For International Women’s Day 2025, we sat down with Jasmin McLean, Head of Finance at inGauge Energy, to discuss her career journey, leadership philosophy, and the lessons she’s learned through her career. With a background in commercial finance and strategic business leadership, Jasmin has played a pivotal role in driving financial efficiency and supporting major energy and infrastructure projects. Here’s what she had to say about her experiences and insights.
Q: Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to a career in finance?
Jasmin: I grew up in Adelaide and studied Commerce at the University of Adelaide, majoring in Accounting. I started my career as a graduate accountant with Santos, which is where I really found my passion for working in the energy sector. My interest in this field runs deep—my father, uncles, and cousins have all worked in the oil and gas industry in different roles, from engineering to HR so it felt natural to pursue a career in this space. Over time, I transitioned from finance roles into more commercial roles, where I could work closely with operations teams and be involved in big-picture strategic decisions.
Q: You spent over a decade at Santos—what were some of the highlights of your time there?
Jasmin: My time at Santos was incredibly rewarding. I worked on several major projects, including the $18 billion GLNG project, where I was part of the commercial finance team reporting to joint venture partners. I also had the opportunity to support the drilling team, which involved implementing financial systems and cost management tools that became the company standard. One of my proudest achievements was helping to scale operations from drilling 100 wells a year to 600 wells a year while maintaining tight financial oversight. It was a real testament to the power of teamwork, efficiency and strategic planning.
Q: After Santos, you moved to Boral. What drew you to the construction and recycling sector?
Jasmin: I was curious about working in a different industry, and the opportunity to head up finance for Boral’s recycling division was really appealing. It was an exciting time, as we were looking at ways to expand operations and increase profitability. One of my key contributions was supporting business cases for investment in new recycling sites, which ultimately led to doubling the bottom line of the division over three years. It was a very different challenge from oil and gas, but the fundamentals of commercial finance remain the same—understanding costs, finding efficiencies, and identifying opportunities for growth.
Q: What brought you back to the energy industry with inGauge Energy?
Jasmin: I missed the energy sector. There’s something about working with incredibly smart and driven people on complex projects that I find really inspiring. Many of my former colleagues from Santos were at inGauge, so when the opportunity came up to join as Head ff Finance, I jumped at it. I love being able to bring a financial lens to technical operations and help drive business performance from a commercial perspective.
Q: How do you define your leadership style and how has it evolved?
Jasmin: I’ve always taken the approach of just getting in there and doing the work. I never let being in the minority hold me back. That said, I’ve encountered challenges along the way—occasional personalities that make life difficult or moments where I’ve had to work harder to be heard. But overall, I’ve had great mentors and colleagues who have supported me. I think one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you don’t have to change who you are to succeed. The best leaders I’ve worked with—both men and women—have been those who bring their authentic selves to the table and lead with confidence and integrity.
Q: Have there been women who have inspired you in your career?
Jasmin: Absolutely. A former general manager I worked with at Boral was a fantastic leader who showed me that you don’t need to adopt masculine traits to succeed in a male-dominated industry. She led with warmth, competence, and a strong sense of self, and created an environment where people felt valued and motivated. Seeing her thrive while being completely authentic reinforced for me that leadership isn’t about conforming—it’s about bringing your unique strengths to the table. I’ve also been incredibly inspired by Jo Groves, our CEO at inGauge, whose career trajectory has been phenomenal. She’s proof that with determination and skill, you can take on any challenge and lead with impact.
Q: Mentorship is often key to career growth. Have you mentored others, and what advice do you give to the next generation?
Jasmin: I think one of my strengths is being a cheerleader for others—giving people that extra push and confidence boost when they need it. So often, people—especially women—hesitate to go for that promotion or take on a big project because they don’t feel 100% ready. My advice is always: ‘You already know how to do this. Go for it.’ I also encourage people to be intentional with their time. Every day is part of your life, so make sure you’re spending it in a way that aligns with your values and goals.
Q: You’ve also been involved in supporting women outside of the workplace, particularly through advocacy for domestic violence victims. Can you tell us about that?
Jasmin: For several years, I was a director of a charity focused on fundraising for victims of domestic violence. We ran events, raised awareness, and channelled funds directly to frontline services. I’m still in touch with the team and support their initiatives when I can. I strongly believe that every person deserves to feel safe in their home, and I’m proud to have played a role in building that organisation.
Q: What are the top three pieces of advice that have guided you in life and work?
Jasmin:
- Don’t wait for tomorrow. Life is happening now, and every day you are living is your life—be intentional with how you spend it.
- Let the people in your life know you love and care about them. Never miss an opportunity to appreciate and value those around you.
- Back yourself. If you wait until you feel completely ready for something, you’ll never do it. Take the leap and trust in your abilities.
Q: What does International Women’s Day mean to you, and what message would you share with women in your industry?
Jasmin: International Women’s Day is a great opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come and where we still need to go. My message to women in the energy and finance industries is simple: back yourself. You have valuable perspectives and skills—don’t be afraid to bring them to the table. And for leaders, I’d say: create environments where diverse voices are genuinely heard. Inclusion is about more than representation; it’s about making sure everyone has the chance to contribute meaningfully.
Q: Finally, outside of work, what do you enjoy doing?
Jasmin: I love spending time outdoors—camping, scuba diving, and heading to the beach with my kids, who are eight and five. I also have a deep appreciation for the simple things—gin and tonic, good cheese, and catching up with friends. Life’s too short not to enjoy it!
