Saasha Callaghan – Technical and Marketing Manager, OLEOLOGY
Saasha has experienced an unconventional start to her journey in the oil and gas industry. Obtaining her Masters in Strength and Conditioning while pursuing the goal of being a professional golfer, however, opted for a career change after working for water treatment company OLEOLOGY.
“My first job out of uni was working FIFO at an iron ore mine site, and on my off-swing, I started to assist OLEOLOGY with a large Chevron project at Barrow Island,” Saasha said. “Each time a gap was identified such as the need for more drafting support for a project, I then taught myself how to draft and then changed gears over to multidiscipline marketing and analysis .”
For the past eight years, Saasha has been working within many departments and currently the Technical and Marketing Director for OLEOLOGY. “Part of my role is to develop interesting marketing strategies, one being the ‘Bow Tie Fridays’ show released every Friday, and which has now been running for more than three years.”
OLEOLOGY specialises in designing, building and installing water treatment systems to decontaminate water (and recycle) in a quicker, simpler, and more cost-effectively.
A clear project favourite for Saasha is the development of a water treatment system for Per-and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), toxic chemicals that do not break down in the environment and can build up over time.
“Learning about the impacts of these water contaminants that we unknowingly welcome into our homes has been a huge eye-opener for me about how
dangerous they can be at very low levels (parts per trillion!),” Saasha said.
“Currently we are expanding to the United States and then Europe for the PFAS WaterTreatment System “PWTS” to be used for industry, defence, and
major water treatment plants.
“This has been a massive learning curve for me, especially the management of multiple projects here in Australia and overseas.”
Saasha said her work with OLEOLOGY has led to some of her greatest achievements. “In 2020 I was asked to present at AOG in Perth on our PFAS solution, and I am
grateful that NERA invited me to present on such a large stage just before the COVID lockdown,” she said. “I do hope to be presenting on other stages in the near future.”
Her colleagues are also a big source of motivation for Saasha. “Developing an international reach with our show ‘Bow Tie Fridays’ with my co-host Chris Roberts is
also a great achievement. He is certainly carrying the team, but I’m glad to be there and laughing at his jokes.
“I have a great and supportive family and partner and I follow Warren Buffet as he has sound principles in investing.”
When not working, Saasha enjoys painting, trying new restaurants, and running her latest podcast ‘Memoirs of an Avocado Eater’. Her passion for golf leads Saasha
to be invited throughout the year to various charity golf days, and she runs a charity with her partner.
On a quieter day, Saasha enjoys following the F1 and AFL, “and watching any sport, really”, and has a keen interest in market investing. She is also hoping to one
day be able to travel again, the next holiday destinations on her list are Texas and the Maldives.
Saasha has been a member of the Petroleum Club of WA for more than three years. “To be part of an expanding group of new and experienced ‘go-getters’ in the
industry is an absolute joy. “I strongly believe in helping others even if it’s not within my field, as the more you grow your network the more you can grow your net worth.”