What’s it like to juggle mineral rights, navigate messy title issues, and help families manage royalties—all while thriving in the oil and gas world without relying on the industry’s boozy networking culture? That’s the life of a veteran landman who’s turned nearly two decades of experience into a thriving business. From his small-town roots to leading Land Runner, he’s mastered the art of building genuine relationships, managing complex deals, and mentoring others in the energy sector—all with patience, grit, and a refreshing focus on principles over shortcuts. It’s a mix of career wisdom, fascinating land management stories, and proof that you don’t have to play by every unwritten rule to succeed.

Digital Wildcatters brings the energy community together through events, cutting-edge content, and powerful tools. Join our online community at collide.io. Engage with experts, level up your career, and ask Collide AI your toughest technical questions.

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Who says oil fields can’t get a tech makeover? Amplified Industries is turning the energy game on its head with slick software that cuts spills, boosts production, and saves cash—all while making advanced tech easy for operators to use. Founded by two MIT whizzes with backgrounds in quantum physics and investment banking, this Boston-based startup has gone from tinkering with small wells to tackling big operations, proving that big brains and bold ideas can modernize even the most traditional industries. It's Silicon Valley meets the oil patch, and it’s changing the future of energy.

Digital Wildcatters brings the energy community together through events, cutting-edge content, and powerful tools. Join our online community at collide.io. Engage with experts, level up your career, and ask Collide AI your toughest technical questions.

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Josh Young, Portfolio Manager of Bison Interests, joins us to share his unique perspective on incentive theory and its impact on the oil and gas sector. Influenced by his time at the University of Chicago and mentorship from Nobel laureates like Milton Friedman, Josh’s contrarian approach to investing is rooted in a deep understanding of behavioral drivers in the market. In this engaging episode, he reveals his journey from Los Angeles to Houston, insights on navigating the volatile oil and gas landscape, and the role of technology in modern investment strategies. Josh’s approach sheds light on the benefits of betting on undervalued stocks and his vision for the future of Bison Interests.

Digital Wildcatters brings the energy community together through events, cutting-edge content, and powerful tools. Join our online community at collide.io. Engage with experts, level up your career, and ask Collide AI your toughest technical questions.

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Sally Hallingstad, a Business Development Executive at Moss Adams, joins Jeremy Funk on "What the Funk?" to share her authentic approach to networking in the energy sector. From her roots in North Dakota to her impactful role at the Denver Petroleum Club and now in Houston, Sally's journey highlights resilience and the power of genuine connection in male-dominated industries. Her strategies—staying authentic, asking questions, and building a supportive community—offer valuable insights for success across industries. Sally's experience reflects her adaptability and tenacity, making her a standout in the energy sector.

Digital Wildcatters brings the energy community together through events, cutting-edge content, and powerful tools. Join our online community at collide.io. Engage with experts, level up your career, and ask Collide AI your toughest technical questions.

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Vicki Knott, CEO and Co-Founder of Crux OCM, shares her inspiring journey from growing up in rural Newfoundland to becoming a tech leader in the oil and gas industry. Vicki talks about her unique upbringing on a remote island, her transition from engineering student to CEO, and how she uses AI to innovate in industrial markets. She discusses the challenges she faced, including her unconventional approach to automating pipeline operations, and offers insights into the future of tech startups in the energy sector. Vicki’s story highlights her path from a subsistence lifestyle to becoming a driving force in the tech transformation of oil and gas, and how her company is setting new standards in pipeline efficiency and safety. The episode also provides valuable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities within energy, investing, and technology.

Digital Wildcatters brings the energy community together through events, cutting-edge content, and powerful tools. Join our online community at collide.io. Engage with experts, level up your career, and ask Collide AI your toughest technical questions.

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Join Jeremy as he dives deep into the fascinating world of oil and gas with guest Mark D'Alessio, a Senior Account Executive at Esri, on the What the Funk? Podcast. Discover how Esri, renowned as a leading GIS mapping company, is transforming the oil and gas sector with cutting-edge solutions that enhance efficiency and safety. Mark shares his journey from New Jersey to Houston, overcoming industry challenges and embracing innovation.

Key Takeaways:
- Esri's vital role in oil and gas, providing advanced data visualization and route optimization.
- Insights into Mark's career transition from finance to tech, highlighting the industry's evolution.
- The impact of Esri's solutions on safety and operational efficiency in oil and gas.

The Backstory:
Mark D'Alessio, a dynamic leader with a rich background in finance and tech, brings his expertise to Esri, driving innovation across industrial markets.

00:00 - Intro
01:15 - Mark D’Alessio
02:25 - Personal Background
04:10 - Growing Up in New Jersey
07:00 - New Jersey Influence
08:35 - Early Career Journey
12:47 - First Oil and Gas Job
17:10 - Energy Navigator vs. P2 Comparison
19:38 - Working with Chris Stanklewicz
22:19 - Consolidation in Oil & Gas Technology
25:28 - Acquisitions and Roll-Ups
27:58 - The Equity Chase in Energy
29:19 - Introduction to Esri
33:16 - Role at Esri
38:57 - Advice to Younger Self
44:15 - Favorite Job Experience
46:10 - Connecting with Mark D'Alessio

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Dive deep into the fascinating journey of Deanna Zhang, CEO of V1 Climate Solutions, as she transitions from banking to the burgeoning world of climate tech on the What the Funk? Podcast. Discover how Deanna's bold move led her to become a thought leader in energy and climate technology. Key Takeaways include insights into the challenges of first-of-a-kind projects, the intersection of industrial markets with AI, and the future of sustainable energy. The Backstory reveals Deanna's roots in Houston and her academic journey at Yale, which shaped her perspective on global energy challenges. The Problem she addresses is the "missing middle" in funding for early-stage hard tech ventures. AI to the Rescue highlights her innovative approach in connecting investors with startups. Industry Insights offer a fresh look at how companies are adapting to new energy paradigms. A Contrarian Approach showcases her unique path in the tech startup ecosystem. The Future looks promising as Deanna continues to push boundaries in climate tech. Guest Bio: Deanna Zhang, a visionary leader and Yale alumnus, spearheads V1 Climate Solutions, driving change in the energy sector. Subscribe for more insights and follow us for updates!

00:00 - Intro
00:53 - Who is Deanna Zhang
03:41 - Growing up in Houston
08:53 - Attending Yale University
12:52 - College Experience
18:38 - First Job After College
23:13 - Working for TPH During COVID
27:00 - TPH Energy Tech Practice Overview
30:05 - Starting EnergyTech Ventures
35:30 - B1 Climate Solutions Introduction
38:00 - What B1 Climate Solutions Does
39:10 - Acquiring Business Clients
40:50 - Current Market Trends
46:00 - Advice to Younger Self
49:20 - Personal Insights
53:34 - Where to Find Deanna Zhang

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Digital Wildcatters brings the energy community together through events, cutting-edge content, and powerful tools. Join our online community at collide.io. Engage with experts, level up your career, and ask Collide AI your toughest technical questions.

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Dive deep into the world of leadership development and discover Ashley McCormick's leadership secrets on the latest episode of What the Funk? Podcast. Join host Jeremy as he explores Ashley's journey from her Nebraska roots to becoming a founder of Rooted in Leadership. Ashley shares her unique insights from her experiences at Devon Energy and Paycom, highlighting the power of effective training and leadership in the oil and gas sector. Discover how Ashley's contrarian approach to leadership, focusing on listening and empowerment, transforms company culture and boosts productivity. Key takeaways include the impact of coaching on team dynamics and how embracing change through technology and AI can revolutionize industries. Ashley's story is a testament to following one's calling and the importance of balance in work and life. 

Guest Bio: Ashley McCormick, founder of Rooted in Leadership, is a seasoned expert in leadership training and development. With extensive experience in oil and gas, she focuses on creating transformative cultural shifts in organizations. 

00:00 - Intro
01:13 - Who is Ashley McCormick
03:18 - Growing Up in Lincoln, NE
05:15 - Attending University of Nebraska
07:40 - Major in College
09:45 - Journey into Training
10:52 - Non-Technical Training Insights
12:28 - Benefits of Non-Technical Training
15:10 - Engaging People in Training
19:36 - Transition from Paycom to Devon
22:10 - Keeping Up with Technical Skills
24:10 - Managing Workplace Age Diversity
29:10 - Measuring Success in Training Role
32:20 - Training Approaches for Smaller Companies
36:25 - Starting My Own Company Journey
40:25 - Overview of Rooted in Leadership
40:41 - Hobbies Outside of Work
44:46 - Future Vision for My Business
48:48 - Connecting with Ashley McCormick
50:22 - Advice for New Professionals
50:26 - Online Presence of Ashley McCormick

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Digital Wildcatters brings the energy community together through events, cutting-edge content, and powerful tools. Join our online community at collide.io. Engage with experts, level up your career, and ask Collide AI your toughest technical questions.

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Dive deep into AI's Next Frontier: Oil & Gas Innovation Unveiled with Jeremy and guests Jon Brewton and Matt Kilker from data² on the What the Funk? Podcast. Discover how AI is set to revolutionize the oil and gas industry, with key insights from industry veterans. Key Takeaways include the transformative role of AI in high-reliability sectors, the unique challenges of integrating AI in oil and gas, and how data² is pioneering these changes with a contrarian approach. 

The Backstory: Jon Brewton, CEO and founder of data², shares his journey from military service to oil and gas, culminating in the creation of an innovative AI company. The Problem: Many AI firms lack the oil and gas expertise, while traditional companies struggle with tech adoption. AI to the Rescue: data²'s solutions offer transparency and reliability, crucial for industry application.

Industry Insights reveal AI's vast potential in optimizing operations, reducing costs, and enhancing decision-making. The Future promises more efficiency and innovation as AI matures. Guest Bio: Jon Brewton and Matt Kilker lead data² in transforming industrial markets with cutting-edge AI solutions. Subscribe for more insights and follow us for updates!

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Matt Kilker and Jon Brewton, data²
01:20 - Insights from Matt Kilker
04:39 - John Brewton's Journey
10:37 - data²: Early Days and Growth
11:35 - data²'s Business Model Explained
12:34 - Building the data² Team
18:13 - Interacting with Data: Best Practices
22:49 - Matt's Perspective on Industry Trends
27:38 - Pitching to Investors: Strategies
32:50 - Current Market Insights
34:44 - Future of AI: 3, 5, 10 Years Ahead
42:25 - Closing Thoughts and Reflections
43:34 - Should Small Operators Embrace AI?
48:44 - Org Capability Multiplier: CIA Capstone Program
52:19 - Disposal Well Optimization Strategies
54:21 - Advice for Early Career Professionals
58:18 - Finding data² Online

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Dive deep into the future of painting with PaintJet's disruptive tech on this episode of What the Funk? Podcast. Discover how Nick Hegeman, CEO & Co-Founder of PaintJet, is revolutionizing the painting industry with innovative robotics, tackling the labor shortage challenge in construction and oil and gas sectors. Key takeaways include insights into Nick's entrepreneurial journey, the inception of PaintJet, and the strategic approach to solving industry-specific problems. 

The Backstory: From a labor-intensive painting business to pioneering a tech startup, Nick shares his journey from Pittsburgh to Butler University and beyond. The Problem: The acute labor shortage in industrial markets. AI to the Rescue: How PaintJet's technology is streamlining operations with efficiency and precision. Industry Insights: The impact on oil and gas, showcasing how PaintJet's solutions meet regulatory and operational demands. A Contrarian Approach: Owning the service, not just the tech. The Future: Expanding globally and exploring paint-adjacent opportunities.

Guest Bio: Nick Hegeman, an engineer and family man, leads PaintJet with a visionary mindset, reshaping how industries approach painting. Subscribe for more insights and follow us for updates on game-changing innovations.

00:00 - Intro
01:33 - Who is Nick Hegeman
02:38 - Growing up in Indiana
07:05 - Starting a business
10:32 - Challenges in painting
11:48 - First iteration of CertaPro
13:39 - Birth of CertaPro technology
18:00 - Committing to CertaPro
19:56 - Fundraising for CertaPro
22:50 - How the robot works
28:50 - Job process with the robot
33:20 - Future of robots in painting
35:18 - Company vision and growth
38:10 - Entrepreneurship lessons
41:35 - CEO management strategies
43:04 - Industry competition
47:33 - Robot operational efficiency
48:54 - Building a referral business
50:00 - Connecting with Nick

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Digital Wildcatters brings the energy community together through events, cutting-edge content, and powerful tools. Join our online community at collide.io. Engage with experts, level up your career, and ask Collide AI your toughest technical questions.