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, Shale Oil and Gas Operations: Maximize Cashflow with Cost Reduction, 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 Oilfield Survival Guide and Shale Oil and Gas Operations: Maximize Cashflow with Cost Reduction. He advocates for data-driven, digital-first thinking to solve industry problems at scale. 

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The views expressed in this podcast are my own and do not constitute professional advice.