Get to know the faces that are working hard behind the scenes to unleash your data’s potential.

To begin the new year, we continue our Face Behind the Data series, with the very knowledgeable and service-oriented, Trish Mulder, Director of Business Development, SeismicZone. Trish has extensive experience with the details of data management in relation to acquisition and divestitures in oil and gas and spends much of her time giving back to the geoscience data management and local communities.

Trish brings a wealth of acquisition and divestitures knowledge to the table, an essential consideration for oil and gas data management, and we’re excited she could contribute her experience to Face Behind the Data, a series of profiles that feature the hard-working employees behind the solutions and services at Katalyst.

What is your educational and work experience background?

I went to Western Canada High School in Calgary, Alberta and was the third generation in my family to attend there. From there, I went to Mount Royal College taking biochemistry. It was fascinating, and I thought it would be cool to create something that humankind could benefit from. However, being in the lab 24/7 just wasn’t for me, so I switched paths and went to the University of Lethbridge for a bachelor’s in management. To help put myself through school, I started my own consulting business splicing well logs and filing well cards, which was all done manually back then.

What are some of the highlights of your career?

I have been able to work with some of the most amazing people and have created long term friendships along the way. I have had some wonderful bosses and mentors too. Without them I wouldn’t have been able to have the work experiences and opportunities I’ve had and continue to use in my current role as Director, Business Development for SeismicZone.com.

I was lucky to have worked for Encana who was regularly active in acquisition and divestitures in oil and gas. My team and I were able to be a part of some large projects such as the Encana/Cenovus spilt and a geophysical data governance project, as well as many dispositions. We did more than I ever thought was possible, and I am immensely proud of my team! Now in my current role at Katalyst, I’m provided the ability to work with companies globally which is really fascinating and a new experience in my career.

Did you grow up wanting to be a data manager?

I knew I wanted to be in oil and gas. My mom was a geologist back when there weren’t a lot of women in the field and growing up I thought that was the coolest. I’ve gravitated to roles that are much more like me, very analytical, problem solving and logic-oriented, so the path of a data manager and data analyst just made sense. I do love being a part of the transaction side of the business, third party deals, acquisitions and divestitures. I have a huge passion for that.

How did you get here?

Well, I didn’t do it by myself, I can tell you that much! I’ve had a strong support group through peers, colleagues and family along the way and have had the privilege to work with some remarkable leaders who gave me the freedom to do what I felt was needed to get the job done right. And along the way, all these people exposed me to different ways of thinking and solutioning, provided diversity in perspectives and shared their learning and experiences with me. All of which have molded me into the person I am and where I am in my career.

What are some big lessons learned and/or challenges faced along the way?

I love technology and feel the industry needs to embrace it more, especially now with all of the industry layoffs. Always grow and learn new things in your career and your personal life. It helps you to constantly keep moving forward and it gives you different perspectives on how to solve problems. Understanding the big picture allows you to see how everything connects and works together, and looking ‘outside the box’ can make your project or solution more successful. And lastly, you may not always agree with someone’s ideas but be open enough to know that you may not have all the solutions.

What advice do you have for people beginning their career?

I just have a few catch phrases that have helped me early on in my career:

• Be open and curious.
• Think outside the box.
• No job is too small.
• Strive to find solutions to problems management doesn’t know yet.
• Follow your passion… it doesn’t feel like work if you love what you do.

Are there any organizations or volunteer groups that you are passionate about?

I work with a Canadian not for profit and have had the opportunity to go to Cambodia twice to help build two schools in rural communities, provided needed food and school supplies and drill water wells with filtration systems for families so that they can have clean drinking water. It makes you focus on all of the good stuff in your life and to be grateful for what you have. I also volunteer locally as the chair for the WiSe (Women in Seismic) event which is an annual golf charity tournament that supports the Alberta Cancer Foundation and the CSEG Foundation. I am also a founding member and social event lead with CGDMS (Calgary Geoscience Data Managers Society). I think it is so important to give back and help others.

What are some of your favorite things to do and/or places to visit outside of work?

I love to travel, which I have missed dearly due to COVID. I find travelling gives you a new perspective on life and a better understanding of all our diversity on this planet. It reminds me that it doesn’t matter who we are… we all just want to smile, laugh and be loved.

To hear more from Trish regarding the acquisition and divestitures implications for oil and gas data management, watch her webinar “Using Data Right: Ownership and Entitlements.“