In this episode of the NY Professional Spotlight Podcast, host Roman Kirzhner sits down with Renato Shemsiu, an experienced engineering and project management professional working across the oil and gas, refining, renewable fuels, and process technology industries.
Renato shares how his interest in engineering began as a child in Albania, where his father introduced him to industrial equipment, processes, and the importance of building strong relationships with a team. That early experience helped shape a career that now spans more than 18 years. Pasted text
Renato discusses his evolution from a technical process engineer into a leader responsible for multidisciplinary teams, stakeholders, business decisions, and complex projects. He explains why professionals should develop deep technical expertise while also learning about finance, contracts, customers, risk, operations, and how organizations make decisions. Pasted text
The conversation also explores the role of culture and communication in leadership. Renato speaks five languages and shares how an assignment in France pushed him to learn French and better understand a different culture. For Renato, leadership isn't simply about having every answer. It is about asking the right questions, creating clarity, building trust, and bringing people together around a common goal. Pasted text
Roman and Renato also discuss creating income outside of a primary career. Renato shares his experience as a licensed real estate agent, owning a rental property in Albania, exploring entrepreneurship, and considering consulting opportunities. He emphasizes identifying real problems, listening carefully to people, developing useful solutions, and having the courage to act on an idea.
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