Whitley Penn Talks: What Landman Doesn't Show You About Oil & Gas Leadership
Whitley Penn Talks: What Landman Doesn't Show You About Oil & Gas Leadership
09/10/2026
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way many people work. Then, four years later, the TV show Landman changed the way people saw the Oil & Gas industry. From new leadership challenges to phone calls with the New York Times, two women navigate these very real changes from the front lines.
In this special episode of A Crude Bit of Humor, they share what they learned.
Host Kendall Neukomm sits down with Julie Woodard, President of the American Association of Professional Landmen (AAPL), and Jean Hinton, President of the National Association of Division Order Analysts (NADOA), alongside Whitley Penn’s Buffie Campbell. Together, they discuss how leadership has evolved over the course of their careers and since the pandemic, how leaders can build strong teams and create opportunities for the next generation of professionals, and if they really encounter as many criminals as Billy Bob Thornton’s character in Landman.
Whether you’re an established leader or an emerging professional, this episode offers valuable insights on leadership, collaboration, mentorship, and advocacy from two women leading national organizations.
Listen to this episode on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Featuring:
Jean Hinton
President - National Association of Division Order Analysts
Julie Woodard
President - American Association of Professional Landmen
09/10/2026
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way many people work. Then, four years later, the TV show Landman changed the way people saw the Oil & Gas industry. From new leadership challenges to phone calls with the New York Times, two women navigate these very real changes from the front lines.
In this special episode of A Crude Bit of Humor, they share what they learned.
Host Kendall Neukomm sits down with Julie Woodard, President of the American Association of Professional Landmen (AAPL), and Jean Hinton, President of the National Association of Division Order Analysts (NADOA), alongside Whitley Penn’s Buffie Campbell. Together, they discuss how leadership has evolved over the course of their careers and since the pandemic, how leaders can build strong teams and create opportunities for the next generation of professionals, and if they really encounter as many criminals as Billy Bob Thornton’s character in Landman.
Whether you’re an established leader or an emerging professional, this episode offers valuable insights on leadership, collaboration, mentorship, and advocacy from two women leading national organizations.
Listen to this episode on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Featuring:
Takes from the Talk
How have leadership styles changed over the years?
According to Jean Hinton and Julie Woodard, leadership has evolved from a traditional management approach focused on processes and productivity to a more people-centered approach. Today’s leaders must adapt to different communication styles, support employee development, and lead multi-generational teams while navigating new technologies and workplace expectations.
What leadership skills are most important?
Communication, integrity, trust-building, active listening, and people development as critical leadership traits. Successful leaders must also understand their business, advocate for their teams, maintain professionalism, and help employees identify and achieve their career goals.
How has remote work impacted leadership?
COVID-19 accelerated workplace flexibility and normalized geographically dispersed teams. Leaders now rely on tools like Microsoft Teams to collaborate across locations while continuing to prioritize one-on-one conversations, employee engagement, and relationship-building to maintain strong team cultures.
Why is mentorship important for career growth?
Both Julie Woodard and Jean Hinton credit mentorship as a key factor in their professional success. Mentors can provide guidance, create opportunities, recommend stretch assignments, expand professional networks, and help emerging professionals navigate their career paths within the energy industry.
How can organizations improve collaboration across departments?
Communication, clear ownership, defined priorities, and regular cross-functional collaboration. Successful organizations create opportunities for departments such as land, accounting, operations, finance, and legal teams to stay aligned and work toward shared goals.
What impact has the TV show Landman had on the oil and gas industry?
The guests believe Landman has increased public awareness of the energy industry and sparked curiosity about careers that many people had never previously considered. While the show focuses on the more dramatic aspects of the business, it has created valuable opportunities to educate people about professions such as landmen, division order analysts, and other career paths within the industry.