Digital Innovations in Oil and Gas with Geoffrey Cann

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: kari@molecule.io 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/

SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology) has a critical mission: producing the frontline workers that keep the energy industry running. But as the sector evolves—shaped by decarbonization, digital technologies, shifting demographics, and immigration rules—so too must the workforce. According to Dale Hansen, dean of SAIT's MacPhail School of Energy, the institution's role is to stay several steps ahead of these trends, making sure graduates are ready to meet the future. Dale faces an unenviable but exciting challenge: anticipating where the energy market is headed years before it happens. SAIT works to identify the skills the industry will need, refresh its curriculum, and recruit educators—all while navigating rapid changes. This isn't just about tweaking course content; it's about rethinking what it means to be an energy professional in a world increasingly shaped by new solutions and technologies. The future energy worker won't just turn wrenches or operate rigs—they'll need to innovate, adapt, and problem-solve in ways that the industry has yet to experience. Dale highlights how SAIT is taking a proactive approach to build this next-gen workforce, seeing that the energy sector has the talent it needs to thrive in a decarbonized, digital-first future. About Dale Dale Hansen is the Dean in the MacPhail School of Energy at SAIT, providing strategic leadership for its academic programs that span across the energy industry. Prior to joining SAIT, Dale spent 25 years in the oil and gas and mineral resource sectors. Through the course of his career in oil and gas, Dale filled a wide variety of leadership roles across many functions, including time spent in field locations such as the Oil Sands near Fort McMurray. This has provided him with a well-rounded perspective on the industry and an absolute passion for energy in all of its forms. Dale is an experienced facilitator and speaker who holds a Chartered Professional Accounting (CMA) designation and a Master of Arts degree in Leadership from Royal Roads University. Reference Links For SAIT 🖥️ website: https://www.sait.ca/sait-schools/macphail-school-of-energy 📇 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dale-l-hansen/ ⌨️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/saitca 📧 Dale's email: dale.hansen@sait.ca 🖥️ Facebook: Facebook.com/SAIT ❌ Twitter: x.com/sait 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: 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. Click here 👉 https://geoffreycann.com/contact/

Oil and gas managers often view every decision as high-stakes and irreversible, but in the digital world, not all choices carry that weight. Jeff Bezos's concept of "Type One" (irreversible) and "Type Two" (reversible) decisions offers a powerful framework for rethinking decision-making in the energy sector. While some digital investments—like SCADA integrations or major cybersecurity upgrades—are genuine Type One decisions requiring caution, many can be structured to minimize risk. In this episode, I explore practical approaches like pilots, modular designs, and SaaS solutions that help reframe digital investments as low-risk, high-reward opportunities. By distinguishing between true Type One decisions and those that only seem that way, oil and gas companies can accelerate adoption cycles, manage risk effectively, and unlock value faster. 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 regularly speak on these and related topics. Book a brief call to discuss your upcoming event: 👉 https://geoffreycann.com/contact/ Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are my own and do not constitute professional advice. Download the Transcript! Want the script for this podcast? Download it here: 👉 https://open.substack.com/pub/digitaloilgas/p/unlocking-digital-doors?r=18ohzb&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

With your company being acquired, what happens to the digital innovation you helped pioneer? Sadly, its days may be numbered. The unfortunate fate of digital innovations in the oil and gas industry following acquisitions is really depressing. Even groundbreaking technologies—despite their proven value—are often tossed to the curb by acquiring companies and their old-guard leaders. The structural and cultural barriers that stifle innovation in oil and gas can kill off winning ideas without remorse. That's the story in this episode--the rise and fall of a remarkable digital transformation program that unlocked huge value for a company on the brink, but was left behind after an acquisition by a more traditional player in the industry. Fortunately, I share the steps digital innovators must take to safeguard their work and survive in an acquisition. Sometimes the upside can be huge. 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 regularly speak on these and related topics. Book a brief call to discuss your upcoming event: 👉 https://geoffreycann.com/contact/ Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are my own and do not constitute professional advice. Download the Transcript! Want the script for this podcast? Download it here: 👉 https://digitaloilgas.substack.com/p/why-your-digital-oil-and-gas-innovation

Stitching a new energy trading and risk management (ETRM) system into a modern systems environment is a substantial and risky undertaking. ETRM as a business function is notably complicated and the challenges an integrator faces are legion. Energy trading is perhaps the most complicated of all of the various functional areas one encounters in the oil and gas industry. It is a high risk, high stakes, high cost, highly dynamic, complex function with strong ties into operations and finance, relatively few actual transactions, and carried out by a small number of people who have deep industrial insight. What could go wrong? The successful integrator will promote an open and collaborative environment for the multiple technology and business teams to address the many integration challenges. While the stakes are high, the benefits of a well-designed and executed integration are well worth the investment. 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. Click here 👉 https://geoffreycann.com/contact/ Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are my own and do not constitute professional advice. Download the Transcript! Want the actual script that this podcast is based on? You can download the transcript for this podcast here: 👉 https://digitaloilgas.substack.com/p/navigating-green-compliance