Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your role and assignment at Total Energies?
I’m Alan, a freelance consultant specialising in energy projects, particularly in renewables. I’ve been freelancing for almost two years now, and my current role at TotalEnergies focuses on renewable energy production, particularly solar and wind. I work on transforming the way projects are developed – from identifying opportunities and securing permits to getting projects off the ground. TotalEnergies has ambitious goals to triple their production of green electricity by 2030, and I help accelerate this process by coordinating the different stages of project development.
In more detail, I manage the industrialisation of the development phase, which includes everything from signing lease agreements for land to obtaining the necessary permits to start construction. It’s a dynamic role that requires collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, from technical to legal teams. One of the things I enjoy most is the challenge of pulling everything together, making sure every piece of the puzzle fits so that the project can move forward efficiently.
What inspired you to switch from full-time employment to freelancing in the consulting field?
There were several drivers behind my decision. One of the biggest reasons was the desire for autonomy. A professor at my university once told me that I would always want to carve my own path, and that really stuck with me. Freelancing allows me to have a more direct relationship with clients, free from office politics, and gives me more control over my work. I also enjoy the freedom to build trust-based relationships with clients while standing on equal footing with them.
Another key reason for my switch was my interest in entrepreneurship. Over time, I have developed several ideas for startups, and freelancing felt like a natural first step toward making those ideas a reality. Although I haven’t fully launched my startup ideas yet – freelancing keeps me busy – I appreciate that I have the flexibility to explore those opportunities while continuing to work as a freelance consultant.
Could you share your experience working on your current freelance project with TotalEnergies through Malt Strategy? What challenges did you face?
Having previously worked with TotalEnergies, transitioning into this project as a freelancer was quite smooth. I was already familiar with their company culture and workflows, which made integration easy. However, one challenge I faced was coordinating with internal teams. Many of the team members I work with already have full-time responsibilities, so getting them on board for additional tasks wasn’t always easy, because they already had such full agendas.
To tackle this, I changed my approach. Initially, I would schedule short, one-hour meetings to brief them on tasks, but that wasn’t very effective. Now, I organise longer, interactive workshops where we work through tasks together. This hands-on approach has been much more efficient and ensures that everyone stays engaged. It’s not just about coordinating tasks – it’s about getting everyone to work together, creating a sense of shared ownership, and getting buy-in from everyone involved.
How has Malt's Business Referral Programme helped you expand your business?
I’ve referred a few opportunities to Malt Strategy through the Business Referral Programme. One of them turned into a successful project, which is great because it provides a source of passive income. Even if I’m not directly involved in the project, I still get rewarded if the opportunity leads to a mission for another freelance consultant. It’s a smart way to leverage your network and create value for others.
While it hasn’t resulted in new projects for me personally, it’s been rewarding to see others benefit. The program is a great tool for consultants to create connections, help each other out, and, of course, earn a bit of extra income along the way. It feels good.
What drives you to keep developing new skills and staying relevant in your field, and what skills do you focus on?
Staying up-to-date is critical, especially in a fast-changing industry like energy. I regularly attend conferences, such as one in France focused on infrastructure, to learn about the latest developments. These events are a fantastic way to network and pick up on emerging trends. I’m also considering specialised training in transformation management to support my current work in renewables.
As a freelancer, continuous learning is key to maintaining expertise. Clients hire you because they expect cutting-edge knowledge, so you can’t rely on what you learned years ago. You have to keep evolving and refining both your technical knowledge and your soft skills. For me, it's not just about keeping up – it's about staying ahead.
What strategic advice would you give to fellow freelance consultants looking to grow in complex projects?
My main piece of advice is to build strong relationships and focus on clear communication. It’s crucial to align with all stakeholders and ensure that everyone understands their role in the project. Organising interactive workshops, rather than just sending emails, has been a game-changer for me. It’s a more personal and effective way to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Additionally, don’t underestimate the value of a specialised skill set. In the beginning, I worried a bit that my niche expertise might limit my opportunities, but I’ve found that clients highly value freelancers with deep knowledge in specific areas. You may have fewer opportunities, but those opportunities tend to be more aligned with your skills, making them higher quality.
Fun fact: What’s something unexpected about you that we wouldn’t guess from your professional work?
Here’s an unusual one: I know how to escape from a helicopter that’s sinking in the ocean! When I worked in the oil and gas industry, we had to take helicopters to offshore rigs. Before we were allowed to board, we had to undergo safety training, which included learning how to escape a helicopter if it crashes into water. The training was incredibly stressful – we had to practice escaping upside down, underwater, with limited visibility – but it was also a valuable life skill. It’s not something you expect to use in everyday life, but in my case, it was a requirement for the job.
That experience was both terrifying and fascinating. It gave me a deep respect for safety procedures and the intense training that goes into working in high-risk environments. It’s definitely one of the most memorable and unusual skills I’ve picked up during my career.
