Beyond The Blend

Jamie Shaw

In this episode of Beyond the Blend, we sit down with Jamie Shaw, Director of OMS LubriTek Limited, to talk about building a business, spotting opportunity where others see routine, and why technical curiosity still matters. Jamie shares his journey from mechanical engineering apprentice to technical sales, and ultimately launching OMS LubriTek with a clear ambition to do things differently in oil management and lubrication services. This is a conversation that goes beyond products and process. We explore the reality of building a business, helping customers recognise problems they’ve learned to live with, and why education, partnership and long-term thinking are key to creating real value. There’s also a more personal side. Jamie reflects on turning 50, finding balance, and building a culture that respects life outside of work. It’s a grounded view of leadership — one that values people, time and perspective. We also talk about purpose beyond the day job, from taking on challenges like the Great North Run and Yorkshire Three Peaks, to supporting causes that matter deeply, including fundraising for a friend’s treatment and raising awareness through Andy’s Man Club. A thoughtful and honest episode about resilience, ambition and doing meaningful work with the right people around you. As Jamie puts it, if you’ve got that itch to do something… sometimes you’ve just got to give it a go. If this resonates, take a look at: Selling Lubricants Smarter – A Lubricant Seller’s Journey from Crisis to Success https://sellinglubricantssmarter.com/

Yana Wilkinson

In this episode of Beyond the Blend, Rob sits down with Yana Wilkinson to explore the role of insight, decision-making and leadership in an industry that is constantly evolving. Yana brings a fresh perspective on what market research really is. It’s not just data, reports or databases, it’s about helping businesses make better decisions. Whether that’s through insight, structured thinking or simply acting as a sounding board, the focus is always the same: be useful. A key theme in this conversation is the difference between information and insight. In today’s world, most businesses have access to the same information. The real advantage comes from how that information is interpreted, connected and applied to real decisions. Yana also shares her thoughts on culture and leadership, challenging the idea that culture is something abstract. Instead, it shows up in daily behaviours, decisions and how leaders act under pressure. Strategy and culture aren’t separate, they need to work together. The discussion also explores talent, collaboration and the future of the industry. From attracting the next generation to building meaningful careers, Yana highlights the importance of purpose, learning and creating environments where people can grow. And of course, AI plays a part. Rather than seeing it as something to fear, Yana frames it as a leadership challenge. The question is no longer whether AI will change things, but how leaders choose to understand it, engage with it and guide their teams through it. If you’re interested in how better thinking leads to better decisions, and how leadership, insight and curiosity come together, this episode is well worth your time. If this resonates, take a look at: Selling Lubricants Smarter - A Lubricant Seller’s Journey from Crisis to Success https://sellinglubricantssmarter.com/

Mike Davidson

In this episode of Beyond the Blend, Steve sits down with Mike Davidson to explore a career shaped by international experience, strong influences, and a thoughtful approach to leadership. From growing up across the Middle East to returning to the UK as a teenager, Mike’s early life gave him a broader view of people, culture and work. That perspective, combined with the influence of his father’s engineering career, helped shape his own path into the industrial world. Starting out in software before quickly realising it wasn’t the right fit, Mike moved into engineering-led environments across pumps, fluid technology and valves, before arriving in speciality lubricants with Klüber. Along the way, he built a leadership style rooted in support, accountability and using data in the right way. A big theme in this conversation is Mike’s view on data and performance. Rather than using numbers to pressure people, he sees data as a way to understand trends, identify roadblocks and help teams improve. It’s a refreshing take on leadership in a world that often becomes too focused on dashboards and not focused enough on people. We also talk about international working, cultural adaptability, sales process, service expertise, and how the lubricant industry is evolving through technology, regulation and changing expectations. If you’re building a career, leading a team, or trying to balance process with people in a technical business, this episode is well worth your time. If this episode resonates, take a look at: Selling Lubricants Smarter – A Lubricant Seller’s Journey from Crisis to Success https://sellinglubricantssmarter.com/

Beyond the Blend - Live!

Guests: Jade Thompson (RecondOil / SKF), Nick Forster (CC Jensen), Jamie Shaw (OMS LubriTek) Hosts: Steve Knapp & Rob Taylor In this special Beyond the Blend Live episode, Steve and Rob sit down in Sheffield with three experienced voices from across the lubricant and reliability community. Recorded during Jade Thompson’s UK Lubricants Social, the conversation explores how the lubricant industry is evolving, from networking and knowledge sharing to changing buyer behaviour, digital engagement and the growing skills gap. What begins as a discussion about the power of industry meet-ups quickly expands into a deeper conversation about how engineers, buyers and technical specialists are adapting to a rapidly changing environment. The panel reflects on how buyers increasingly research and pre-qualify solutions before contacting suppliers, meaning conversations today often start much further along the decision journey. Yet this shift raises an important question: if buyers believe they already know the answer, how do technical experts still validate the right solution? Jade, Nick and Jamie share real examples from the field where experience, application knowledge and on-site insight still prove essential, especially when pre-qualified solutions turn out not to be the right ones. The conversation also explores the changing role of the lubricant professional. Technical credibility, storytelling and education are becoming more important as companies rely on suppliers not just for products, but for insight and validation. A major theme throughout the discussion is the growing skills gap across industry. With experienced engineers retiring and younger professionals entering a more automated and digital workplace, knowledge transfer is becoming a real concern. At the same time, new technologies, particularly AI, are starting to reshape how information is accessed and analysed. The panel reflects on where AI can support efficiency while emphasising that experience, context and judgement still matter. Above all, this episode highlights the importance of community, education and collaboration within the lubricant sector. Events like the UK Lubricants Social demonstrate that even in an increasingly digital world, human connections remain central to solving technical problems and building trust. Key Takeaways * Many lubricant buyers now pre-qualify solutions digitally before speaking to suppliers. * Technical professionals are increasingly acting as validators and educators rather than just product sellers. * The industry faces a growing knowledge gap as experienced engineers retire and fewer young professionals enter the sector. * AI and digital tools can accelerate analysis and decision-making, but experience and application knowledge remain critical. * Building trust still relies heavily on real relationships, practical expertise and shared industry networks. Why This Episode Matters This conversation shines a light on how the lubricant industry is evolving, technically, commercially and culturally. As digital research, automation and AI reshape the landscape, the role of the experienced professional is becoming more valuable, not less. Understanding how to combine technology, expertise and relationships will define the next generation of lubricant professionals. 🎧 Listen to the full episode to hear the discussion unfold. And if you're interested in how lubricant selling is evolving in the modern buyer landscape… Buy Selling Lubricants Smarter – A Lubricants Seller’s Journey from Crisis to Success https://sellinglubricantssmarter.com/ Recorded at Three Ravens Studio, Sheffield city centre: https://www.threeravens.agency/podcast-studio

Cameron Clarke

In this episode of Beyond the Blend, Steve sits down with Cameron Clarke, Head of Sales and Operations at Oil Store, for one of the most honest and human conversations we’ve had on the podcast. Cam didn’t grow up dreaming of lubricants. His journey started on the top deck of a bus, scrolling Indeed, looking for direction. From office administrator to sales leader, from blagging Excel skills at interview to earning the UKLA Certificate of Lubricants Competency with distinction, his path has been shaped by resilience, responsibility and purpose. But this isn’t just a career story. It’s a conversation about: • Becoming a father young and letting that sharpen your focus • Building stability when life hasn’t handed you an easy start • Football, community and charity • Culture over corporate scripting • Sustainability and AI in a human industry This episode goes well beyond oil and grease. It’s about growth. Key Takeaways 1️⃣ Purpose Drives Progress When Cam became a father, the job stopped being “just a job.” Responsibility sharpened ambition. Clarity around what he wanted from life accelerated his learning and performance. 2️⃣ You Don’t Need All the Answers Cam entered lubricants with zero product knowledge. His approach? Stay calm, gather information, and go back with the right answer. Accuracy builds trust. Panic doesn’t. 3️⃣ Culture Is Lived, Not Trained At Oil Store, authenticity isn’t a marketing strategy, it’s how the team operates. New hires are chosen for attitude and coachability. The instruction is simple: be yourself. 4️⃣ Community Builds Resilience Football and charity initiatives have played a huge role in Cam’s life, raising significant funds and creating connection beyond work. Community strengthens perspective. 5️⃣ Sustainability & AI - Keep It Real Cam takes a pragmatic view: reliability is part of sustainability. Extend service life and reduce waste. AI is a tool, but relationships remain central in lubricants. Personal Insights Cam speaks openly about a challenging upbringing, the influence of his grandfather, becoming a father at 21, and navigating loss. He doesn’t dwell on hardship; he focuses on momentum. His philosophy is simple: Negativity compounds. So does progress. Even small forward steps work in your favour. That mindset shapes how he leads, sells, writes and shows up daily. Why Listen? Listen if you: • Entered lubricants by accident and wonder if you belong • Are early in your sales career and feel overwhelmed • Care about culture more than corporate language • Believe people buy from people Cam’s story proves you don’t need a perfect start to build a strong career. You need clarity. Effort. And the willingness to keep moving. If this episode resonated, particularly the move from price selling to purposeful partnership, you’ll enjoy: 👉 Selling Lubricants Smarter - A Lubricant Seller’s Journey from Crisis to Success A practical, story-led guide to modern lubricant selling, built around real industry experience. Buy your copy here: https://sellinglubricantssmarter.com/