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Jade Thompson didn’t plan a career in lubricants, like many in our industry, she arrived by accident and stayed by choice.
Originally seeking lab experience to support a Master’s in equine parasitology, Jade found herself drawn into oil analysis, reliability, and ultimately circular lubrication and sustainability. Today, she plays a key role supporting sales and customers globally with RecondOil at SKF, sitting at the intersection of chemistry, reliability, sustainability, and real-world application knowledge.
In this episode, Jade shares her journey from lab benches and blending plants to reliability labs, sales support, and global technical roles, alongside a very human story involving horses, cage fighting, family, learning, and confidence.
Key Takeaways
1️⃣ Careers in lubricants often start by accident, and that’s a strength
Jade’s route into the industry wasn’t planned, but curiosity, analytical thinking, and a love of problem-solving kept her here. She’s another reminder that this sector rewards people who stay curious and adaptable.
2️⃣ Application knowledge beats product knowledge
Jade is clear: turning up without understanding the application makes you “no use to the customer.” Real value comes from understanding systems, asking questions, and being honest about what you don’t yet know.
3️⃣ Reliability is deeply personal
From blending plants to reliability labs, Jade found real satisfaction in solving problems and seeing assets move from constant failure to sustained uptime. That sense of impact still drives her today.
4️⃣ STEM isn’t just a subject, it’s a way of thinking
In her work empowering women in STEM, Jade stresses that STEM skills apply far beyond job titles. She uses analytical thinking everywhere, from lubrication decisions to animal care and everyday life.
5️⃣ Self-learning is non-negotiable
Jade highlights the importance of owning your development. Forums, journals, videos, research, and asking questions all matter, especially in an industry where no one can know every application.
6️⃣ Confidence doesn’t always look loud
Despite working in male-dominated environments, Jade’s experience has been shaped by strong mentors, supportive leaders, and a practical, no-nonsense approach. She focuses on competence, contribution, and consistency.
7️⃣ Circular lubrication changes the conversation
RecondOil appealed to Jade because it brings together sustainability, chemistry, reliability, and commercial impact. It’s not about selling more oil, it’s about looking after it better.
8️⃣ Passion shows up in unexpected ways
Whether it’s caring for horses, training in cage fighting, or diving deep into paper and pulp applications, Jade’s discipline and commitment show up everywhere, professionally and personally.
Why Listen?
If you work in lubricants, reliability, sales, or technical support, this episode is a reminder of what buyers really value: application understanding, honesty, curiosity, and care.
It’s also an honest, human story about finding your place in an industry that most people never planned to join — and loving it once you arrive.
Connect with Jade
LinkedIn: Jade Thompson
Follow her work, events, and industry conversations, and don’t be surprised if networking turns into real-world meetups.
