In this episode of "What the Funk," we dive into the fascinating life journey of Jared Hoover, a man whose career has spanned from military service to the forefront of energy technology. Jared shares his experiences, from the aspirations of flying fighter jets to adapting to unexpected turns in life, including navigating the challenges of raising a child with special needs and transitioning into the oil and gas industry, eventually finding his niche in energy tech.

Key Points Discussed:

• Jared's early dreams and how a diagnosis of colorblindness shifted his path from flying fighter jets to serving in ground combat roles in the Air Force.
• The impact of 9/11 on Jared's military career and his deployments to Iraq, offering a raw look into the realities of military service.
• Transitioning from military to civilian life, Jared's move into the oil and gas sector with Shell, and his eventual pivot towards technology and product management within the energy industry.
• The personal challenges Jared faced, including his son's diagnosis with Down syndrome, and how it influenced his career decisions and family life.
• Jared's involvement with startups like Kelvin and his current role at True North, highlighting the importance of authenticity, networking, and understanding customer needs in tech and business development.
• Advice to his younger self and others: the importance of embracing one's authentic self to navigate life's journey more effectively.

Jared's story is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of authenticity in both personal and professional realms. Join us as we explore the lessons learned from his diverse experiences and how they've shaped his approach to life, career, and technology in the energy sector.

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