Digital Innovations in Oil and Gas with Geoffrey Cann

This is a weekly podcast of how #digital innovations will impact the global #oil and #gas sector, hosted by Geoffrey Cann, international author, professional speaker, and corporate trainer.

Beyond RAG 09/10/2025

Beyond RAG In energy and manufacturing, vast volumes of unstructured data (think OEM manuals, maintenance logs, shift notes, correspondence, procedures), sit largely untapped. For decades, experienced technicians have compensated by carrying critical knowledge in their heads. But with retirements accelerating and fewer seasoned workers on the front line, this model is breaking down. New large language learning models that underpin technologies such as Grok and ChatGPT are being trained on this unstructured content to create context-relevant, queryable databases for industry. This technology, referred to as retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), could help unlock hidden knowledge across sprawling document sets. Early attempts at RAG have certainly improved search, a task that consumes hours of scarce engineering time. However, companies quickly learned that speed and accuracy fall apart at scale, context matters, and lack of trust in the output leaves users frustrated and skeptical. The real opportunity lies in pairing RAG with agent-based AI systems designed for complex, asset-intensive environments. By reducing mean time to repair (MTTR), cutting rework, and extending the interval between failures, these solutions directly recover lost production capacity, which is an eight or nine-figure problem in many enterprises. For younger, less experienced workforces, AI tools are a critical equalizer, levelling the field against looming labor shortages. In this episode, I speak with , CEO and co-founder of , about how his company is pioneering AI-driven diagnostic agents for manufacturing and industrial clients. We explore the realities of implementing RAG in high-stakes industries, the economic drivers behind adoption, and why obsessing about customers’ problems is the key to success. 👤 About the Guest is the CEO and co-founder of , an AI company building agent-based diagnostic solutions for asset-intensive industries. With a background in aerospace engineering, shipbuilding, and manufacturing systems, Mark has spent his career navigating the complexities of the industrial value chain. His vision for Datch was born from frustration with traditional maintenance practices and a desire to put AI to work solving real-world challenges on the plant floor. ⚒️ Additional Tools & Resources 🎙️ Go backstage and check out my studio: 📘 Take my one-day digital strategy training course for oil and gas: 🔗 Connect with Me 📚 Blog series: 🎧 Podcast: 💼 LinkedIn: 🐦 X: 🎤 Contact for Lectures and Keynotes I speak regularly on these and other topics. Contact me to book a brief call about your upcoming event needs. . ⚠️ Disclaimer The views expressed in this podcast are my own and do not constitute professional advice. /episode/index/show/digitaloilgas/id/37895440

Training the Dog 09/03/2025

Training the Dog Why is a pug named Phoebe likely more qualified than your frontline crew? In the oil and gas industry, online training and certification have become the norm. Let's agree it's convenient, cost-effective, and scalable. But what if the people taking that training are subverting the training using AI, or aren’t people at all? Digital tools, especially generative AI, are now being misused to automate training completion, which undermines the entire compliance system. The same platforms designed to protect workers, assure reliability, comply with regulations, and safeguard the environment may be certifying untrained staff, putting lives at risk and exposing companies to severe legal and financial consequences. In this episode, joins me on the podcast to discuss this hidden crisis. Rob is Managing Director at , and a dedicated expert in risk mitigation. From court cases involving industrial explosions to training a pug to complete OSHA 10, Rob shares shocking and true stories from the frontlines of digital risk. He also outlines what companies can do right now to reclaim control over their training systems, ensure legal compliance, and reduce exposure. All managers and supervisors on the front line of industrial work need to be aware of the risks they face. #RiskWashing #OHS #SafetyTraining #TrainingthatMatters #AI #WorkplaceSafety #RiskManagement #OilAndGas 👤 About the Guest Rob Day is Managing Director of , a firm focused on risk mitigation and training validation for industrial operations. His background spans military firefighting, hazardous materials response, legal consulting, and refinery operations. Rob has advised on major incident investigations and regulatory risk across the energy sector. He’s now leading efforts to counter AI-enabled “risk washing” and bring integrity back to digital training systems. 🔗 🌐 🧰 Additional Tools & Resources 📄 by Rob Day 🎥 Go backstage and check out my studio: 📘 Take my one-day digital strategy course for oil and gas: 🔗 Connect with Me ✍ Blog: 🎙 Podcast: 💼 LinkedIn: 🐦 X (Twitter): 🎤 Contact for Lectures and Keynotes I speak regularly on these and other topics. to book a brief call about your upcoming event needs. ⚠️ Disclaimer The views expressed in this podcast are my own and do not constitute professional advice. /episode/index/show/digitaloilgas/id/37895715

The Five Lessons of Digital and AI Deployment 08/27/2025

The Five Lessons of Digital and AI Deployment The oil and gas industry has invested heavily in new digital technologies, but too many efforts fall short in value delivery. However compelling digital initiatives may seem, they will assuredly flounder if workers are unable or unwilling to adopt them. The challenge lies in the way asset centric organizations tend to approach change. Leaders often seek rapid results that will contribute to current earnings, while frontline teams struggle with clunky processes and data silos ill-suited for AI, analytics, robotics, connected workers, and many other innovations. Rolling out new tools at scale without winning hearts and minds often leads to resistance, “pilot project hell,” and failed implementations. So how can energy companies unlock real value from digital transformation? What are the overlooked success factors that determine whether AI and digital deployments thrive or falter? In this episode, I’m joined by , a digital advisor and AI delivery lead, who reflects on the five critical lessons he wishes he had known earlier in his career. From the power of storytelling, to focusing on people before technology, to the need to start small and scale, to leveraging vendors as partners, and finally the hard truth that data is the real currency, David shares practical insights drawn from frontline experience. ⸻ 👤 About the Guest is a well engineer by background with a PhD in mechanical engineering and now a digital advisor and AI leader. Over the past nine years, he has worked on digital transformation across upstream oil and gas, leading projects from Microsoft Teams deployments to AI-driven planning and real-time operations. David brings a unique perspective from seeing the industry’s challenges from both the operator and service company side, with deep experience in building adoption, scaling pilots and designing data foundations all on a global scale. 🌐 Website: 🛠️ Additional Tools & Resources 🎙️ Go backstage and check out my studio: https://geoffreycann.com/mystudio/ 📘 Take my one-day digital strategy training course for oil and gas: https://www.udemy.com/course/digital-oil-and-gas/?referralCode=0161D4D49AB75735A185 🔗 Connect with Me 📚 Blog series: https://digitaloilgas.substack.com/ 🎧 Podcast: https://geoffreycann.com/broadcast/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/advocate-digital-innovation-for-energy/ 🐦 X: https://x.com/geoffreycann 🎤 Contact for Lectures and Keynotes I speak regularly on these and other topics. Contact me to book a brief call about your upcoming event needs: 👉 https://geoffreycann.com/contact/ ⚠️ Disclaimer The views expressed in this podcast are my own and do not constitute professional advice. /episode/index/show/digitaloilgas/id/37951160

The Looming Energy Talent Gap 08/20/2025

The Looming Energy Talent Gap The energy industry is having a moment. As assets become digitized, operations increasingly automated, molecules displaced for electrons, and capital more discerning, the biggest challenge is now people, instead of engineering. Specifically, where will the next generation of digitally fluent energy professionals come from? At the same time, academic institutions, whose mission is to deliver qualified talent, are under grave financial pressure. International student revenue is collapsing, and many programs are out of step with the real-world digital needs of industry. Meanwhile, the workforce is retiring, and young professionals are turning away from careers in oil and gas. In this episode, , an investment committee advisor, and former Academic Chair of Financial Services and Fintech at SAIT, sets out how the energy sector can seize this moment. By repackaging existing academic offerings, combining them with data analytics, AI, and energy domain knowledge, and co-creating programs that reflect the needs of a digital energy economy, the energy sector can secure its future talent needs. Doug argues that industry must lead, by articulating exactly what skills are needed, and why energy companies should present themselves as data-driven innovation platforms, not just extractive enterprises. This episode offers a clear-eyed assessment of the education-industry disconnect, the talent crisis looming over the sector, and the strategic opportunity to build the next generation of digital energy leaders. 👤 About the Guest is an experienced board member, investment committee advisor, and former Academic Chair of Financial Services and Fintech at SAIT. His career spans banking, pension fund management, and education, with a specialty in helping institutions adapt to technological and demographic disruption. Today, he sits on multiple boards where he evaluates long-term investment strategies and talent risk in capital-intensive sectors, including energy. 🔗 🛠️ Additional Tools & Resources 🎙️ Go backstage and check out my studio: https://geoffreycann.com/mystudio/ 📘 Take my one-day digital strategy training course for oil and gas: https://www.udemy.com/course/digital-oil-and-gas/?referralCode=0161D4D49AB75735A185 🔗 Connect with Me 📚 Blog series: https://digitaloilgas.substack.com/ 🎧 Podcast: https://geoffreycann.com/broadcast/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/advocate-digital-innovation-for-energy/ 🐦 X: https://x.com/geoffreycann 🎤 Contact for Lectures and Keynotes I speak regularly on these and other topics. Contact me to book a brief call about your upcoming event needs: 👉 https://geoffreycann.com/contact/ ⚠️ Disclaimer The views expressed in this podcast are my own and do not constitute professional advice. /episode/index/show/digitaloilgas/id/37817295

From Paper to Pocket 08/13/2025

The Helium Signal 07/23/2025

The Helium Signal The traditional model of hydrocarbon exploration has transitioned in much of North America, replaced by exploitation of known shale and tight resources. For shale players, exploration is seen as more risky, expensive, and slow than pursuing resource play. Classic geochemical methods, reliant on sample collection and lab analysis, can’t keep up with the need for real-time decision-making. Helium—a light, inert, and upwardly mobile gas—offers potential as an indicator of subsurface resources, but its volatile nature makes it difficult to measure accurately and reliably using conventional approaches. Helium, when measured digitally and interpreted with AI, can provide a new high quality and reliable signal for the presence of valuable subsurface resources, reducing costs, time, and risk. In this episode, , founder of , explains how helium-based digital exploration can help identify oil, gas, lithium, geothermal energy, and even natural hydrogen deposits. By capturing helium anomalies in real-time, and layering them with AI and geoscience data, creates a digital twin of subsurface conditions. With field-proven success from Argentina to Malaysia, this technique has already delivered remarkable predictive power, improving hit rates and opening new plays. 👤 About the Guest is the founder and CEO of , a geoscience innovation company pioneering helium-based exploration. With over two decades of experience at the intersection of automation, robotics, and energy systems, Denis combines technical depth with entrepreneurial leadership. His career began in offshore oil and gas technology in Finland, and has since expanded globally with breakthrough applications in digital geochemistry, particularly in helium sensing and AI integration. now operates across multiple continents and energy sectors, working with companies such as Petronas and YPF. 🧰 Additional Tools & Resources 🛠 🎓 🔗 Connect with Me 📚 📰 🎧 💼 🐦 🎤 Contact for Lectures and Keynotes I speak regularly on these and related topics. about your next event. ⚠️ Disclaimer The views expressed in this podcast are my own and do not constitute professional advice. /episode/index/show/digitaloilgas/id/37278960

Honey I Shrunk The Device 07/16/2025

Honey I Shrunk The Device In the world of oil and gas operations, edge devices are mission-critical. These compact, intelligent sensors operate in the most extreme of environments, such as remote drill sites, deep wells, and hostile landscapes, where they continuously collect operational data. Best in class operators don't just throw digital at the field. They prioritize efficiency, reliability, and integrity at the edge, where human oversight is limited, infrequent, and mostly absent. But the drive to digitize oilfield infrastructure raises major challenges: reliable power, cyber threats, temperature extremes, and real-time decision-making without cloud access. , VP of Innovation at , shares how his team builds micro-powered, field-tough sensors that handle pre-processing on-site, sip power in microamps, and run mission-critical code on the edge to avoid failures. MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) is enabling a new era of industrial sensing, complete with cyber-safe hardware that controls every component. Innovation must always serve a real-world problem—not just be a shiny gadget. From strain gauges to AI-at-the-edge, David offers an inside look into the future of smarter, safer, and smaller industrial tech. 👤 About the Guest: is Vice President of Innovation and co-founder at Black Pearl Technology, where he leads the development of ruggedized, ultra-efficient sensing devices for industrial and energy sectors. With a background spanning biomedical, aerospace, and energy tech, David brings decades of experience in building purpose-driven edge innovations that survive the toughest conditions on earth. 💼 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/techpirate/ 🔗 🛠️ Additional Tools & Resources: 🎛️ Go backstage and check out my studio: 🧠 Take my one day digital strategy training course for oil and gas: 🤝 Connect with Me: 🧾 Resources: 📚 Blog: 🎧 Podcast: 💼 LinkedIn: 🐦 X: 🎤 Contact for Lectures and Keynotes: I speak regularly on these and other topics. Contact me to book a call for your upcoming event: 👉 ⚠️ Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are my own and do not constitute professional advice. /episode/index/show/digitaloilgas/id/37335600

Unlocking Capital Innovation in Oil and Gas 07/09/2025

Unlocking Capital Innovation in Oil and Gas The global upstream oil and gas sector is confronting a mounting crisis—access to capital. For over a decade, international producers, especially small- and mid-cap firms, have faced shrinking pools of funding as banks exit the space and public equity markets falter. Traditional sources of capital have dwindled, leaving many promising ventures stranded without the financial fuel they need to grow. As capital constraints tighten, the sector’s self-depleting business model—where every produced barrel reduces tomorrow’s inventory—becomes unsustainable. The result? A looming risk of supply shortfalls, price shocks, and widening energy inequity, especially in underdeveloped economies. With traditional financing off the table, how can energy producers bridge this capital chasm? In this episode, I sit down with , a seasoned executive and co-founder of , to explore a breakthrough model inspired by royalty and streaming structures from mining and North American energy. Richard shares how Atlas provides not only innovative capital but also operational and technical expertise to its partners, creating an aligned and scalable funding approach. With a lean asset-light model, heavy on analytics and trust in data, Atlas aims to build a multi-billion dollar portfolio that could reshape how energy projects are financed around the world. 👤 About the Guest Richard Naden is a senior executive with ., bringing nearly four decades of experience in engineering, operations, acquisitions, and executive leadership roles in the global energy industry. Raised on the gas fields of Alberta and trained as a mechanical engineer, Richard’s international career has spanned the Americas, Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. His latest venture, Atlas Energy, combines his depth of industry knowledge with a passion for innovation and sustainable energy finance. 🧰 Additional Tools & Resources 🔗 📘 🔗 Connect with Me 🎤 Contact for Lectures and Keynotes I speak regularly on these topics. to discuss your event. ⚠️ Disclaimer The views expressed in this podcast are my own and do not constitute professional advice. /episode/index/show/digitaloilgas/id/37121755

From Clipboards to Cloud 06/18/2025

Digital Gets Real in the Mid-Market 06/11/2025

Digital Gets Real in the Mid-Market Mid-sized oil and gas companies are now at a digital crossroads. While supermajors have pushed forward with large-scale transformation programs, many mid-market firms are only beginning to explore how digital innovation can improve performance. Their operational processes—budgeting, forecasting, asset planning—tend to mirror those of larger firms but constrained by fewer resources and less internal capability. Unfortunately, mid-sized companies cannot simply copy the big-company playbook. They lack dedicated data teams, struggle with legacy systems, and must handle all the integration hassles with bespoke coding. At the same time, they are under the same pressure to lower costs, improve transparency, and make faster, better decisions. Is a pragmatic and impactful digital transformation even possible in this context? Absolutely. In this episode, I speak with , Executive Advisor at , on practical solutions that work with mid-sized firms. By focusing on core business processes—particularly budgeting and production forecasting—smaller firms can drive efficiency through better data quality, increased transparency, and dashboard-driven decision-making. A bonus outcome is that improved data transparency leads to a self-reinforcing data stewardship culture, and why starting with business needs (not technology hype) is the key to lasting change. 👤 About the Guest is an Executive Advisor at , a UK-based consultancy focused on oil and gas strategy, technical excellence, and expert witness services. A former transformation leader at Suncor, Lewis now advises global mid-sized energy companies across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. He brings deep operational experience and a keen understanding of how to turn digital ambition into practical execution. Connect with Lewis Gillhespy 🔗 🔗 Additional Tools & Resources 🎙 Go backstage: 🎓 Take the course: Connect with Me 🌐 📝 🔗 ✖️ Contact for Lectures and Keynotes I speak regularly on these and other topics. . Disclaimer The views expressed in this podcast are my own and do not constitute professional advice. /episode/index/show/digitaloilgas/id/36648855

Methane Matters 06/04/2025

Methane Matters The oil and gas industry is sitting on a ticking environmental and financial liability. Around the world, millions of wells have been drilled to date, many more will be drilled, and all will eventually need to be plugged and abandoned. Today, the US alone has thousands of orphaned and marginal wells, many leaking methane, a greenhouse gas many times more potent than carbon dioxide. With underfunded asset retirement obligations and inconsistent plugging practices of the past, the sector faces mounting pressure to act—but struggles to finance solutions at scale. There is a potential solution: the voluntary carbon credit market. In this episode, I interview , President of Engineering and Environment at , who explains how new carbon methodologies are turning methane leaks into monetizable credits. By quantifying emissions avoided through proper plugging, validating permanence with reserves analysis, and using blockchain for traceability, these credits offer a science-based, verifiable way to fund environmental remediation. Methane credits tied to oil and gas wells are not only more reliable than many nature-based offsets, but also ripe for scale. Dave and I discuss the economics, digital technologies, and policy barriers shaping a new frontier in decarbonization finance. 👤 About the Guest David Stewart is President of Engineering and Environment at . He holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Policy and Management and brings over 30 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. His career spans emissions measurement in California to executive roles at Encana, Bonanza Creek, and Crestone, where he led environmental compliance, strategic partnerships, and M&A. At Sendero, David leads efforts to transform the challenge of orphaned wells into an opportunity through the application of voluntary carbon credits. Connect with Dave Stewart: 🔗 🔗 🛠 Additional Tools & Resources 🎧 Go backstage and check out my studio: 📘 Take my one-day digital strategy training for oil and gas: 🔗 Connect with Me 🌐 📘 🎙 💼 🐦 🎤 Contact for Lectures and Keynotes I speak regularly on these and related topics. to book a discovery call for your next event. ⚠ Disclaimer The views expressed in this podcast are my own and do not constitute professional advice. /episode/index/show/digitaloilgas/id/36648810

700 Ways to Boost Cash Flow in Oil and Gas 06/04/2025

700 Ways to Boost Cash Flow in Oil and Gas The oil market is once again bracing for change, with OPEC signaling their interest in unlocking supply that has been withheld. For producers, this looming oversupply translates into a fresh imperative: cut costs. The oil and gas sector, long accustomed to volatility, must now sharpen its cost control strategies in the face of intensifying pressure on margins. Matthew Hatami, a professional engineer, entrepreneur, and author, joins me on this episode to discuss the tools and tactics operators can use to improve free cash flow. With experience spanning Halliburton, Hess, Chesapeake, and private equity ventures, Matthew shares how data and digital technologies can identify, prevent, and mitigate costly inefficiencies—without big budgets or sweeping tech overhauls. Drawing from his new book, , Matthew shares three practical, high-impact digital strategies: build operational algorithms to flag issues before they arise, embed probability-based decision-making into drilling management, and implement daily visual reporting using nothing more than a smartphone. Each tactic is aimed at boosting productivity, engaging teams, and staying competitive in an increasingly lean industry. 👤 About the Guest Matthew Hatami is an accomplished oil and gas professional with over two decades of experience across engineering, operations, and executive roles. A former Halliburton and Hess engineer, he’s also the author of . He advocates for data-driven, digital-first thinking to solve industry problems at scale. ⚒️ Additional Tools & Resources: 🎙 🎓 🔗 Connect with Me: 📚 🎧 🔗 🐦 🗣️ Contact for Lectures and Keynotes: I speak regularly on digital transformation and innovation in oil and gas. to book a session for your team or event. ⚠️ Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are my own and do not constitute professional advice. /episode/index/show/digitaloilgas/id/36648910

Fracking Reinvented 05/28/2025

Fracking Reinvented For decades, hydraulic fracturing—or fracking—has relied heavily on water and sand to crack underground rock and release oil and gas. Fracking is safe, proven, and reliable, and in collaboration with horizontal drilling, has resulted in the huge growth in hydro carbon production in the US and Canada. But fresh water is a scarce resource particularly in arid settings, and in many places under stress because of climate change. Disposal of used water is a technical challenge and costly. The sand resource, or proppant, is both costly to mine and heavy to ship. The mechanical process of forcing water and sand under pressure down the wells and into the rock generates a substantial carbon footprint. Enter , a Calgary-based innovator using solid rocket fuel to crack the status quo. Unlike conventional fracking, technology eliminates the need for water and sand, which dramatically lowers carbon emissions and site disturbance. This self-propping, solid-fuel-based technique also opens up economically stranded assets, including abandoned or underperforming wells, with potential applications in water-stressed regions like California and the Middle East. It’s an innovation that could redefine the economics and environmental impact of oil extraction. In this episode I speak with , Chief Technology Officer at , to hear firsthand about the origin of RocketFrac’s solution, the physics behind the technology, its regulatory journey, and the digital tools they’re using to model outcomes and rank well candidates. From carbon offsets to offshore potential, this episode is an explosive look at what could be the next big leap in oilfield operations. And yes, those puns are all intended! ⸻ 👤 About the Guest is the Chief Technology Officer at RocketFrac Services Ltd. With a Ph.D. in Geophysics from the University of Calgary and prior experience at Schlumberger in both Houston and the UK, Pavan brings deep domain expertise to the development of cutting-edge oilfield technology. He leads RocketFrac’s mission to reduce fracking’s environmental footprint using propellant-based fracturing. Originally from India, Pavan is passionate about digital transformation in energy and commercializing sustainable innovations. Connect with Pavan: 🔗 🔗 Additional Tools & Resources 🎙 Go backstage: 🎓 Take the course: Connect with Me 🌐 📝 🔗 ✖️ Contact for Lectures and Keynotes I speak regularly on these and other topics. . Disclaimer The views expressed in this podcast are my own and do not constitute professional advice. /episode/index/show/digitaloilgas/id/36648345

Mapping The Wet Frontier 05/21/2025

Mapping The Wet Frontier Despite covering over 70% of our planet, the oceans and seas remain largely unmapped and poorly understood. Collecting useable data about the oceans is hard and expensive--reliant on specialized costly vessels, old-school technologies, and plenty of labour. The comparison to land mapping technologies (like Google Earth) is stark--we have near-total visibility of land-based infrastructure, continuously updated, and collected by satellite. Subsea infrastructure, like pipelines and cables, are managed with minimal, outdated, and isolated datasets. This gap in oceanic intelligence is an increasing problem. We're constantly adding new subsea infrastructure—cables, pipelines, risers, platforms—to support oil and gas, power, telecoms, mining, and military operations. At the same time, owners and operators are sailing blind, relying on static years-old surveys. And sea floors are pretty dynamic, subject to tides, currents, and human activity. You can really appreciate the mounting financial and operational risks—from infrastructure damage to safety concerns to project delays. Enter , a data-as-a-service company that is bringing Silicon Valley smarts to subsea intelligence. In this episode, I speak with COO Kris Rydberg on how they’re using autonomous vehicles and cloud infrastructure to drastically cut the cost of ocean data acquisition. The best part is how ocean data is now subscription-based, with high reusability across industries. This model reduces capital risk, improves predictive decision-making, and promotes multi-sector collaboration. 👤 About the Guest: Kris Rydberg -- Chief Operating Officer, Terradepth Kris Rydberg is a seasoned executive with three decades of leadership in tech-driven operational strategy. He’s helped scale startups, transform Fortune 500 divisions, and consult on industrial IoT, edge computing, and platform technologies. Kris brings a rare blend of deep tech fluency and cross-sector business acumen. He holds two U.S. patents and an MBA from Syracuse University. 🔗 🔗 📸 🐦 ▶️ 🛠️ Additional Tools & Resources: 🎙️ 🎓 🤝 Connect with Me: 📚 🔗 📣 📢 Contact for Lectures and Keynotes: I speak regularly on these and other topics. to book a brief call about your upcoming event needs. ⚠️ Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are my own and do not constitute professional advice. /episode/index/show/digitaloilgas/id/36364910

Empirical Gas 05/14/2025

Opening Oil & Gas to the World: Tokenization and the Future of Investment 05/07/2025

Opening Oil & Gas to the World: Tokenization and the Future of Investment The oil and gas industry has traditionally relied on financial instruments like futures and private equity—frameworks that have largely benefitted institutional investors while leaving little room for broader participation. But as digital assets continue to reshape capital markets, tokenization presents a new way forward. With blockchain technology and regulatory frameworks maturing, real-world asset-backed tokens are gaining traction - even in sectors once considered too complex for digital finance. In this episode, I speak with , Co-Founder of a security token backed by oil and gas reserves which also provides investors exposure to their “upstream” value chains. Dave explains how is bridging traditional oil and gas with digital asset markets by creating a compliant, growth-focused investment vehicle that opens the sector to new types of investors. We discuss what sets apart from pure commodity-backed tokens, how it integrates production-based revenues, and why upstream oil and gas is ripe for tokenization. 👤 About the Guest is the Co-Founder of OilXCoin, where he leads strategic growth and market expansion efforts. With a global leadership background at BMW Group across EMEA and APAC, Dave brings a strong track record in scaling businesses and navigating complex markets. At OilXCoin, he’s focused on bridging the gap between traditional oil and gas and digital finance by offering compliant, asset-backed investment opportunities through tokenization. His aim is to make the oil and gas industry accessible to both seasoned crypto investors and traditional market participants. 🔗 Connect with Dave 🌐 Website: 🔗 LinkedIn: 🛠️ Additional Tools & Resources 📄 Explore Geoffrey’s 🎧 Listen to more episodes of 📢 Visit for insights on digital transformation in oil and gas 🤝 Connect with Me 🔗 LinkedIn: 🐦 X (Twitter): 📩 Contact me for keynotes and lectures: ⚠️ Disclaimer The views expressed in this podcast are those of the guest and host and do not constitute financial or professional advice. /episode/index/show/digitaloilgas/id/36364305

How Big Oil Fell Behind In The Digital Race 04/30/2025

Beyond the Lens 04/23/2025

The Future of Offshore Connectivity 04/16/2025

The Future of Offshore Connectivity Offshore oil and gas operations are among the most complex and remote in the world. From harsh weather to limited physical access, these environments demand reliable, high-speed communications to enable modern digital workflows and keep operations running safely and efficiently. As offshore operations become more autonomous and data-driven, the traditional telecom models fall short. Legacy systems struggle to meet rising demands for bandwidth, low latency, and mobility—especially when platforms are unmanned or vessels are constantly on the move. is addressing this head-on by delivering a mixed-mode communication strategy that combines subsea fiber, private 5G, and satellite (LEO) into one seamless network. Their infrastructure enables everything from robotic inspections and mobile edge compute to AI-driven automation—critical for modernizing offshore energy. In this episode, I speak with , Chief Digital Officer and President of the Americas at . We explore how a hybrid telecom model is revolutionizing offshore connectivity, driving operational efficiencies, and accelerating digital transformation. From supporting 450+ global platforms to enabling real-time decision-making at the edge, Frode shares a glimpse of the offshore future—one powered by high-speed, intelligent infrastructure. 👤 About the Guest is President Americas and Chief Digital Officer at , the world’s largest offshore communications network provider. He brings 18+ years of telecom leadership from Telenor and now leads Tampnet’s digital strategy and operations across the Americas. Frode holds an MSc from the Norwegian School of Economics and a Master in Technology Management from MIT/NTNU. 🔗 📧 [email protected] 🔧 Additional Tools & Resources ✍ 📘 🎥 🤝 Connect with Me 🌐 💼 🐦 🎤 Contact for Lectures and Keynotes I speak regularly on digital transformation, AI, and innovation in energy. about your next event. ⚠️ Disclaimer The views expressed in this podcast are my own and do not constitute professional advice. /episode/index/show/digitaloilgas/id/36071880

Corrosion Under Insulation 04/09/2025

AI That Thinks Like a Scientist 04/02/2025

AI That Thinks Like a Scientist AI is transforming oil and gas, but not all AI is created equal. Many companies have wasted millions on failed AI projects, chasing optimization without real breakthroughs. But what if AI could think like a scientist—applying physics and chemistry to accelerate decision-making and innovation? In this episode, , Head of Sales for Energy at , explains how their science-based AI is reshaping everything from production forecasting to molecular design. Unlike traditional generative AI, which relies on pattern recognition, NobleAI operates on scientific principles, enabling faster, more accurate results for R&D, product development, and enhanced oil recovery. TC shares fascinating use cases where AI has cut R&D timelines from decades to months, optimized drilling decisions, and even created new chemical formulations in real-time. We also discuss why AI skepticism is still strong in oil and gas, how to overcome it, and why AI should be seen as a force multiplier, not a job threat. About the Guest TC Zoboroski is the Head of Sales for Energy at NobleAI, a company specializing in science-based artificial intelligence for industries like oil & gas, materials science, and biotech. With a background in technology and experience at Halliburton, Dell, AWS, and Exxon, TC brings deep insight into how AI can bridge the gap between traditional energy challenges and cutting-edge digital solutions. Connect with TC and NobleAI: 🔹 Company Website: 🔹 LinkedIn: Additional Tools & Resources: 🚀 Go backstage and check out my studio: 📖 Read my blog on AI in oil and gas: 🎙 More podcast episodes: Connect with Me: 🌎 Website: 📧 Newsletter: 💼 LinkedIn: 🐦 Twitter/X: Contact for Lectures & Keynotes: I speak regularly on digital innovation, AI, and energy transformation. If you’d like me to speak at your next event, . Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are for informational and discussion purposes only. They do not constitute professional advice. /episode/index/show/digitaloilgas/id/35970185

Ending Insanity In Oil and Gas 03/26/2025

The World in a Cube 03/19/2025

The World in a Cube Energy markets are undergoing a profound transformation. With demand shifting, new energy sources emerging, and digital infrastructure consuming more power than ever, the need for accurate, data-driven decision-making has never been greater. Companies must now navigate uncertainty with smarter forecasting tools, leveraging AI and real-time analytics to stay ahead. However, traditional forecasting models often fail to capture the full picture. New energy sources like solar and battery storage are disrupting the grid, while AI-driven data centers are reshaping electricity demand. At the same time, tech companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are moving beyond buying power to direct energy investments, influencing market dynamics in unexpected ways. So how do we make sense of this fast-changing landscape? Joining me today is , CEO of , one of the world’s leading energy research firms. With a background in physics, statistics, and AI-powered analytics, Jarand has spent two decades refining energy forecasting models that are used by executives and policymakers worldwide. In this episode, we explore how AI is transforming energy analysis, the long-term outlook for global power demand, and what the rise of tech-driven energy investments means for traditional players. About the Guest Jarand Rystad is the founder and CEO of Rystad Energy, one of the world’s leading energy research firms. A physicist by training, Jarand spent years at McKinsey & Co. before launching Rystad Energy, building it into a global powerhouse of energy analytics. Additional Tools & Resources 💡 Explore Rystad Energy: 📊 Check out their latest reports: Connect with Me 🔗 LinkedIn: 📩 Blog: 🎙 Podcast Archive: Contact for Lectures and Keynotes I regularly speak on digital transformation, AI, and energy trends. Book a call to discuss your event needs: Disclaimer The views expressed in this podcast are my own and do not constitute professional advice. /episode/index/show/digitaloilgas/id/35518045

Sweat Science 03/10/2025

Sweat Science Oil and gas workers operate in extreme conditions, such as the Gulf and the Permian Basin, where the intense heat and high humidity create very hazardous conditions. You lose a lot of body moisture just surviving in those settings. Most of us know to take a drink of water when we’re thirsty, but in those places, by the time you’re thirsty, you’re already at risk. Is there a better way to measure dehydration risk before it becomes a safety hazard? In this episode, I sit down with , Chief Revenue Officer of s, to discuss a nifty wearable device that tracks sweat loss, sodium levels, and hydration needs in real time—helping prevent heat-related injuries before they happen. Elite athletes like Lionel Messi and Serena Williams rely on a sweat patch from Epicore to help them complete. This technology caught the attention of Chevron, who saw the potential to protect its industrial athletes (front line workers). It’s been deployed across oil fields, refineries, mining and aviation sectors, changing the way companies monitor worker health and safety. Stuff that I didn’t know: ✔️ Why sweat is as valuable as blood for real-time health tracking ✔️ The hidden dangers of dehydration—and why most workers don’t recognize the symptoms ✔️ How Chevron partnered with Epicore to develop a rugged, industrial-grade wearable ✔️ The privacy-first approach to tracking hydration without monitoring individuals ✔️ What’s next for wearables in industrial safety, from muscle fatigue monitoring to ketone tracking If you’re in HSE, operations, or workforce safety, this episode is a must-listen. About the Guest Jim Ryan is the Chief Revenue Officer at Epicore Biosystems, the company behind this clever health monitoring technology. Jim has an extensive background in telecom, cybersecurity, and digital health, which is very useful indeed in bringing this kind of technology to the industry. Additional Tools & Resources 🔗 Chevron’s research on heat stress monitoring (to be presented at CERAWeek—link coming soon!) 🔗 Epicore Biosystems website – 🔗 Gatorade GX Sweat Patch (Epicore’s original sports-focused innovation) – Connect with Me 📖 Blog series: https://digitaloilgas.substack.com/ 🎙 Podcast: https://geoffreycann.com/broadcast/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/advocate-digital-innovation-for-energy/ ✖️ X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/geoffreycann Contact for Lectures and Keynotes I regularly speak on digital innovation in energy. Interested in having me at your event? Let’s talk! 📩 Contact me here → https://geoffreycann.com/contact/ Disclaimer The views expressed in this podcast are my own and do not constitute professional advice. /episode/index/show/digitaloilgas/id/35518310

From Milling to Data 03/05/2025

From Milling to Data The oil and gas industry has long relied on surface data and the expertise of seasoned operators to manage the complexities of downhole operations. However, as wells become deeper, laterals longer, and conditions more extreme, the human expert can struggle to address the expanded downhole complexity. Consistency, efficiency, and precision have become increasingly difficult to achieve. This growing complexity presents significant challenges. Operators must interpret inconsistent surface data while contending with extreme pressures, weights, and temperatures. Without real-time visibility into what’s happening at the drill bit, risks like unplanned downtime, tool failures, and inefficiencies sap productivity and inflate costs. To overcome these issues, the industry is turning to advanced technology, automation, and machine learning to build a more repeatable and predictable model of operation. In this episode, I speak with Brad Watson, the technology development manager with STEP Energy Services, on how his team is driving innovation with STEP-conneCT, a downhole sensor system integrated with e-coil technology. By providing real-time data on weight, torque, and motor health, STEP-conneCT is helping operators transform coiled tubing operations into a manufacturing-style process. Brad discusses how this technology is addressing challenges, reducing downtime, and paving the way for automation in oil and gas. About the Guest: Brad Watson is the technology development manager with STEP Energy Services, a leading company in the coiled tubing and pressure pumping sector. With a focus on advancing milling technology, Brad has played a key role in deploying STEP-conneCT, a leading-edge tool for real-time data acquisition in extreme downhole conditions. His work illustrates the integration of technology and engineering to address the challenges of modern oil and gas exploration. You can connect with Brad and learn more about STEP Energy Services via: 🌐 Website: 🔗 LinkedIn: Additional Tools & Resources From Geoffrey 🎬 Go backstage and check out my studio: 👉 🎓 Take my one day digital strategy training course for oil and gas: 👉 Connect with Me: 🖥️ Blog series: 🎧 Podcast: 📇 Linkedin: 🤬 X: Contact for Lectures and Keynotes: I speak regularly on these and other topics. Contact me to book a brief call about your upcoming event needs. Click here 👉 /episode/index/show/digitaloilgas/id/34999655

Pearls of CO2 Wisdom 02/26/2025

Pearls of CO2 Wisdom Direct air carbon capture will be required to remove excess CO2 from the atmosphere while we wind down fossil fuel combustion, and a new technology based on graphene and amine coated ceramic pearls or spheres may be the missing link. The direct air capture methods deployed to date struggle with their enormous scale, their energy intensity, and operating costs. They can require hundreds of dollars per ton of CO2 removed, large land footprints, and available geology to sequester the carbon underground. Economically, they can't pay their own way without permanent subsidies. Many entrepreneurs are working to solve the problem by working backwards from commercial principles that the technology must be economically sustainable without market support. In this interview, I speak with Samir Adams, an entrepreneur who has for several years been perfecting a commercially viable approach to direct air carbon capture. By leveraging graphene-coated ceramic pearls, he has developed a low-energy, modular solution capable of capturing and recycling carbon dioxide with market leading efficiency. Samir walks through how he and his partner conceptualized a graphene-based solution to overcoming challenges in binding CO2. He explains how his technology enables localized CO2 capture, making it practical for industries like enhanced oil recovery, agriculture, and other CO2 buyers. We also discuss the potential of AI integration, the scalability of this technology, and its ability to create new revenue streams from CO2 capture. About the Guest: Sam is a highly experienced technology executive who has led several start ups from start to finish. 🔗 LinkedIn: Learn More about CC&C 🌐 Visit Carbon Capture and Commercialization: Additional Tools & Resources From Geoffrey 🎬 Go backstage and check out my studio: 👉 🎓 Take my one day digital strategy training course for oil and gas: 👉 Connect with Me: 🖥️ Blog series: 🎧 Podcast: 📇 Linkedin: 🤬 X: Contact for Lectures and Keynotes: I speak regularly on these and other topics. Contact me to book a brief call about your upcoming event needs. Click here 👉 /episode/index/show/digitaloilgas/id/35416010

Crux of the Matter 02/19/2025

Crux of the Matter Pipelines are often thought of as simple logistics channels, but in reality, they operate more like sprawling processing plants. This complexity has long been underserved by outdated control systems that lack the sophistication of modern software. The challenge is clear: legacy systems are hindering efficiency, sustainability, and even talent retention as younger generations expect better tools in the workplace. How do we overcome this inertia? In this latest episode I catch up with Vicki Knott, Co-Founder and CEO of Crux OCM, whose exciting work is transforming pipeline control rooms with analytics and automation tools designed for the modern era. Vicki shares how her team is delivering measurable gains in throughput, emissions reductions, and energy efficiency—without a single piece of new steel. We cover some of the biggest questions shaping the future of pipeline control systems: 1️⃣ Why have pipeline control systems been left behind by digital innovation? 2️⃣ How does Crux OCM’s technology deliver real results for operators? 3️⃣ What role does trust in cloud-based systems play in accelerating adoption? 4️⃣ How does Microsoft’s involvement amplify Crux OCM’s vision? 5️⃣ What lessons has Vicki learned about driving transformation in a traditional industry? Crux OCM recently closed a $17M Series A funding led by Microsoft, who recognizes the importance of the shift to zero-trust, cloud-based control room solutions that are reshaping the energy industry. About the Guest: Vicki Knott is the Co-Founder and CEO of Crux OCM, a company dedicated to modernizing pipeline control systems. With a background in chemical engineering and a sharp focus on industry needs, Vicki is driving digital transformation for pipeline operators around the globe. She has led Crux OCM through key milestones, including a $17M Series A investment backed by Microsoft’s M12 Fund. Contacting the Guest 🌐 Visit Crux OCM: Additional Tools & Resources From Geoffrey 🎬 Go backstage and check out my studio: 👉 🎓 Take my one day digital strategy training course for oil and gas: 👉 Connect with Me: 🖥️ Blog series: 🎧 Podcast: 📇 Linkedin: 🤬 X: Contact for Lectures and Keynotes: I speak regularly on these and other topics. Contact me to book a brief call about your upcoming event needs. Click here 👉 /episode/index/show/digitaloilgas/id/35000530

Transforming Petrochemicals 02/12/2025

Transforming Petrochemicals The petrochemical industry has traditionally been slow to adopt new technologies, often hindered by legacy systems, risk-averse cultures, and scattered data. However, as global competition and sustainability pressures mount, companies like Nova Chemicals are turning to digital transformation to drive operational efficiency and sustainability. Nova Chemicals recognized the untapped potential in its decades of operational data and began its digital journey with a bold vision. By leveraging advanced tools, such as AI-driven predictive maintenance, the company has revolutionized its approach to reliability, maintenance, and operational performance. NovaChem’s strategy involved carefully piloting digital solutions on redundant equipment to mitigate risks and build confidence, leading to transformative value—four times the initially estimated impact. In this episode, I speak with Ahmed Musa, Digital Transformation Leader at Nova Chemicals, who shares insights into how the company has structured its digital initiatives through its Digital Factory and corporate priorities. From overcoming challenges with legacy data systems to fostering a culture of innovation through “Nova Nature,” Ahmed reveals the actionable strategies and lessons learned on NovaChem’s digital journey. What impressed me the most was how digital tools not only reduce costs and emissions but also empower employees, enriching their roles with data-driven insights. About Ahmed Musa Ahmed Musa is an experienced Digital Transformation Leader with a deep background in chemical engineering. He holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering and has extensive practical experience in reliability, maintenance, and turnaround management. Since joining Nova Chemicals in 2014, Ahmed has been highly involved in the company’s digital transformation initiatives, focusing on leveraging AI, data contextualization, and advanced analytics to enhance plant reliability and operational efficiency. Contacting the Guest 📎 Ahmed Musa’s LinkedIn: 🌐 Nova Chemicals Website: Additional Resources You Might Value 🎥 Explore My Digital Studio: 🎓 One-Day Digital Strategy Training: 📝 Blog Series on Digital Oil and Gas: 🎙 Podcast Episodes Archive: Connect with Me! 🔗 Connect with Geoffrey on LinkedIn: 🐦 Follow on X (formerly Twitter): 🌐 Visit the Website: Book Me! 📣 I speak regularly on topics related to digital transformation in the energy sector. Contact me to book a brief call about your upcoming event needs. 📩 Disclaimer ⚠️ The views expressed in this podcast are my own and do not constitute professional advice. /episode/index/show/digitaloilgas/id/35000425

Driving Data Innovation in Fuel Supply Chains 02/07/2025

Driving Data Innovation in Fuel Supply Chains The fuel products supply chain is long and complicated, handling the movement of massive volumes of fungible, dangerous, and valuable products in millions of small lots. Despite its criticality, this part of the industry is often overlooked, but can benefit from the modern tools that are finding their way into many industries. I was curious just how deeply our modern digital tools have penetrated the supply chain. There's no one better to discuss this topic than , VP and General Manager of Energy and Refined Fuels at . DTN touches some 85% of the liquid fuel molecules in the US, which affords them a unique perspective on the supply lines. Ken outlines the current state of digital adoption across North America and globally, touching on gaps in data usage and the challenges of creating unified digital standards. We get into the ongoing reliance on legacy tools like Excel, the growing importance of real-time data sharing, and the opportunities promised by AI. Ken speaks strongly to the importance of robust data governance to enhance supply chain reliability while maintaining compliance with antitrust safeguards. I was very pleasantly surprised to hear just how important data now is to the fortunes of the supply lines. Data might well be the new oil. #DTN #OneDTN #oilandgas About the Guest: Ken Evans is the Vice President and General Manager of Energy and Refined Fuels at DTN, where he leads efforts to enhance the efficiency of the oil and gas supply chain through innovative digital solutions. With a background in chemical engineering, Ken has held pivotal roles in operations management, corporate strategy, and technology development, including leadership positions at SAP. His extensive experience in automation and data systems has made him a key advocate for the transformative power of digital adoption in energy logistics. Contact Ken! 🌐 LinkedIn: 🌐 website: https://www.dtn.com/ Additional Tools & Resources: 🎤 📚 📰 🎧 Connect with Me: 💻 🔗 🎙 🐦 Contact for Lectures and Keynotes: 📞 I speak regularly on these and other topics. Contact me to book a brief call about your upcoming event needs. . Disclaimer: ⚠️ The views expressed in this podcast are my own and do not constitute professional advice. /episode/index/show/digitaloilgas/id/34899920

Building the Workforce of the Future 01/31/2025

Building the Workforce of the Future The energy industry faces a dual challenge: addressing the growing skills gap as experienced workers retire, and attracting a tech-savvy younger workforce. Meanwhile, digital transformation is reshaping the landscape, introducing complex tools like AI and automation into traditional workflows. In this episode, I interview Ron Crabtree, CEO of MetaOps and MetaExperts, about bridging the workforce gap. The interview considers how companies can identify critical skills for the future, implement effective mentorship programs, and create the kinds of roles that attract and retain young talent. We flag the “wisdom gap” caused by retiring baby boomers and consider steps to build a digitally capable workforce. Ron has worked across a broad range of industries, and brings this experience from a career in lean Six Sigma, digital transformation, and talent solutions. I like this episode because energy leaders are already grappling with workforce sustainability in a competitive and evolving market. About the Guest Ron Crabtree is the CEO of MetaOps and MetaExperts, a leader in lean Six Sigma and talent solutions. With over two decades of consulting experience across industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and energy, Ron specializes in digital transformation, workforce optimization, and process improvement. A Master Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, he has authored five books and designed training programs used by leading corporations worldwide. Ron also hosts the MetaPod podcast, tackling business challenges in tangible goods sectors. ✨ Connect with Ron: 🌐 MetaExperts Website: 💼 LinkedIn: Additional Tools & Resources 📖 Blog Series: 📚 Online Training: 🎙 Podcast Archive: Connect with Me 🌐 Website: 💼 LinkedIn: 🐦 Twitter: Contact for Lectures and Keynotes 🎤 I regularly speak on digital transformation, energy workforce challenges, and emerging technology trends. Let’s discuss your next event. Disclaimer ❗ The views expressed in this podcast are my own and do not constitute professional advice. /episode/index/show/digitaloilgas/id/34899470

Digital Innovations in Oil and Gas with Geoffrey Cann

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