Oilfield 360 Podcast

Hosted by Upright Digital

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Episodes

105

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

The Oilfield 360 Podcast is the premier Oil and Gas podcast giving our listeners unique insight into the leadership of this great industry. We will be talking to industry leaders, disrupters, and thought leaders who will give their knowledge and tips to our audience. Whether Upstream, Midstream, or Downstream; E&P or Private Equity; Hydraulic Fracturing or Subsea; Drilling or Production; Topside or Downhole, Safety or HR, we have this industry covered in all 360 degrees.

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60 recent

August 25, 20261 hr 0 min

#102. From Baylor Football to Frac Hand to CEO: Sam Sledge on Leadership & Energy

What can a footballer-to-frac-hand-to-CEO journey teach us about leadership and the future of energy? On the Oilfield 360 podcast, David de Roode and Victoria Beard Queen sit down with friend and client, Sam Sledge, CEO of ProPetro Services, to explore his Midland roots, oilfield legacy, career journey, and leadership lessons. Sam also discusses ProPetro’s move into electric frac, the launch of PROPWR for behind-the-meter generation, and how rising consumer, commercial, industrial, and AI-driven power demand is creating new opportunities across the oil and gas ecosystem. Listen to the full episode for insights on leadership and innovation. 00:00 Show Kickoff 00:14 Back to School Catchup 00:49 Be Present Quote 01:20 Summer Road Trip Stories 02:55 Meet Sam Sledge 04:04 Midland Roots 06:25 Mentors and Community 08:21 Faith Family Football 11:29 Range and Curiosity 16:11 Mentorship Mindset 18:11 Landman and Safety 22:36 From Frac Hand to CEO 31:41 Marriage Team Mindset 32:26 Identity Beyond CEO 33:26 Why Enter Power 33:36 Electric Frac Origins 36:48 Building ProPower Team 37:54 AI Data Center Demand 42:13 Execution And Investors 44:35 Permian Not Dying 46:07 Future Of OFS 51:45 Family And Work Stories 54:41 Franny The Mascot Dog 56:26 Life Fitness Closing Advice 59:08 Wrap Up And Where To Find Us

June 16, 202659 min

#101. Jose Bayardo on Drilling Innovation, Growth, And Energy Demand

In this episode of Oilfield 360, hosts David de Roode and Victoria Bear Queen sit down with Jose Bayardo, the newly appointed CEO of NOV, to explore leadership, innovation, and the future of global energy. Bayardo shares a candid and wide-ranging perspective shaped by his career across investment banking, private equity-backed growth companies, public markets, and large-scale global operations. From his early days in energy technology and corporate development to his leadership of one of the world’s largest oilfield services companies, the conversation traces how disciplined capital allocation, operational experience, and adaptability have defined his path. 00:00 Why Oil and Gas Matters 00:36 Podcast and Sponsors 01:59 Host Catch Up 03:23 Meet Jose Bayardo 04:03 Early Life and Education 06:43 Banking and Energy Tech 07:32 SCF and Complete Growth 14:48 Continental to NOV 18:34 Becoming NOV CEO 25:26 What NOV Does 26:10 Brazil Deepwater Expansion 28:45 Geopolitics and Supply Chain 30:05 Energy Security and Diversification 31:13 Fiberglass and Midstream Infrastructure 33:25 Automation and Data Tech 35:14 NOV in 5 to 10 Years 37:19 M&A Versus Organic Innovation 39:13 Capital Discipline and Investing 42:23 Replacement Cycle and Tightening Market 45:37 Family Life and Balance 48:33 Cars and Hands-On Hobbies 51:55 Mentors and Leadership Lessons 54:57 Quick Fire and Career Advice

June 9, 202653 min

#100. Jamie Stewart on Powering Data Centers And The Future Of AI

As AI and data centers drive unprecedented energy demand, where will the power come from? In the 100th episode of the Oilfield 360 podcast, hosts David de Roode and Victoria Beard Queen welcome back the show's very first guest, Jamie Stewart, president of EnQuest Energy Solutions. Stewart shares how EnQuest evolved from a frac-equipment company into a growing player in natural gas power solutions, driven by the rising need for reliable energy infrastructure. The conversation explores distributed power, workforce challenges, industry relationships, and the opportunities created by the AI-driven energy boom. 00:00 Why Oil and Gas Matters 00:36 Podcast and Sponsors 01:59 Welcome and 100th Episode 02:39 How the Show Began 06:19 Introducing Jamie Stewart 07:55 EnQuest After COVID 09:29 EnQuest Business Overview 10:27 Power Generation Pivot 14:32 Data Centers Need Everything 17:14 How EnQuest Entered Power 19:51 Efficiency vs Demand 21:42 Hiring and Culture 23:44 Talent Shortage Reality 27:00 Why Join EnQuest Now 28:13 Natural Gas Frac Future 30:40 Engine Tech Explained 31:11 Natural Gas Fuel Savings 32:23 Going Fully Gas Powered 32:54 Safety Culture And Learning 34:04 Networking And Industry Events 36:15 Barbecue Competition Stories 40:24 Petroleum Museum Magic 41:27 EnQuest Future Vision 43:17 Life Outside EnQuest 45:27 Cooking And Grill Tales 47:45 Meeting Natalie And Giving Back 50:42 Parting Wisdom And Wrap

June 2, 202630 min

#99. Beth McDonald on Building Value Through Disciplined Growth & Strategic M&A

On this episode of the Oilfield 360 Podcast, recorded live from the #FossilFueled event in Houston, Texas, David de Roode and Victoria Beard Queen were joined by Beth McDonald, CEO of SM Energy. In this conversation, Beth shares her journey from a young engineer in the field to leading a public company focused on disciplined growth, strategic M&A, and unlocking value in underappreciated basins. We dig into what it really takes to create value in today’s energy market, from capital allocation and integration execution to building high-performing teams grounded in curiosity, hustle, and humility. This is a conversation about leadership, discipline, and how great operators scale with intention. 00:00 Why Oil and Gas Matters 00:36 Podcast Mission and Sponsors 01:58 Live at Fossil Fueled Houston 02:51 Meet Beth McDonald 03:15 Roots and Geology Passion 04:16 Texas A&M and Giving Back 05:03 Early Career Lessons at Fina 08:46 From Hess to Pioneer Growth 10:06 Joining SM Energy Culture 11:54 Innovation and Basin Strategy 15:00 CITAs Merger Value Case 16:42 Integration Planning and Talent 17:33 Merger Momentum 18:55 Family Life Balance 20:55 Mentors Who Shaped Me 23:04 Why Energy CEO 24:09 Legacy and Leadership 25:12 Weekends Sports Outdoors 26:55 Roots and Space Inspiration 28:18 Closing Advice and Farewell

May 26, 20261 hr 6 min

#98. Ryan Havens on Oilfield Chemicals, Strategic Growth & the Future of Energy

Building a modern energy platform takes more than capital: it takes vision, discipline, and the right team. In this episode of Oilfield 360, host David de Roode and co-host Victoria Beard Queen sit down with Ryan Havens, CEO of Imperative Chemical Partners, to explore how strategic acquisitions, private equity partnerships, and a people-first culture transformed WadeCo Specialties into a leading energy services platform. Ryan shares insights on: • Building and scaling through M&A • Leadership philosophy and servant leadership • The critical role of production chemicals in modern oil & gas • Improved Oil Recovery (IOR) technologies and maximizing well output • Digital transformation, data, and AI in the field • Industry consolidation and the push toward efficiency and cash flow discipline As energy markets evolve, this conversation dives into how innovation, culture, and strategy are reshaping the future of oil and gas.

May 19, 202657 min

#97. Carey Ford on Precision Drilling, Tech-Driven Growth & Oilfield Leadership

What does it take to lead one of the largest drilling companies in the industry? Host David de Roode and co-host Victoria Beard Queen sit down with Carey Ford, newly appointed CEO of Precision Drilling, to discuss his path from investor relations to the CEO role, the company’s growth across Canada, the U.S., and the Middle East, and his vision for the future. Carey also shares how Precision plans to expand market share through technology, stronger customer relationships, and a service-first culture. 00:00 Why Oil And Gas Matters 00:36 Podcast Mission And Sponsors 01:59 Welcome Back And Travel Recap 02:51 Pebble Beach Cooking Win 04:26 Meet Cary Ford 05:37 Cary’s Houston Roots 06:56 Canada Family Connection 10:51 Entering Energy And Simmons 11:51 Arthur Andersen Lessons 13:50 Twin Life And Style 15:40 Precision Drilling Overview 17:02 Middle East Operations Risk 17:51 Career Path To CEO 23:51 Vision For Canada And US Growth 26:46 Middle East Growth Tech 28:37 Culture Field Comes First 30:05 Service Mindset Wins 33:19 Mentors Shaping Leadership 35:47 CEO Energy Intensity 37:52 Why Oilfield Matters 39:55 Living Working Calgary 44:43 Alberta Politics Headwinds 46:35 Weekends Golf Reading 49:32 Middle East Returns Discipline 50:49 Canada Investment Tailwinds 54:28 Career Advice Closing

May 12, 202641 min

#96. Scott Gromer on Fast, Distributed Power for Oilfields & Data Centers

Recorded live at the Piper Sandler Energy Conference in Las Vegas, hosts David de Roode and Victoria Beard Queen sit down with Scott Gromer, President and CEO of Mesa Power Solutions, to discuss how fast‑deploy, distributed power is transforming energy infrastructure. Scott shares Mesa’s journey from a seven‑person startup to a 900‑plus‑employee company delivering turnkey natural gas power solutions across the oilfield, industrial facilities, utilities, and data centers, shaped by military leadership, strong culture, and disciplined execution. The conversation dives into today’s surge in electricity demand driven by reshoring, electrification, AI, and data centers, and why constrained grids and turbine supply chains are accelerating the shift toward reciprocating engines, behind‑the‑meter generation, and microgrids. From modular peaker‑style solutions to an “all‑of‑the‑above” power strategy, Scott outlines what it will take to deliver reliable, flexible power for the next generation of energy consumers. 00:00 Why Oil And Gas Matters 00:36 Podcast And Sponsors 01:59 Conference Welcome Banter 03:03 Meet Scott Grimmer 04:25 From Military To Power 05:26 Early Career Lessons 06:34 Mesa Elevator Pitch 07:48 Power Demand Perfect Storm 10:06 Recips And Supply Chain 12:14 Starting Mesa From Zero 14:08 Boone Pickens Origin Story 17:15 Mesa 2.0 Growth Markets 19:55 Data Centers And Infrastructure Reality 21:54 All Of The Above Power 22:34 Supply Chain In House 23:49 Family Work Balance 25:15 Military Leadership Lessons 26:32 Connecting With 900 Employees 28:44 Selling The Business 30:33 Culture And Core Values 32:45 Choosing New Markets 33:58 Coaching And Priorities 35:58 Proudest Military Moment 37:13 Mesa Vision And Global 39:35 Final Wisdom And Wrap

May 8, 202639 min

#95. Rich Reynolds on Midstream Strategy, Entrepreneurship & Building Value

In midstream, the real advantage comes from solving problems others overlook. Recorded at the Piper Sandler 26th Annual Energy Conference in Las Vegas, host David de Roode and co-host Victoria Beard Queen speak with Rich Reynolds, Chief Executive Officer at Cavalcade Midstream, LLC. Reynolds shares his journey from law and banking into energy, and how M&A experience helped shape Cavalcade’s customer-focused, deal-by-deal approach to midstream. The conversation explores entrepreneurship, capital raising, leadership, and why relationships remain at the center of the energy business 00:00 Why Oil And Gas Matters 00:36 Podcast And Sponsors 01:58 Live From Piper Sandler 03:08 Meet Rich Reynolds 03:34 From Law To Energy 04:25 NuStar Lessons And Launch 05:23 What Cavalcade Does 06:59 Entrepreneur Mindset Shifts 08:56 Gotchas And Humility 10:10 Where Opportunities Are 13:03 Capital Strategy And Pitch 16:26 Relationships Over Noise 18:31 Philosophy And Self Awareness 20:13 Finding a Co-Founder 20:53 Family Leap Of Faith 21:53 Explaining Midstream Simply 23:23 Why San Antonio Works 24:54 Tacos and Tortillas Debate 25:52 Midstream Consolidation Opportunity 27:30 From Attorney to CEO 29:18 Leading a Small Team 30:16 Giving Back Locally 34:11 Recharging with Family 35:37 Disneyland Surprise Chat 36:31 Legacy and Gratitude 37:44 Closing Wisdom and Farewell

April 28, 202657 min

#94. Cam Hewell on Rethinking Managed Pressure Drilling

Disrupting drilling starts with rethinking the model. Recorded remotely at the Piper Sandler Energy Conference in Las Vegas, this episode features Cam Hewell, President and CEO of Premium Oilfield Holdings. He breaks down how Premium is reshaping managed pressure drilling (MPD) through a rig-centered, vertically integrated approach—now scaled across 160 U.S. land rigs. The conversation also covers rising power demand, new drilling technologies, and where the industry is headed next. 00:00 Why Oil And Gas Matters 00:36 Podcast And Sponsors 01:59 Live From Energy Conference 02:15 Conference Themes Power Demand 04:03 Meet Cam Hill 05:18 Cam Background Consulting Tech 07:56 First Oilfield Company Growth 10:26 Founding Premium Rig Focus 15:08 Premium Shift To MPD 17:03 MPD Explained Benefits 19:49 Disrupting MPD Cost Tech 22:19 Building The Dream Team 25:12 Urethane Elements Cloud Software 28:54 Beyond MPD Top Drives Tools 31:19 New Rig Equipment Roadmap 32:30 Remote Bleed Off Valve Win 34:36 Chasing Incremental Efficiency 36:06 Rapid Prototyping Culture 38:00 Expanding Into Production 39:44 Growth Strategy And Capital Returns 41:56 Downhole Tools And Per Well Focus 44:37 Hiring For Innovation 48:10 Duke Basketball Detour 50:10 Career Advice For Young Pros 52:34 Consulting After Running Companies 55:34 From Scrappy Startup To Scale 57:09 Closing Thanks And Sign Off

April 21, 202644 min

#93. How do you turn a struggling frac sand operation into a 10‑million‑ton powerhouse?

Recorded live at the Daniel Energy Partners Thrive Conference, hosts David de Roode and Victoria Beard Queen sit down with Jackson Wise, CEO of Signal Peak Silica, and world-class pit master, to unpack the realities of the modern sand business and what it takes to lead through cycles. Wise shares his unconventional path from Enron and investment banking with the infamous Simmons & Company to operating one of the largest regional frac sand platforms in the U.S., along with the hard lessons learned during Signal Peak’s 2019 turnaround. The conversation dives into how regionalization has reshaped the sand market, why delivered cost and logistics matter more than brand, and how consolidation and capital discipline are defining the future of the sector. Wise also reflects on leadership, mentorship, building high‑trust teams, and why barbecue, community, and culture still play an outsized role in oil & gas today. 00:00 Why Oil And Gas Matters 00:36 Podcast And Sponsors 01:59 Live From Thrive Conference 03:14 Meet Jackson Wise 03:40 Early Career And Enron 05:52 BP MBA And Simmons 07:17 Simmons Culture Lessons 09:34 Leaving Banking To Operate 11:38 Mentorship And Leadership 13:16 Signal Peak In 30 Seconds 15:49 Turnaround And Team Building 17:24 Sand Consolidation Strategy 20:06 How The Sand Market Changed 22:47 Plant Costs Then And Now 24:17 Wet Versus Dry Sand 25:36 Wet Sand Reality Check 26:15 How Heavy Is Sand 27:14 Logistics And Truck Staging 28:59 Pitching SPS Value 30:57 Five To Ten Year Vision 32:48 Barbecue And Oilfield Culture 34:53 Winning At Pebble Beach 38:21 Cookoff Community And Team 42:27 Career Wisdom And Wrap