In November 2021, upon joining Katoni Engineering, Graham encountered a pivotal moment in our relationship with a key client. At that time, they engaged with Katoni primarily for single-discipline work, and significant personnel changes within their team presented both challenges and opportunities.

Background

Before Graham’s arrival, the lead overseeing our projects had departed. Additionally, the three platform Technical Authorities (TAs) were transitioning out, creating uncertainty about the continuity and scope of our collaboration. Recognising the importance of these roles, the client swiftly appointed replacements:

• A new overall lead TA
• A TA for one of the platforms
• New TAs designated for other key assets

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With change often comes the potential for relationships to fade - or be strengthened. Graham chose the latter.

Re-establishing Connections

Having previously worked with the new overall lead TA in the 1990s, albeit in different capacities, Graham used this to reconnect. Similarly, his past professional interactions with the TA for one of the platforms during the 1980s and 1990s provided a foundation for renewed engagement. Graham didn’t rely on history alone - he used it as a door-opener, and what followed was very much about the present.

The Katoni Way in Action

From day one, Graham exemplified the Katoni values that set us apart: initiative, delivering on promises, consistency, and care. His approach was strategic but deeply human:

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• Immediate Outreach: Graham connected directly with the new overall lead TA, providing a clear overview of current projects and demonstrating our commitment to continuity and quality. This early engagement helped steady the ground and showed we were present, prepared, and reliable.
• Open, Ongoing Communication: Regular, transparent conversations became the norm. Whether resolving challenges or adapting to evolving project needs, the relationship grew stronger through honest dialogue and responsiveness.
• Trust Earned, Not Assumed: By consistently delivering on commitments and never over-promising, Graham and the team built credibility the right way - through action. Our reputation as a dependable partner took root and flourished.

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Real Results

The outcome? A stronger, more collaborative partnership. What started as a single-discipline engagement has grown into a broader, multi-disciplinary relationship. Projects run more smoothly, and new opportunities have followed. All of it rooted in the way Graham re-established and nurtured those relationships.

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Beyond This Client

Graham’s approach has had a ripple effect beyond this particular engagement:

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• In early 2024, he reached out to a former colleague now in a senior technical role at another organisation. That conversation led to a power system study on electrical network safety - and has since grown into a pipeline of multidisciplinary studies and future detailed engineering work.
• Later, during an industry networking event, a casual chat with an electrical superintendent turned into something more. A shared concern around electrical safety led to follow-up discussions and, ultimately, work across multiple major assets - including one of the largest semi-submersible drilling rigs in the world.

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The Takeaway

These stories all point back to the same core idea: relationships are built - not inherited. Graham’s work with this client and others reflects The Katoni Way in action: consistent, proactive, and guided by trust and technical excellence. By leaning into relationships with authenticity and showing up when it matters, Graham has helped expand our impact across the energy sector - and reminded us that the best partnerships start with people.‍

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