleeves and get their hands dirty. At the same time, I also have confidence in and encourage my colleagues to exabit leadership qualities.

My leadership style revolves around fostering a familial environment within our organization. I've instituted an open-door policy, making myself accessible to every team member, regardless of their position. Recognizing that our colleagues often spend more time at work than at home, I view our workplace as an extended family. As a genuine leader, I'm committed to motivating and nurturing their growth, helping them ascend to higher levels in their careers.

I actively promote internal talent development, urging colleagues to mentor and prepare one another for leadership roles. This internal elevation not only enhances their potential but also strengthens our organization. When they step into my shoes, it signifies progression rather than my departure, fostering a culture of continuous growth and advancement.

What is the future destination you are headed towards?

Along with continuing to grow our trading, our primary focus at Energi is on Oil and Gas investments, with a keen eye on the future. Specifically, we emphasize downstream aspects – Oil and Gas infrastructure investments in emerging markets, as well as the establishment of extensive retail distribution networks. We aim to traverse the entire supply chain, ultimately reaching and serving the end-users directly. While this vision may extend beyond my lifetime, we've already embarked on this journey in select markets. Looking ahead, our overarching goal is to expand our footprint into regions like Africa and Latin America, where substantial downstream infrastructure and investment opportunities await, further propelling our mission.

Mohammad Puri, Founder, Energi Asia

Mohammad Puri, Founder of Energi, is an influential figure in the energy industry. With an extensive experience in oil and gas, he's known for visionary leadership. His journey showcases a commitment to shaping the future of energy infrastructure and trading, fostering innovation and growth.