What The Funk?

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.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
00:38 - What is Crux OCM
02:00 - Growing up in Newfoundland
03:53 - How Did You Get Into Engineering?
06:02 - Lessons from the Paper Mill
09:31 - Transition: From Paper Mills to Pipelines
14:32 - Operating the Keystone Pipeline Insights
18:56 - How Crux Started: The Founding Story
21:48 - Starting Crux: Initial Challenges
24:17 - Getting Started is a Gong Show
25:57 - Importance of Support for Early Entrepreneurs
27:30 - Techstars Energy: Accelerator Experience
30:15 - Pickled Herring: A Fun Anecdote
31:44 - Angel Investing: Raising Venture Capital
35:45 - Moving to the Bay Area: A New Chapter
37:14 - What Does Crux OCM Do? Services Overview
40:59 - Being Near Your Customers: Importance of Proximity
42:18 - What Do You Do for Fun? Personal Interests
43:32 - Favorite Restaurants in San Francisco
47:40 - Advice for the Younger Generation
49:40 - Where to Find Vicki & Final Thoughts

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