What The Funk‪?‬ Digital Wildcatters

This episode explores Rachel’s unique journey in the oil and gas industry, her insights on leadership, and the strategic directions for W Energy Software. This conversation also delves into the balance of professional and personal life, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of being a female leader in a predominantly male industry.
This episode dives into:
Rachel’s Background: From her roots in a frequently relocating family to her ascent as CEO of W Energy Software, Rachel shares her personal and professional history.
Leadership Style: Rachel discusses her approach to leadership at W Energy Software, focusing on evolution within the company and the industry.
Industry Insights: The conversation covers significant trends and Rachel’s predictions for the future of the oil and gas industry.
Work-Life Balance: Rachel opens up about managing a high-powered career and a busy home life, emphasizing the importance of family.
Challenges as a Female CEO: Insights into Rachel's experiences as one of the few female leaders in the oil and gas sector, including the pressures and expectations she navigates.
Advice for Young Professionals: Rachel offers advice to her younger self and others starting out in their careers, stressing the importance of authenticity and integrity.
Join Jeremy and Rachel for a deep dive into these topics, filled with practical insights and inspirational stories tailored for anyone aspiring to grow personally and professionally.
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Marty Dytrych discusses the transformative power of AI in industrial sales and sourcing, explaining how Industrial Data Labs leverages technology to streamline processes, enhance accuracy, and drive profitability in the PVF sector.
This episode dives into:
Marty Dytrych's Background:Marty shares his unique journey from real estate to tech entrepreneurship, detailing his educational path at Notre Dame and his subsequent ventures into various industries including media and advertising before focusing on AI and industrial data.
The Genesis of Industrial Data Labs:The conversation reveals the origin story of Industrial Data Labs, inspired by the inefficiencies Marty observed in industrial sales processes. He explains how the company uses AI to interpret complex equipment descriptions and improve data flow between suppliers and distributors.
AI's Role in Modernizing Industry Standards:Marty discusses how Industrial Data Labs' technology not only saves time but also increases profitability by enabling quicker and more accurate responses to RFQs (Request for Quotations) through AI-driven automation.
Challenges and Opportunities in AI Adoption:Despite the potential of AI, Marty points out the disparity between AI hype on platforms like Twitter and the actual adoption rates in industries. He emphasizes the need for more widespread and practical implementation of AI technologies to solve real-world problems.
Future Directions and Industry Impact:Looking ahead, Marty talks about scaling Industrial Data Labs’ solutions across more products and exploring further applications of AI in other operational processes. He also reflects on the potential for AI to revolutionize data extraction and application transitions, significantly reducing manual data entry and errors.
Personal Insights and Industry Advice:Marty shares personal anecdotes about his motivations and the realities of entrepreneurship in high-tech industries. He offers advice to other startups on finding valuable applications of AI and navigating the complex landscape of industrial technologies.
Conclusion:Marty concludes with insights on the importance of community involvement in sectors like PVF and his plans for future expansions both in product offerings and geographical markets.
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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.

In this episode of "What the Funk," we sit down with Kirk Coburn, a seasoned entrepreneur and investor based in Houston, Texas. Kirk shares his rollercoaster journey through the tech and energy sectors, offering invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business owners alike. From his early days at Dell to founding several companies and eventually venturing into the world of accelerators and venture capital, Kirk's story is a testament to the power of curiosity, resilience, and strategic thinking in the entrepreneurial world.
Key Highlights:
Early Career and Lessons Learned: Kirk recounts his initial foray into the tech industry with Dell, his subsequent ventures, and the critical lessons learned from failures and successes. His experience underscores the importance of patience, adaptability, and understanding the market's needs.
The Surge Accelerator Experience: Kirk delves into his time founding and running the Surge Accelerator, focusing on energy software startups. He discusses the challenges of aligning product offerings with the complex needs of the energy sector and the importance of a robust sales process.
Insights on Sales and Marketing: Drawing from his vast experience, Kirk emphasizes the crucial role of a well-defined sales process, not just a great product, in achieving business success. He highlights common pitfalls startups face when scaling their sales efforts and the misconception that hiring more salespeople is the solution to revenue growth.
MOIC Partners and the Future of Energy Tech: Kirk introduces his current venture, MOIC Partners, which specializes in building sales engines for B2B SaaS companies in the energy sector and guiding startups through the valuation and exit process. He shares his vision for helping companies achieve sustainable growth and successful exits.
Advice for Entrepreneurs: To his younger self and other entrepreneurs, Kirk advises patience, openness to learning, and the importance of recognizing one's own areas of incompetence. He stresses the value of understanding the sales process deeply and building a business that can thrive beyond the founder's involvement.
Join us as Kirk Coburn shares the wisdom gained from his entrepreneurial journey, offering actionable advice for navigating the challenges and opportunities of building a successful business in today's dynamic market landscape.
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In this episode of "What the Funk," we delve into the fascinating career of Shrivan Kamdar, a key figure in the oil and gas technology sector. From his early days at ExxonMobil to his influential role at Seven Lakes Technologies and the subsequent acquisition by W Energy Software, Shon shares insights into the evolution of tech in the oil and gas industry, the challenges of integrating cultures and technologies post-acquisition, and the importance of innovation and adaptability in driving the industry forward.
Key Points Discussed:
Shrivan's transition from ExxonMobil to Seven Lakes Technologies: Discover why Shrivan made the leap from a global oil giant to a startup focused on disrupting oil and gas tech with innovative solutions.The acquisition of Seven Lakes by W Energy Software: Shrivan provides an inside look at the acquisition process, the strategic fit between the two companies, and the challenges and opportunities that arose from integrating their technologies and cultures.Innovations in field services management (FSM): Learn about the cutting-edge FSM solution developed under Shrivan's leadership, which leverages drones and sensors for real-time task dispatching, enhancing operational efficiency and safety in the field.The importance of embracing challenges and innovation: Shrivan reflects on his career journey, emphasizing the value of taking risks, pursuing what you're passionate about, and the role of constructive conflict in fostering growth and innovation.Personal insights and motivations: Shrivan shares what drives him both professionally and personally, including his commitment to spiritual growth, his involvement in charitable work, and the lessons he's learned about appreciating the opportunities life has offered him.Join us as Shrivan Kamdar shares his journey through the oil and gas tech landscape, offering valuable lessons on innovation, resilience, and the power of a positive mindset in navigating the complexities of the industry.

In this engaging episode, we sit down with Andrew Rosen, a seasoned professional in the fields of sales, marketing, and advertising, who shares his journey from college friendships to navigating the complexities of middle management and finding fulfillment in his career.
This episode dives into:
Andrew Rosen's Background: From his early days at Brandeis University to his current role at Nextdoor, Andrew takes us through his personal and professional evolution, highlighting the significance of relationships and adaptability in his journey.The Transition from College to Career: Andrew discusses the challenges and learning experiences he faced as he transitioned from a college student to a professional in the competitive landscape of New York City's media and advertising industry.Insights on Middle Management: Delving into the often overlooked aspects of middle management, Andrew shares his perspectives and theories on what makes an effective middle manager and how to navigate the challenges that come with the role.The Role of Nextdoor in Community Building: At Nextdoor, Andrew finds a platform that aligns with his values of fostering community and connection, underscoring the importance of meaningful work in achieving professional satisfaction.Personal Growth and Professional Development: Reflecting on the importance of mentorship, self-awareness, and continuous learning, Andrew emphasizes how understanding one's values and seeking out mentors can significantly impact career trajectory and personal fulfillment.The Impact of Technology on Work Efficiency: Andrew touches on the potential of AI and Gen AI to transform workplace productivity, offering insights into how technology can enable professionals to work smarter, not harder.