How does a global energy company get real about our future?
EVP and Employer Brand
After a decade of disciplined growth, Santos had turned its business around and had made it into the ASX20 with an ambitious new Purpose and 2040 Vision to live up to.
Yet, against the backdrop of a growing global energy crisis and rising consumer expectations for cleaner solutions, Santos found itself at a critical inflection point.
As a complex business, Santos recognised the need for transformation – not just in operations, but in mindset: Shifting from mechanical execution to empowered contribution, from structured processes to entrepreneurial collaboration, and from risk-averse stability to human-centred shared success.
Real Meaning
People energised by purpose and proud to leave a positive legacy.
The opportunity? Create the cultural conditions for people to thrive – not just by aligning to the strategy, but by living it in every conversation, decision and moment that mattered.
Deep listening. Deeper insights.
Our research revealed a clear picture across 6 executive interviews, 20 focus groups in Australia, Alaska, PNG, and a company-wide survey: People were proud of their contribution, technical excellence, and positive impact on communities. What they wanted was to feel safer to speak up, make empowered decisions, try new ideas and learn from each other.
One platform, multiple transformational touchpoints.
‘Real thrives here’ wasn’t just an EVP or employer brand. It was a circuit-breaker. A new way of thinking, doing, and leading at Santos – grounded in three data-driven pillars:
Real Meaning
People energised by purpose and proud to leave a positive legacy.
Real Meaning
People energised by purpose and proud to leave a positive legacy.
A roadmap for sustained success
12 Documentary-Style Films
Real, unscripted people stories from across the business – from PNG to Perth, Adelaide to Alaska and beyond – we brought ‘Real thrives here’ to life in ways people could see themselves and take pride in.
Real Talk Employee Survey
A reimagined feedback loop designed for action, not just insights. Engagement rose by 37% in key regions, driven by faster transparency and leader accountability.
Leadership Capability Uplift
Practical tools and frameworks equipped leaders to role model the everyday mindsets behaviours needed for teams to thrive.
Real Impact Centre (RIC)
More than a physical space outside of Santos HQ, we positioned the RIC as a purpose-designed hub to spark disruptive thinking and fast-track new energy ideas into real-world solutions.
Recognition Platform
Real-time, peer-to-peer and leader-led recognition made appreciation a visible, everyday behaviour – reinforcing progress and shared success.
Thrive360 Wellbeing Program
Redefining wellbeing at Santos by moving beyond the workday to support people holistically across mind, body, relationships and environment.
Impact: A real cultural shift
+100% engagement uplift
In WA, Northern Australia and Timor, led by leadership reset and structural simplification.
+54% engagement uplift
In Alaska, driven by leadership transparency and thoughtfully designed initiatives.
Faster innovation cycles
The RIC continues to enable bold ideas to be validated and scaled at pace.
“We’ve done the hard yards financially. Now we need to do the hard, human work of culture – and that’s what this is. ‘Real thrives here’ isn’t a tagline. It’s a commitment to lead differently, listen harder, and create a place where people are empowered to do the best work of their careers.”
+23% engagement uplift
In Eastern Australia and PNG, through evolved ways of working and stronger recognition.
“People told us what they needed: Purpose, trust, the freedom to speak up and contribute. ‘Real thrives here’ gives us a way to bring all of that together, and to move from talking about transformation to actually living it.”
New culture narrative embedded
‘Real thrives here’ is now the lived language of leaders, recruiters, and teams.