For Molly Determan ’03, leadership isn't about having all the answers—it’s about staying true to one’s values even when the path forward looks unclear.
As president of the Energy Workforce & Technology Council, the national trade association for the global energy technology and services sector, Determan leads efforts to advance innovation, develop the energy workforce and shape strategic policy in a globally critical industry. From her time spent studying public relations and German at Samford to becoming a national leader in the energy sector, her journey has been anything but linear.
“Leadership is about knowing what you stand for,” she said. “Your values have to be your guide especially when things get tough.”
A Howard College of Arts and Sciences graduate, Determan points to perseverance, humility and adaptability as cornerstones of her leadership philosophy. Whether facing a professional setback or navigating a shifting policy landscape, she has always chosen to move forward with confidence.
But her understanding of leadership didn’t begin in the boardroom—it began at Samford.
One moment that continues to shape her came during a challenging time in the German department. When her advisor left unexpectedly, Determan advocated for students to be heard in the decision-making process. With support from her journalism and mass communication professors, she navigated the university’s leadership structure and ultimately met with then-President Thomas Corts to express students’ concerns.
“I wasn’t asking for a reversal of the decision,” she said. “I wanted to ensure leadership understood the impact it had on students.”
The experience taught her how to communicate across organizational levels, to identify key stakeholders and the value of having mentors who support and empower their students.
Determan is quick to point out that her career hasn’t followed a straight path. There were seasons of uncertainty, moments when plans didn’t go as expected and times she had to pivot in response to challenges. “I didn’t always have a clear picture of what I would do next,” she said. “However, I have always believed in my ability to succeed—never considering failure as an outcome.”
From stalled initiatives to unexpected opportunities, each turn offered a new lesson in perseverance, humility and growth. Those detours, she says, ultimately shaped her into the kind of leader who listens more than she speaks, learns from those closest to the work and adapts with confidence.
Today, Determan applies those same principles in a fast-moving, high-stakes industry. She’s especially excited about how energy professionals are meeting global challenges with cutting-edge technology and forward-thinking solutions.
“There’s never been a more exciting time to be in the energy industry,” she said. “Our workforce is stepping up every day to shape the future—whether that’s through innovation, improving energy security or driving emissions reductions.”
In her role, she remains passionate about elevating the people behind the progress. “Our workforce is our greatest strength,” she said. “Investing in their safety, training and success is what keeps me motivated every day.”
No matter where she finds herself, Determan carries with her the lessons first learned at Samford—lessons that continue to fuel her leadership today.
GIVE: Support impactful work at Howard College of Arts and Sciences.
