Natural disasters, data breaches, public health emergencies, and product recalls are just a few of the types of crises that can upend a business overnight. Practical leadership, a hands-on approach that prioritizes adaptability, communication, and the well-being of those affected, is essential to successfully navigating times of crisis.
Kevin Sligh Sr., Founder and CEO of Promethean Global Consulting Group (PGC), is a seasoned expert in navigating high-stakes situations. With over 25 years of experience spanning emergency management, energy, and regulatory compliance, Sligh brings a unique blend of strategic insight, operational expertise, and empathetic leadership to help businesses prepare for uncertainty and position themselves for sustainable growth. “I’ve always been the type of person to stay in times of crisis. I thrive in chaos, but, most importantly, I ask the right questions of the right people,” shares Sligh, who served on active duty in the United States Coast Guard for twenty years before transitioning to emergency response management.
From Coast Guard Frontlines to C-Suite Decision-Making
Sligh’s career is defined by a willingness to step into the unknown. During the Deepwater Horizon oil spill—the largest marine oil spill in U.S. history—Sligh rose through the ranks to become Deputy Incident Commander, overseeing a sprawling response operation involving nearly 50,000 personnel. He went on to play key leadership roles in response efforts for crises such as the Ebola outbreak, the COVID-19 pandemic, and numerous hurricanes. “You can’t be an expert in everything, but if you’re leading a disaster response, you need to know everything,” says Sligh. “It’s absolutely vital to know who the experts are, ask the right questions, and guide them with a clear vision.”
Today, Sligh applies those same principles through Promethean Global Consulting Group, helping businesses navigate complex challenges. His approach—rooted in collaboration, adaptability, and empathy—empowers organizations to stay resilient in the face of uncertainty.
Sligh’s Four Pillars of Practical Leadership
Sligh’s leadership philosophy is anchored in four core pillars: People, Protection, Sustainability, and Reliability. These principles guided his tenure as Director of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) under the Biden administration, where he oversaw regulatory compliance for offshore energy projects. Whether managing oil and gas operations, offshore wind developments, or carbon sequestration programs, Sligh’s approach consistently prioritized both human welfare and long-term environmental stewardship.
“Advocacy is at the heart of practical leadership,” Sligh explains. “It’s about advocating not just for the mission, but for the people executing that mission—those on the frontlines who need support, clarity, and a vision to follow.”
- People: Effective leadership starts with people. Sligh emphasizes the importance of empowering teams by fostering trust and providing clear guidance in chaotic situations.
- Protection: Protecting lives, livelihoods, and the environment is a cornerstone of Sligh’s approach. He encourages leaders to prioritize safety without compromising operational goals.
- Sustainability: Practical leadership looks beyond immediate crises, laying the groundwork for long-term resilience and environmental responsibility.
- Reliability: Consistent, transparent communication builds trust, both internally within teams and externally with stakeholders and communities.
Promethean Global Consulting Group
Through Promethean Global Consulting Group, Sligh helps businesses—particularly in the energy sector—anticipate how political shifts and regulatory changes will impact their operations. With firsthand experience navigating the regulatory landscapes of multiple administrations, he advises clients on how to align their strategies with evolving government priorities.
“Every crisis has a political dimension,” Sligh notes. “Understanding the interplay between local, state, and federal stakeholders is critical to executing an effective response—whether you’re capping an oil leak or securing permits for an offshore wind project.” His insights have helped companies navigate shifting regulatory environments across the energy spectrum, from traditional oil and gas to emerging renewable technologies. Recently, Sligh has worked with companies to align their offshore wind projects with new regulatory expectations and facilitated introductions between technology startups and key government stakeholders to help secure contracts and funding.
Preparing for the Future
As extreme weather-related disasters grow more frequent—and as the energy landscape evolves in response to escalating climate risks—businesses face mounting pressure to bolster their resilience. Sligh helps organizations anticipate, pivot, adapt, and future-proof their operations through a range of services, including:
- Business Advisory: Providing thought leadership to guide companies on major projects and emergency management initiatives.
- Business Development: Leveraging his network to connect businesses with the right stakeholders to accelerate product adoption and contract opportunities.
- Offshore Wind Consulting: Advising top consulting firms on how shifting political landscapes could impact offshore wind projects and regulatory processes.
- Board Leadership & Investment: Serving on advisory boards for startups, including companies working to modernize tax technology platforms, to help them scale and navigate regulatory hurdles.
“The key to practical leadership is balancing immediate response with future preparedness,” Sligh says. “It’s about understanding that every decision made in a crisis has long-term implications—whether for people, the environment, or the business itself.”
For more insights, connect with Kevin Sligh Sr. on LinkedIn or visit Promethean Global Consulting’s website.
