Q1: What has been the most challenging aspect of your career, and how did you overcome it?
Not just in my career, but Imposter Syndrome has been the most challenging aspect of my life. Even with the numerous successes that I’ve experienced in and out of the workplace, sometimes doubt takes root. “Can I do it again?”, “Do I deserve this achievement?”, “Am I a fraud?” are the thoughts that swirl my mind.
I remind myself that the success comes from my intentionality and consistency. It also stems from placing myself around people that are better than me, who can draw me out of my comfort zone. Success is just a lagging indicator, an outcome that was already determined by my diligence in completing leading factors.
This approach quiets the noise in my mind, and I continually use it when Imposter Syndrome creeps up again because “My greatest enemy is my inner me.”
Q2: What has been the highlight of your career?
My current role as Dean of LyondellBasell’s Engineer University program. I lead a global program as the Engineer Development Lead. My role is to oversee the development of the company’s engineering workforce and increase their competency and capability through classroom training, content creation, monthly awareness sessions, leadership blogs, and a virtual resource hub.
It brings me joy to see someone stretch themselves beyond their current capabilities. What also invigorates me is seeing others thrive not just inside the workplace, but in their personal lives as well.
I’m very passionate about personal development, accountability, and coaching, so much so that I would pour into others for free. Being compensated for it is merely “the icing on the cake”.
Q3: What is something you wish you'd known at the beginning of your career?
My value.
It wasn’t until years into my career that I had a mentor tell me that “No one is an engineer by happenstance.” He reminded me that I was of value to the company. No matter the setbacks I encountered, he told me to embrace “Failing Forward.” These statements boosted my confidence and helped to free me from the chains of analysis paralysis, which is a cover for Fear of Failure.
I wish that I had the conversation earlier in my career as I believe that it would’ve embolden me to take on larger projects and even try opportunities abroad.
“Sometimes you have to believe in someone else’s belief in you…until your own belief kicks in!” – Les Brown
Q4: What is your biggest inspiration in life?
It’s a two-fold response.
Ever since we were dating, I referred to my wife as my muse. Being around her made me want to be the best man that I can be. Now that I’m a father, I’ve added a different but also equal drive, which is to be the best father and male model for my children. Growing up in a single parent household, I aim to be the father for my children that I wish I had in my life.
Q5: What is your go-to coffee order?
I drink one cup of black coffee a day. I mainly drink it for the antioxidants. I adopted this practice 12 years ago when I saw that it was how my grandfather and my wife’s grandfather drank their coffee. My wife’s grandfather lived to be 97 years old, and my grandfather is currently 87 years old. Hey, it can’t hurt to emulate some of their longevity practices, right? 😃
Prince Gammage is a native of Riviera Beach, FL. He graduated with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Florida A&M University and a M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Florida State University. He has 17 years of experience in the Oil & Gas industry within the areas of Maintenance & Reliability, Turnarounds, and Training. He resides in Houston, TX with his two kids and wife of 10 years. His recreational activities include personal development reading, watching films, and running. He’s currently training for his Ironman Texas debut in 2025!