Today we’d like to introduce you to Massiel Diez and Jamie Elrod. They and their team shared their story with us below:
It all started with a social media connection! Our story begins with Jamie’s husband, Jason, introducing Jamie to Massiel online. Massiel, already a social media star, documented her experiences as a woman in the oilfield on YouTube and Instagram, inspiring many.
This virtual meeting sparked a real-life friendship and the idea for Flipping the Barrel. We envisioned a space to empower future leaders in the energy sector, a place to inspire, educate, and connect.
Fast forward to today, Flipping the Barrel (FTB) is a thriving community and platform dedicated to just that. We offer a variety of resources to help individuals navigate their oil and energy careers. Check out our website on Flippingthebarrel.com to learn more about what we do.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Building a community like Flipping the Barrel (FTB) hasn’t always been smooth sailing. Sure, we’ve had incredible moments – the energy at Pursuing Greatness events which we organize, the inspiring connections made at Representation Matters, another event we host annually – but there have also been challenges to overcome. Here are a few of the bumps we’ve encountered along the way:
– When we first started, the energy sector wasn’t exactly known for being a hotbed of social media savvy. We had to carve out our space, learn the ropes of online engagement, and prove that impactful conversations could happen virtually.
– In an industry steeped in tradition, advocating for change can be tough. We had to demonstrate the value of inclusivity and diversity, not just to the next generation but also to established leaders. It’s been about fostering open dialogue and showing how a more inclusive industry benefits everyone.
– Let’s be honest: building a platform takes resources! We started small, relying on our own hustle and passion. Securing sponsorships, finding the right event spaces, and creating high-quality content all presented challenges. But, with each hurdle we’ve overcome, our network has grown stronger.
Despite the struggles, these challenges have fueled our determination. We’ve learned to be resourceful, adaptable, and most importantly, passionate. Seeing the impact we’ve made on individuals and the industry as a whole keeps us pushing forward.
So, has it been a smooth road? Not exactly. But with every twist and turn, Flipping the Barrel has emerged stronger, more connected, and even more dedicated to empowering the future leaders of the energy sector. We’re excited to see what the future holds, and we’re grateful for the incredible community that’s joined us on this journey.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Jamie: The Connector with a Cause
By day, I’m a Global Sales and Key Account Director for IET at Baker Hughes, with over a decade of experience under my belt. I started in the field as a Sales Rep and have grown a strong network throughout my career. But my passion goes beyond sales figures. I’m deeply committed to advocating for more women in oil and gas.
Flipping the Barrel wasn’t just a business idea for me; it was about creating a space where women could see themselves represented and connect with others who share their drive. I’m most proud of the community we’ve built – a network of strong, supportive women who are shattering stereotypes and paving the way for the next generation.
What sets me apart? Maybe it’s my ability to connect with people. I love building relationships and using my network to open doors for others.
Massiel: The Oil Field Girl with a Mission
I came at things a little differently. Fresh out of McGill University with a chemical engineering degree, I wasn’t exactly following the traditional path. But my passion for the oil and gas industry was real, and I wanted to share that with the world.
That’s how “Oil Field Girl” was born – my social media persona where I documented my experiences as a Wireline Field Engineer. It resonated with people! My openness about the challenges and rewards of this non-traditional career path struck a chord, and my audience grew rapidly.
I’m most proud of how Flipping the Barrel has amplified that message. We’re not just showing young girls that oil and gas is an option; we’re providing them with resources and a support system to help them thrive.
What sets me apart? Maybe it’s my authenticity. I wasn’t afraid to share the real, unfiltered side of this industry, and I think that resonated with people who were looking for something genuine.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Jamie:
– Believe it or not, public speaking wasn’t always my forte! Co-founding Flipping the Barrel and becoming more involved in the online energy community definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone but in the best way possible.
Massiel:
– While I may be known for wearing hard hats and coveralls on social media, my off-the-clock passion is health and fitness. Following a strict routine ensures I have the stamina and strength to keep up with the demands of working in this very demanding industry and maintaining good body posture is key to preventing injuries.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://flippingthebarrel.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flippingthebarrel
- Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/flippingthebarrel
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flipping-the-barrel/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0GdsZcGcqX-vxHcQRvL6Pg
