#99. Beth McDonald on Building Value Through Disciplined Growth & Strategic M&A

<p>On this episode of the Oilfield 360 Podcast, recorded live from the #FossilFueled event in Houston, Texas, David de Roode and Victoria Beard Queen were joined by Beth McDonald, CEO of SM Energy. </p><p>In this conversation, Beth shares her journey from a young engineer in the field to leading a public company focused on disciplined growth, strategic M&amp;A, and unlocking value in underappreciated basins.</p><p>We dig into what it really takes to create value in today’s energy market, from capital allocation and integration execution to building high-performing teams grounded in curiosity, hustle, and humility. </p><p>This is a conversation about leadership, discipline, and how great operators scale with intention.</p><p><br></p><p>00:00 Why Oil and Gas Matters</p><p>00:36 Podcast Mission and Sponsors</p><p>01:58 Live at Fossil Fueled Houston</p><p>02:51 Meet Beth McDonald</p><p>03:15 Roots and Geology Passion</p><p>04:16 Texas A&amp;M and Giving Back</p><p>05:03 Early Career Lessons at Fina</p><p>08:46 From Hess to Pioneer Growth</p><p>10:06 Joining SM Energy Culture</p><p>11:54 Innovation and Basin Strategy</p><p>15:00 CITAs Merger Value Case</p><p>16:42 Integration Planning and Talent</p><p>17:33 Merger Momentum</p><p>18:55 Family Life Balance</p><p>20:55 Mentors Who Shaped Me</p><p>23:04 Why Energy CEO</p><p>24:09 Legacy and Leadership</p><p>25:12 Weekends Sports Outdoors</p><p>26:55 Roots and Space Inspiration</p><p>28:18 Closing Advice and Farewell</p><p><br></p>