Developing Together: Gordon’s path to Projects Director

Nearly twenty years ago, Gordon Thomson joined our team as a fresh-faced, rugby-loving graduate eager to make a difference in the world. Gordon’s progress is no secret to many of us, but it is a shining example of our “Developing Together” commitment to our people in action.

At OnPath, we aim to nurture and develop talent, giving everyone the opportunity to progress, develop, and fulfil their potential. Gordon’s career journey is a testament to this commitment. Read on to discover more about Gordon’s inspiring journey.

Q1. What one piece of advice would you give to any recent graduate looking for their first role?  

My advice would be that life is not a dress rehearsal. Get to know yourself, understand your ‘why’, do something you love because if you love what you do, it’s not work. There is an old saying that has always resonated with me “a person who has a strong enough why can weather almost any how”. For graduates looking to get into renewables: make a nuisance of yourself; Don’t sit in the corner; don’t wait for life to come to you; don’t expect to be taught; demand to be taught and developed; Seize the opportunities; don’t wait for them to arrive in your lap, Go and get them.  

  

Q2. What did you want to be when you were growing up?  

I wanted to be a professional rugby player. I was pretty good and had a chance. I was an apprentice professional with Edinburgh for a couple of years while at university, but ultimately, natural physicality and injuries put an end to my ambitions. However, I did play rugby at a very high level on an amateur basis and represented my country seven times at age-grade level.  

  

Q3. What led you to a career in renewable energy?  

I originally studied law at university, it gave me a good understanding of basic principles but it wasn’t for me. I switched to an urban and rural studies degree because I was always interested in geography, why the world looks the way it does and the human impact on our planet. The awareness of our impact on the planet led me to renewable energy. I’m fascinated by our place in the universe and the apparent rarity of intelligent life and civilisation. Protecting this universal rarity made me conscious of climate change and the impact of carbon. Moving into renewables allowed me to contribute to humanity’s ambitions while protecting the planet.  

  

Q4. How did the graduate scheme benefit your career and contribute to where you are today?  

The graduate development programme gave me a broad perspective on development. It taught me the importance of understanding the impact and socio-economic acceptability of projects, whether it’s a wind farm, a mine, property development, or a data centre. The program provided insights into planning, finance, engineering, PR, and community relations, setting me on the right ‘Path’ from the start.  

It is our people who run through brick walls, break down barriers, find solutions to challenges, deliver positive outcomes and create value. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it so, we need to invest in and develop those people who are willing and able to do what so many cannot.  It’s our people who create real value through their daily action, that’s what we call Developing Together.”

Gordon Thomson, Projects Director at OnPath Energy

Q5. How has the business and your colleagues supported your career journey?  

Professionally, I was given the opportunity to be part of a team involved in every stage of the development process, from site finding through planning, consultation, construction, and operation. This experience has been invaluable. Developing projects like Kype Muir, Kype Muir Extension, Middle Muir, Mill Rig, Lethans, and Lethans East took the best part of 12 years, and I got to see every stage. From an industry perspective, this breadth of involvement is rare, but the business supported me by giving me the space to learn and grow without fear of significant chastisation. 

Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work with a lot of extremely talented people and have received many valuable lessons from colleagues past and present. There has definitely been an element of seeking out support as one cannot wholly expect such wisdom to land in one’s lap.  Each lesson brought with it varying levels of pain, but “within paid lies growth”. I still look for this guidance from each and every person at OnPath to this day. Lessons in humility, empathy, fortitude, dexterity, strength of character, and determination have shaped my general approach. Insights into communication and understanding others’ perspectives have been crucial in learning to influence others. Leadership and conflict management have also been significant areas of growth, showing that conflict doesn’t need to be negative. Moral fibre and doing the right thing have been always guiding principles. I won’t name anyone for fear of missing someone out, but they know who they are. 

Our business operates in a political system and there are lots of aspects of what we do that cannot be automated. Thus, it is our people who run through brick walls, break down barriers, find solutions to challenges, deliver positive outcomes and create value. “If it were easy, everyone would be doing it” so, we need to invest in and develop those people who are willing and able to do what so many cannot.  It’s our people who create real value through their daily action, that’s what we call Developing Together.