Forty Under 40: Matthew B. Autry, Valor

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Matthew Autry and wife Mandi have made a point of giving back to their community. They support military-based foundations such as Folds of Honor and the Shamrock Run, benefiting The Adam Brown Legacy Fund. “At Valor, I lead our team in donating over $3,000 worth of toys, clothes and other items to a children’s foster care during the Christmas holidays.”

Which of your professional achievements are you most proud of?
“The relationship I have created with our team and clients at Valor is my favorite professional experience. Our clients trust us to help manage their generational assets, and I have had multiple clients tell me, ‘I sleep better at night knowing Valor is involved.’ It’s what drives me to show up and provide excellent service for them on a daily basis.”

Which career milestone did you reach sooner than expected?
“Each new role that I have accepted throughout my career is a milestone achievement that happened sooner than it ever should have. I didn’t go to school to be a landman in the oil and gas industry. It was a bone thrown to me in a time of need. I have accepted the opportunity since day one and never looked back.”

What has been your most challenging project to date?
“I have had to start from scratch more than once in the oil and gas industry but each time I have been able to come back better and stronger than before. Sometimes you see it coming and other times you do not. How you react is what will be remembered. Each time I made it a point to put myself in a better situation and get back to work. I did just that in 2015 and haven’t looked back since.”

What qualities do you think are necessary to be a good leader in the oil and gas industry?
“The willingness and ability to adapt to new environments and situations. Change is inevitable and team members rely on their leaders through the ups and downs of our industry.”

How have you exercised leadership to help shape your company?
“My leadership style is to lead by example. I am ready, willing and able to take on any task that is presented to our company. When team members see that type of commitment and effort put in to the work that we do, it is contagious.” 

What are your long- and short-term career goals?
“Short-term goal is to get better every single day. Long-term goal is to help grow and lead the best specialty asset management company in the world.” 

What keeps you motivated and passionate about working in the oil and gas industry?
“The world revolves around our industry. Countries go to war over control of the asset we manage on a daily basis. I get to help individuals, companies, banks and universities manage oil and gas properties all over the country.”