Get to know the faces that are working hard behind the scenes to unleash your data’s potential.
This month for our Face Behind the Data profile series, we are excited to introduce, Matthew Fry, Account Executive of our U.S region. Since joining Katalyst, Matthew has been working closely with Katalyst’s domain experts to improve the way our customers can find and utilize trusted subsurface data. A topic which has only become more relevant as companies look to leverage AI in their day-to-day business activities.
Matthew combines his knowledge in geoscience and passion for data & technology into demonstrating how beneficiary effective data management & governance can be. We are excited Matthew could share his experience to Face Behind the Data, a series of profiles that features the hard-working employees behind the solutions and services at Katalyst.
What is your educational and work experience background?
My background is actually in geoscience, with a master’s degree in Petroleum Geochemistry from Newcastle University in the UK. I initially spent a couple of years in engineering consultancy before entering the industry via joining Viridien (formerly CGG) as a geochemist in 2018. I spent much of the next 7 years working in a data & technology business focused on the expert transformation of subsurface data using a combination of subject matter expertise and technology, contributing to business development and sales activities. I’m excited to now be at Katalyst Data Management and leverage those skills here with our brilliant client base.
What are some of the highlights of your career?
Working technical challenges to deliver that “lightbulb moment” to clients when they realize what can be achieved when data is properly utilized. I’ve been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to travel the world and meet with diverse people with equally variable business & data challenges. Also, the speed at which the industry has changed in the last 10 years has been incredible to be involved with. Although some technical subsurface workflows haven’t necessarily changed too much, the way in which we get trusted data there to influence those interpretations and subsequent business decisions has been transformative.
Did you grow up wanting to be a data manager?
Not really! Critically evaluating data is important for any geoscientist, so I always had a passion for manipulating data and finding a way to generate new insights and tell a story.
How did you get here?
I think it was quite eye opening to join the industry and see how through leveraging data science, with proper management of data, improved the efficiency and quality to which subsurface datasets can be integrated and analyzed. And yet it was something that the industry was surprisingly bad at doing! I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by some brilliant geoscientists who really changed the way in which we tackle those data challenges.
What are some big lessons learned and/or challenges faced along the way?
Listening was probably both a challenge and a learning point! If you can connect with people to properly understand their challenges and what they want to achieve, then you can really streamline efforts to effect change. And perhaps more importantly, understanding those people involved gives you a much better chance of overcoming resistance to change and drive adoption.
What advice do you have for people beginning their career?
Listen, learn and network. Despite some attrition, the industry is still full of brilliant people in terms of technical ability and willingness to help. Learning from their experiences and growing your own network in the process is highly beneficial.
Are there any organizations or volunteer groups that you are passionate about?
Being involved with societies like AAPG/SEG/SPE and HGS have been invaluable to growing my network and getting exposure to ideas that I otherwise wouldn’t. Being on the organization committee for the IMAGE conference the last couple of years has been a great experience also.
What are some of your favorite things to do and/ or places to visit outside of work?
Any chance to travel and see & experience something new then I’ll jump at it! For the more day to day, playing rugby and socializing with friends (the two often go hand in hand). This is often followed by physiotherapy to heal my knees which are apparently made of biscuits. Shout out to my local rugby team, the Houston Arrows!
