Peter Han

Peter’s approach to work blends organisation, communication and a strong focus on client needs. He spoke to us about how he found his way into the pipeline industry, what keeps his role varied and the value of staying open to unexpected opportunities.

What was your journey to Atmos?

My journey to Atmos came as a bit of a surprise. I never expected to work in the oil and gas industry. I studied aerospace engineering at university and always imagined a career in aerospace. My first job out of college was actually in cochlear implants, where I interned and was later offered a full-time role, but I wanted to be closer to home, so I applied for a job with Atmos. It all happened quite unexpectedly, but it’s turned out to be a great move.

What is your biggest achievement to date - personal or professional?

Professionally, I’d say closing a major deal with our largest customer in North America. It was a big moment for me, especially because it required us to adapt and rethink some of our usual ways of working to meet their needs.

What does a typical day look like for you and what are you currently working on?

There’s no such thing as a typical day and that’s one of the best parts of my role. Some days I’m out on the road meeting clients, other days I’m at my desk working on proposals, reviewing contracts or collaborating with project teams on maintenance work. The variety keeps things interesting.

While a lot of what I’m working on is client-specific and confidential, I can share that we’ve been exploring partnership opportunities with a couple of external companies. We’re discussing how we might work together to strengthen each other's position in the market.

What three words describe your role at Atmos?

Organised, client-focused and strategic.

If you could switch jobs with someone, who would it be?

I’d like to be a teacher. I’ve always enjoyed teaching, and I think it would be a great challenge. My friends who work in the education sector say it’s one of the toughest jobs and how you need the patience of a saint, but that only makes me want to try it more. I did some tutoring when I was younger and really enjoyed working with students. I also think teachers deserve more respect for the work they do.

What would you like to achieve in the next five years at Atmos?

I’d like to see the company continue to grow. We’re well known for our pipeline leak detection and simulation work, but I’d love to see us become recognised more broadly as a leader in pipeline technology across the board.

What are your biggest professional challenges?

Some of the challenges relate to working with clients, particularly around contracts and legal agreements. It can be tricky navigating those areas.

If you could choose anyone, who would you pick as your mentor?

I’m lucky to already have a mentor through one of the pipeline professional networks here in Houston, Texas. He’s a Chief Operations Officer (COO) at another company and has been incredibly helpful, sharing lessons learned, industry insights and how to handle challenges, both with clients and internally. I really value his support.

If you could go back and speak with the 16-year-old you, what would you tell yourself?

Be open-minded and don’t limit yourself. I never thought I’d be in the oil and gas industry or in sales. I pictured myself in engineering or aerospace, but you never know where opportunities might take you.

What do you like most about your job?

The variety. Like I mentioned earlier, no two days are the same. Some days are calm, others are full of challenges, but even when things slow down, there’s always something new to explore and ways to grow the business or improve what we do.

What advice would you give to recent new entrants?

Ask questions, because you should never feel embarrassed about not knowing something. People often say there’s no such thing as a stupid question, and it’s true. It’s better to ask and learn than to stay quiet and make a mistake. We’re all here to support one another at Atmos.

What is your motto or personal mantra?

“Don’t just work harder, but work smarter.” I’ve always looked for ways to be more efficient without compromising quality and that mindset started when I was a kid. I used to get annoyed having to get out of bed to turn off the light after reading, so I tied a piece of yarn to the switch, ran it across the room with a few hooks and dropped the end next to my bed. Problem solved.

These days, that same thinking shows up in a different way. I enjoy setting up smart home automations, whether it’s lighting, safety alerts or convenience tools. We have the technology now to work smarter, not harder. For me, it’s about using those tools to create space and focus for what really matters.

What’s your favourite blog or website you follow?

Professionally, I keep up to date with the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) content. They regulate much of the pipeline industry so their updates are really useful.

What’s your favourite country to visit?

South Korea because I love how safe it feels. For example, you can leave something at a bus stop and come back hours later to find it still there. That level of respect is something special.