BICO Drilling Tools

Rod Larkins

Rod Larkins specializes in human resources leadership, employee development and workplace culture. As VP of People at BICO Drilling Tools, he focuses on building effective HR systems, training, and strengthening employee engagement and developing a culture where people can grow and contribute to long-term organizational success.

From Employee Advocacy to HR Leadership

Larkins’ path into human resources began 15 years ago. While in an operations role, he witnessed how deeply a toxic workplace impacts human lives. It turned his profession into a personal calling: to ensure that respect, dignity, and a voice are non-negotiable for every single employee. He chose to be the person who changes the narrative.

Creating Cultures Where People Thrive

Working in the aviation industry, retail and nearly five years in oil and gas shaped Larkins’ understanding of employee retention. People are more likely to stay when they enjoy their work and feel their contributions matter.

In today’s rapidly shifting business landscape, leaders are constantly searching for the next competitive edge. But for him, a thriving workplace culture is not a soft perk or a collection of buzzwords on a breakroom poster. It is culture. When we intentionally build an environment where people feel valued, safe, and inspired, we are future-proofing our organizations.

Building HR from the Ground Up

When Larkins joined BICO five years ago, the departing HR manager had left behind no established systems or defined culture. He saw an opportunity to build the function from scratch. After working in large organizations where these systems were already established, creating BICO’s foundations proved especially fulfilling.

Expanding Opportunities Through Diversity

When Larkins joined BICO, only five women worked in a workforce of 150 employees. Drawing on his experience in the aviation industry, he set out to change the status quo and challenge established norms in the male-dominated oil and gas industry.

He educated leaders on diversity and challenged established mindsets. Culture initiatives promoted equal opportunity, career growth and employee recognition. The goal was fair access to opportunities, not hiring women simply to meet a target.

“A thriving culture isn't built on policies; it is built on passion, presence, and putting people first, every single day.”

Four years later, BICO employed approximately 23 women, including three in senior leadership. Greater diversity across age and ethnicity accompanied this progress, which Larkins counts among his proudest achievements.

Preparing for BICO’s Future Workforce

Larkins’ HR priorities begin with the quality of hire, followed by training performance and development, with culture underpinning each area. One of his current initiatives focuses on defining the kind of employee BICO will need five to 20 years from now.

His goal is to make BICO an employer of choice, offering an enjoyable workplace and setting high expectations from the hiring stage.

Leading with a Passion for People

Larkins cautions HR professionals against becoming so absorbed in policy and administration that they lose sight of people. The work takes on greater meaning when HR professionals help employees develop and recognize their contributions.

For him, helping people grow is the greatest source of professional fulfillment.

To build a culture where people genuinely thrive, Larkins’ believes HR professionals should focus on three core pillars:

1. Psychological Safety: True innovation requires risk, and risk requires trust. Half team members know they can voice half-formed ideas, challenge the status quo, or admit a mistake without fear of retaliation, creativity flourishes.

2. Purpose-Driven Alignment: People do not just work for a paycheck; they work for a purpose. As HR leaders, our job is to connect the dots between daily tasks and the larger mission. This kind of engagement creates a sense of belonging.

3. Continuous Growth and Recognition: A culture of thriving is a culture of learning. By investing heavily in mentorship, professional development and clear paths for advancement, we send a clear message that we believe in your future.