TLT: How long have you worked in a lubrication-related field, and how did you decide to pursue a career in the lubricants industry? 
Downey: I have been working in lubricants, directly or indirectly, since 1980, for a range of different companies. I found lubricants was an area that required my technical knowledge, together with sales and business development savvy. I act as a translator of the technical to the market and work at the interface of the market and innovation. The lubricants market has always fascinated me because it brought together the best of chemistry and engineering to make the world work, it was global in scope, making a “Jersey Guy” think about the whole world, and the people are largely smart, values-based and fun. The industry has given me a career with challenging problems to solve, on a global scale with great colleagues. 

TLT: What has been your most rewarding accomplishment throughout your career in the lubricants industry? 
Downey: First, my team and I received support in the industry as we introduced top-tier base fluids made from plant oils. We have a ways to go yet but many in the industry now understand the value proposition. I also had the opportunity to mentor my colleagues in various jobs in my career—and in nearly all cases, people smarter than me. 

TLT: What is the No. 1 piece of advice you would give to a person who might be interested in starting a career in the lubricants industry? 
Downey: Give back to the industry. My first mentor sent me to the STLE New York Section meetings to learn. This has continued across my career arc, having been an ILMA committee chair, been an ICIS conference chair or co-chair more than 20 times and presented papers at NPRA, ICIS and STLE education seminars. By giving back and serving the industry, you can create a network of people that you help and can help you. 



TLT: Throughout the different segments within your career, which one has been the most interesting, challenging and/or rewarding? 
Downey: I was able to launch a novel base oil and do regulatory work in the agricultural chemical (Ag Chem) industry. In Ag Chem, I managed an EPA data call-in. I learned very important lessons that I use every day: All science also needs to be viewed through the lens of public opinion, public policy and the regulatory environment. And when opinion, policy and regulations mixes with science, scientific arguments seldom win. I would say that the challenge makes it rewarding. In addition, with my career in consulting (about 25 of the more than 40 years in the industry), I had the opportunity to dive deep into specific lubricant topics, learn, advise and help senior executives make decisions. 

TLT: What are some of the most technical lubrication-based concepts or topics you have encountered throughout your career? 
Downey: I would say promoting and driving the acceptance of a Group III+ base oil that performs like a Group IV(+) and having the industry understand the value proposition. It is the most technical and most challenging marketing/technical bridge assignment. It was challenging because API 1509 was not set up to foster innovation, it was constructed to allow existing base oil technologies to deliver against today’s and close in the future requirements. I suspect some readers will disagree, but it was about the status quo and incremental changes. My team was and is trying to commercialize a new, big idea. 

TLT: What is the one thing you wish you would have learned earlier in your career? 
Downey: Well, two things: 1.) Success is a function of your ability to tell stories and to make complex technical problems understandable. Recall the actor Denzel Washington’s quote in the movie “Philadelphia”: “I want you to explain this to me like I’m a six year old.” This does not mean talking down to people but clarifying the information. 2.) You can’t make people change; you have to help them want to change themselves.

You can reach William R. Downey Jr. at downey@novvi.com.