Digital Innovations in Oil and Gas with Geoffrey Cann

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 Jim Ryan, Chief Revenue Officer of Epicore Biosystems, 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 – Epicore Biosystems 🔗 Gatorade GX Sweat Patch (Epicore's original sports-focused innovation) – GX Sweat Patch   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.

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:      STEP Energy Services

🔗 LinkedIn: Brad Watson

Additional Tools & Resources From Geoffrey 🎬 Go backstage and check out my studio: 👉 https://geoffreycann.com/resources/ 🎓 Take my one day digital strategy training course for oil and gas: 👉 https://www.udemy.com/course/digital-...   Connect with Me: 🖥️ Blog series: https://digitaloilgas.substack.com/ 🎧 Podcast: https://geoffreycann.com/broadcast/ 📇 Linkedin: Advocate for Digital Innovation 🤬 X: 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. Click here 👉 https://geoffreycann.com/contact/ 

 

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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/1samadams/

Learn More about CC&C

🌐 Visit Carbon Capture and Commercialization: CCandC.AI

Additional Tools & Resources From Geoffrey 🎬 Go backstage and check out my studio: 👉 https://geoffreycann.com/resources/ 🎓 Take my one day digital strategy training course for oil and gas: 👉 https://www.udemy.com/course/digital-...   Connect with Me: 🖥️ Blog series: https://digitaloilgas.substack.com/ 🎧 Podcast: https://geoffreycann.com/broadcast/ 📇 Linkedin: Advocate for Digital Innovation 🤬 X: 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. Click here 👉 https://geoffreycann.com/contact/ 

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: cruxocm.com

Additional Tools & Resources From Geoffrey 🎬 Go backstage and check out my studio: 👉 https://geoffreycann.com/resources/ 🎓 Take my one day digital strategy training course for oil and gas: 👉 https://www.udemy.com/course/digital-...   Connect with Me: 🖥️ Blog series: https://digitaloilgas.substack.com/ 🎧 Podcast: https://geoffreycann.com/broadcast/ 📇 Linkedin: Advocate for Digital Innovation 🤬 X: 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. Click here 👉 https://geoffreycann.com/contact/ 

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: Ahmed Musa's LinkedIn Profile

🌐 Nova Chemicals Website: https://www.novachem.com

Additional Resources You Might Value

🎥 Explore My Digital Studio: https://geoffreycann.com/mystudio/

🎓 One-Day Digital Strategy Training: https://www.udemy.com/course/digital-oil-and-gas/?referralCode=0161D4D49AB75735A185

📝 Blog Series on Digital Oil and Gas: https://digitaloilgas.substack.com

🎙 Podcast Episodes Archive: https://geoffreycann.com/broadcast/

Connect with Me! 

🔗 Connect with Geoffrey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/advocate-digital-innovation-for-energy/

🐦 Follow on X (formerly Twitter): @geoffreycann

🌐 Visit the Website: https://geoffreycann.com/resources/

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.

📩 Contact Geoffrey

Disclaimer

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

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 Ken Evans, VP and General Manager of Energy and Refined Fuels at DTN. 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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendevans/

🌐 website: https://www.dtn.com/

Additional Tools & Resources:

🎤 Go backstage and check out my studio

📚 Take my one-day digital strategy training course for oil and gas

📰 Blog Series on Digital Oil and Gas

🎧 Podcast Archive

Connect with Me:

💻 Resources

🔗 LinkedIn

🎙 Podcast

🐦 X (formerly Twitter)

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.

Disclaimer:

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

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: MetaExperts

💼 LinkedIn: Ron Crabtree LinkedIn

Additional Tools & Resources

📖 Blog Series: Geoffrey Cann's Digital Oil and Gas Insights

📚 Online Training: Digital Strategy Course for Oil and Gas

🎙 Podcast Archive: Digital Innovations in Oil and Gas

Connect with Me

🌐 Website: GeoffreyCann.com

💼 LinkedIn: Geoffrey Cann LinkedIn

🐦 Twitter: @GeoffreyCann

Contact for Lectures and Keynotes

🎤 I regularly speak on digital transformation, energy workforce challenges, and emerging technology trends. Let's discuss your next event. Contact Me Here

Disclaimer

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

Safe operations in industries like oil and gas, water utilities, and construction are a non-negotiable priority. However, achieving these high safety standards often creates inefficiencies, as organizations adopt low-error tolerance systems and time-intensive compliance processes.   Field teams face growing pressure to balance safety, productivity, and quality, while adapting to emerging challenges like digitization and net-zero goals.

As these demands intensify, field operations continue to struggle with outdated approaches. Excessive paperwork, lack of real-time visibility, and disjointed communication between field teams and managers result in unnecessary downtime, missed opportunities, and increased operational costs.

How can industries modernize field operations to meet these high safety and performance standards while driving efficiency?

In this episode, I'm joined by Karl Simons, Chief Futurist at FYLD, to explore how AI-driven solutions are revolutionizing field operations. FYLD's platform uses visual analytics, natural language processing, and predictive reasoning to digitize fieldwork, automate reporting, and deliver actionable insights. 

Some of the questions we discuss include:

• How can industries overcome safety and productivity challenges in field operations?

• What role do AI-powered tools like visual analytics and predictive reasoning play in modernizing operations?

• How does digitization support organizations in achieving net-zero goals?

• What are the key barriers to adopting AI solutions in field operations, and how can they be addressed?

Reference Links For FYLD 🖥️ website: FYLD 📇 Linkedin: Karl Simons 🖥️ LinkedIn: FYLD   Additional Tools & Resources From Geoffrey 🎬 Go backstage and check out my studio: 👉 https://geoffreycann.com/resources/ 🎓 Take my one day digital strategy training course for oil and gas: 👉 https://www.udemy.com/course/digital-...   Connect with Me: 🖥️ Blog series: https://digitaloilgas.substack.com/ 🎧 Podcast: https://geoffreycann.com/broadcast/ 📇 Linkedin: Advocate for Digital Innovation 🤬 X: 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. Click here 👉 https://geoffreycann.com/contact/ 

The energy sector is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by advancements in geospatial technology and the unrelenting evolution of digital innovation. Traditional geotech methods are giving way to LiDAR, GPS, drone and satellite imagery, and the industry now collects more data than ever before. But how do you make sense of this crazy data-rich landscape while holding to the oil and gas ideals of accuracy, efficiency, and safety?

Adding to this data overload challenge are the siloed information holdings and the need for skilled professionals who can interpret and leverage geospatial insights.

From pipeline monitoring to asset management, the applications of these tools are becoming table stakes, not nice-to-haves. To be competitive, today's energy companies need to rethink how they manage geospatial data, build up predictive analytics, and break through organizational barriers to data sharing.

In this episode, I speak with Lonnie Upton, an account manager at NV5 and a seasoned expert in geospatial data for oil and gas. Lonnie shares his journey from field surveying to becoming a leader in the use of cutting-edge remote sensing technologies. Together, we discuss how geospatial tools are driving efficiency, improving safety, and reshaping operations.

Some of the questions we explore include:

• What problems do technologies like LiDAR and AI-powered tools solve in the energy sector?

• How can organizations overcome challenges of data overload and departmental silos?

• What steps should companies take to ensure data quality and real-time decision-making?

• Why is geospatial data a key driver for the future of energy operations?

If you're unfamiliar with how geotech can make a difference, you'll really appreciate this episode  on the potential of geospatial technology and its impact on the future of energy.

#NV5 #geospatial #GIS #digitaloilfield #O&G #oil&gas

Reference Links For NV5 🖥️ website: NV5 📇 Linkedin: Lonnie Upton 🖥️ LinkedIn: NV5   Additional Tools & Resources From Geoffrey 🎬 Go backstage and check out my studio: 👉 https://geoffreycann.com/resources/ 🎓 Take my one day digital strategy training course for oil and gas: 👉 https://www.udemy.com/course/digital-...   Connect with Me: 🖥️ Blog series: https://digitaloilgas.substack.com/ 🎧 Podcast: https://geoffreycann.com/broadcast/ 📇 Linkedin: Advocate for Digital Innovation 🤬 X: 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. Click here 👉 https://geoffreycann.com/contact/ 

#ETRM #CTRM

One of the last remaining domains of energy yet to fully embrace the cloud is Energy Trading and Risk Management (ETRM). Despite the key role it plays, the broader oil and gas sector (producers, supply houses, traders, agents) cling to old legacy ETRM  systems—clunky, costly, and a pain to integrate into complex application portfolios. Trading is a high stakes game with few users, and the risk of modernizing these systems is very worrisome.

However, the energy sector is now overdue to tackle ETRM, driven by rapid changes in commodity markets and global geopolitics. The emergence of new commodities such as renewables and the realignment of supply chains because of sanctions and conflicts, really requires systems that can adapt quickly and efficiently.

Legacy ETRM systems, rigid and isolated, struggle to cope with these new realities. Cloud-based solutions, however, offer the agility to address rapid growth in renewables and the complexity of modern energy trading.

In this episode I speak with Sameer Soleja, the Founder and CEO of Molecule, who set out to disrupt this stagnant landscape. Sameer launched a new ETRM solution that  improves the user experience through an emphasis on ease of use, automation, and reliability. 

Reference Links For Molecule 🖥️ website: Molecule.IO 📇 Linkedin: Sameer Soleja 🖥️ LinkedIn: Molecule.IO 📧 email: [email protected]   Additional Tools & Resources From Geoffrey 🎬 Go backstage and check out my studio: 👉 https://geoffreycann.com/resources/ 🎓 Take my one day digital strategy training course for oil and gas: 👉 https://www.udemy.com/course/digital-...   Connect with Me: 🖥️ Blog series: https://digitaloilgas.substack.com/ 🎧 Podcast: https://geoffreycann.com/broadcast/ 📇 Linkedin:   / brand-ambassador-digital-for-energy   🤬 X:   / 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. Click here 👉 https://geoffreycann.com/contact/