Prompting Potential

SLB’s Pearl Chu & Simon Ross on Leading and Innovating at Scale in Complex Environments

What does it take to lead and innovate inside one of the world’s most complex industrial organizations? In this episode, Pearl Chu, Director of Technical Domains and University Relations at SLB, and Simon Ross, Senior VP of Global Supply at SLB, share their journeys and perspectives on building high-performing teams, scaling operations, and fostering a culture that turns complexity into capability. The conversation explores how leadership, culture and system design come together to drive innovation across global teams, from developing technical talent to managing large-scale supply chains in dynamic environments. They discuss the shift from individual heroics to repeatable excellence, the role of psychological safety and diversity of thought, and how experimentation and long-term thinking enable real transformation, with AI woven in as a practical layer that supports better decisions and stronger outcomes. Key Insights & Timestamps [05:01] Pearl’s Journey: From engineer to leading global technical talent [06:43] Simon’s Journey: From field operations to global supply leadership [11:30] Culture & Innovation: How diversity of thought and system design drive performance [18:40] From Heroics to Systems: Scaling innovation through repeatable excellence [21:12] Where AI Fits: Moving beyond hype to real operational value [27:08] Human in the Loop: AI as part of the team, not replacing judgment [39:16] From Pilot to Scale: How to experiment, learn and drive impact [45:00] Psychological Safety: Creating environments where people can challenge and contribute Guest Spotlight Pearl Chu ● LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/pearl-chu-b481636] Pearl Chu is the Director of Technical Domains and University Relations at SLB, where she leads the development of global technical talent and helps drive innovation across engineering and technical communities. With over 35 years at the company, she has held leadership roles spanning engineering, operations, and HR, giving her a unique perspective on building high-performing, diverse teams. Pearl is also a recognized leader in advancing women in energy and technology, known for championing inclusive cultures that unlock innovation at scale and has recently been named one of Hart Energy’s Influential Women of 2026 [https://www.hartenergy.com/awards/influential-women/2026/he-wie2026-pearlchu-slb/]. Simon Ross ● LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-ross-370a982/] Simon Ross is the Senior VP of Global Supply at SLB, overseeing supply chain, manufacturing, and maintenance across one of the most complex energy organizations in the world. With over 25 years of experience, his career spans field operations, consulting, and large-scale transformation programs that drive efficiency and resilience. Simon is known for his systems thinking approach, focusing on scaling innovation, optimizing global operations, and turning complex challenges into repeatable, high-impact solutions. Resources Mentioned: SLB | https://www.slb.com [https://www.slb.com] 🎧 LISTEN TO THE PODCAST Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3QrQ2dz [https://bit.ly/3QrQ2dz] Spotify:https://bit.ly/4tSZN2Z [https://bit.ly/4tSZN2Z] 🎬 WATCH ON YOUTUBE https://youtu.be/1asINBt_Iek [https://youtu.be/1asINBt_Iek] 💡ABOUT US Prompting Potential is your front-row seat to the future of innovation from the inside out. This series dives into the world of intrapreneurs—bold innovators inside organizations—who are challenging norms, integrating AI, and driving transformation. Each episode, host Roger Rohatgi, Chief AI Officer at Chai (Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerrohatgi]), sits down with Fortune 500 execs, creative technologists, and influential leaders turning internal challenges into breakthrough impact. From rethinking leadership to reshaping the future of work, these conversations show how creativity, courage, and smart strategy—paired with AI—can unlock extraordinary progress. Whether you're navigating AI adoption or championing change inside your company, Prompting Potential is your guide to unlocking the impact within: https://www.heychai.ai/podcast [https://www.heychai.ai/podcast]

Measuring the ROI on AI: Extracting Value for Humans & Businesses with Weatherford’s Sarah Karthigan

Human-centered AI is transforming the energy sector at a scale we never imagined possible. Sarah Karthigan, Vice President of AI at Weatherford, is a driving force behind launching AI at scale across oil field services, making measurable impacts in productivity and financial returns. Formally, she created AI and enterprise data strategies that revolutionized the work of Exxon Mobil and Chevron. In this episode, Sarah explains how the human element of her work transforms AI from just a technology tool into a solution that truly empowers people.   Key Insights & Timestamps  * [00:00] Podcast begins  * [01:18] Huge Problems, Massive Scale: Sarah’s inspiration for AI & the energy sector  * [07:24] Extracting Value from AI: Return on employees vs return on investment  * [15:48] Garbage In, Garbage Out: Laying a strong data foundation for your AI systems  * [28:46] AI Fluency in Today’s Leaders: Non-technical people will shape the intelligence future  * [33:05] To Weatherford & Beyond: Energy sector innovations & autonomous solutions  * [40:36] The View from 3000 Feet: High-level discussions of experimentation vs implementation  Guest Spotlight  Sarah Karthigan ● LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-karthigan-0572785/]  Sarah Karthigan is a reputed leader with over 20 years of global experience as a senior executive leading major enterprise scale strategic, transformational initiatives in the Energy sector. Sarah was recognized as a Top 25 influential women in Energy by Oil & Gas Investor for her innovative work using AI in the O&G value chain. Sarah has a unique blend of executive and technical competencies. Sarah serves on a variety of advisory boards for Data & AI. She is currently the VP of Artificial Intelligence at Weatherford.  Resources Mentioned:  Weatherford | weatherford.com [http://weatherford.com/]  🎧 LISTEN TO THE PODCAST  Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/bdyaewtm [https://tinyurl.com/bdyaewtm]  Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/mu6p44yw [https://tinyurl.com/mu6p44yw]  🎬 WATCH THE PODCAST  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVfDxhLXhk8 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVfDxhLXhk8]  💡ABOUT US  Prompting Potential  is your front-row seat to the future of innovation from the inside out. This series dives into the world of intrapreneurs—bold innovators inside organizations—who are challenging norms, integrating AI, and driving transformation.  Each episode, host Roger Rohatgi, Chief AI Officer at Chai, (LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerrohatgi/]) sits down with Fortune 500 execs, creative technologists, and influential leaders turning internal challenges into breakthrough impact. From rethinking leadership to reshaping the future of work, these conversations show how creativity, courage, and smart strategy—paired with AI—can unlock extraordinary progress.  Whether you're navigating AI adoption or championing change inside your company, Prompting Potential is your guide to unlocking the impact within: https://www.heychai.ai/podcast [https://www.heychai.ai/podcast]

Powering Possibility: Human-centered AI and Energy Innovation with Suraiya Khoja

When you think about AI, is it merely a tool or an agent for change? Suraiya Khoja, VP of Product & Enterprise Innovation at NRG, spends her days leading an incredible team, turning energy data into real-time insights and systems that serve people across the value chain. Working at the intersection of analytics, transformation, and innovation, Suraiya has built her career with a deep focus on people, outcomes, and sustainable scaling. Today's conversation explores how human centered AI and data is transforming energy innovation at scale, turning technology into solutions that truly empower everyone. Key Insights & Timestamps * [00:00] Podcast begins * [01:23] Suraiya’s Story: Financial background, childhood in India, & early interest in tech * [08:33] Tech as a Force for Meaningful Change: Looking beyond the tools to prompt potential * [15:56] People-First Perspective: Customer experience needs innovative tech solutions * [23:10] Learning the Language of AI: Managing change & navigating the AI transition  * [29:46] Enterprise Architecture Meets Innovation: Balancing speed, security & sustainability * [39:02] Energy Isn’t Just Energy: Empowering future leaders & innovators with collaboration * [50:06] Lightning Round: Taking risks, getting inspired, & meeting people where they are Guest Spotlight Suraiya Khoja ● LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/suraiyakhoja/] Suraiya Khoja is VP of Product & Enterprise Innovation at NRG Energy. Suraiya leads a team at the intersection of product, analytics, and business transformation—helping NRG turn data into real-time insights and systems that serve people across the energy value chain. She’s worked across the energy sector at Direct Energy and built her career with a deep focus on people, outcomes, and innovation at scale. Resources Mentioned: NRG Energy | nrg.com [http://nrg.com] 🎧 LISTEN TO THE PODCAST Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/bdyaewtm [https://tinyurl.com/bdyaewtm] Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/mu6p44yw [https://tinyurl.com/mu6p44yw] 🎬 WATCH THE PODCAST https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVfDxhLXhk8 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVfDxhLXhk8] 💡ABOUT US Prompting Potential is your front-row seat to the future of innovation from the inside out. This series dives into the world of intrapreneurs—bold innovators inside organizations—who are challenging norms, integrating AI, and driving transformation. Each episode, host Roger Rohatgi, Chief AI Officer at Chai, (LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerrohatgi/]) sits down with Fortune 500 execs, creative technologists, and influential leaders turning internal challenges into breakthrough impact. From rethinking leadership to reshaping the future of work, these conversations show how creativity, courage, and smart strategy—paired with AI—can unlock extraordinary progress. Whether you're navigating AI adoption or championing change inside your company, Prompting Potential is your guide to unlocking the impact within: https://www.heychai.ai/podcast [https://www.heychai.ai/podcast]

Splunk CTO Cory Minton goes beyond the dashboard and explores human potential, AI agents, and the machine frontier.

As F1 gets a blockbuster endorsement this summer, key players behind the scenes are bringing a new level of urgency and insight from the pit lane into everyday life. Cory Minton, Global CTO at Splunk, is in the AI fast lane, working with some of the world’s largest companies to make complex systems more secure and partnering with McLaren F1 to make data-driven decisions that can’t wait for dashboards. In this episode, Cory takes us for a wild ride through what real-time AI solutions look like, how human potential levels up through intelligent systems, and why machine-generated data may be the next great unlock. Key Insights & Timestamps * [00:00] Podcast begins * [05:31] AI in F1: Working with McLaren on a new track of data insights * [20:08] How to Be an AI Scholar: Cory’s role at Spunk & the Big Data Beard podcast * [31:59] It’s All in the Personalization: Making AI human-centric & business helpful * [42:34] The Rise of Agentic AI: New use cases changing the world, from cyber to government * [56:58] What’s Next? Exciting projects on the horizon for Splunk & Cisco * [01:05:14] Lightning Round: Podcasting, leadership, & the importance of agency Guest Spotlight Cory Minton ● LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/coryminton/] Cory Minton is the Global CTO at Splunk, a Cisco company. He works with some of the world’s largest companies to make complex systems more visible, secure, and intelligent. Cory is also partnered with McLaren F1, where data moves as fast as the cars and decisions can’t wait for dashboards. Resources Mentioned: Splunk | splunk.com [http://splunk.com], McLaren F1 | mclaren.com/racing/formula-1 [http://mclaren.com/racing/formula-1], Operation BBQ Relief | https://operationbbqrelief.org/ [https://operationbbqrelief.org/] 🎧 LISTEN TO THE PODCAST Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/bdyaewtm [https://tinyurl.com/bdyaewtm] Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/mu6p44yw [https://tinyurl.com/mu6p44yw] 🎬 WATCH THE PODCAST https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVfDxhLXhk8 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVfDxhLXhk8] 💡ABOUT US Prompting Potential  is your front-row seat to the future of innovation from the inside out. This series dives into the world of intrapreneurs—bold innovators inside organizations—who are challenging norms, integrating AI, and driving transformation. Each episode, host Roger Rohatgi, Chief AI Officer at Chai, (LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerrohatgi/]) sits down with Fortune 500 execs, creative technologists, and influential leaders turning internal challenges into breakthrough impact. From rethinking leadership to reshaping the future of work, these conversations show how creativity, courage, and smart strategy—paired with AI—can unlock extraordinary progress. Whether you're navigating AI adoption or championing change inside your company, Prompting Potential is your guide to unlocking the impact within: https://www.heychai.ai/podcast [https://www.heychai.ai/podcast]

Ideas That Fly with AI: Turning Complexity into Capability

Air travel just got a little more automated, thanks to leaders like Southwest’s Angela Marano, Exec Advisor, VP of AI and Data Transformation, and Nicola Smith, Senior AI Programs Advisor. From avoiding delays to improving customer service, AI is reshaping operations on the ground and in the air—and Angela and Nicola are making sure it’s done with care for the employees and customers who make Southwest thrive. They discuss active inference, demystifying tech for customers, and solving human pain points first. Key Insights & Timestamps * [00:00] Podcast begins * [01:45] Angela & Nicola’s professional backgrounds * [14:20] Brave New Workforce: Building teams to adapt to emerging AI tech * [22:40] Active Inference & the Physics of Learning: New perspectives on AI * [38:13] Empathy for the End User: How can we implement AI ethically? * [49:55] Humans in the Loop: AI ROIs beyond the financial factors * [01:01:35] Angela & Nicola Sign Off: Discussions of legacy & learning  Guest Spotlight Angela Marano ● LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelamarano/] Angela is known for her unwavering commitment to improvement and innovation, which has fueled her accomplishments over the years at Southwest Airlines. As an Exec Advisor and Vice President, AI and Data Transformation, she provides executive leadership for several enterprise-wide disciplines and high-performing teams. Angela has also held leadership roles in both Technology and Corporate Strategy. Prior to Southwest, she worked for Apple, Nissan Motor Corporation, and JC Penney. She has been an active advocate for advancing women in the workplace, participating in initiatives such as the Texas Women’s Foundation | Women’s Leadership Institute since 2019, and serving as an executive sponsor for an employee resource group focused on empowering women and fostering an inclusive, supportive environment across the organization. Nicola Smith ● LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolasmith22/] Nicola Smith is a strategic innovation leader who helps organizations navigate the intersection of customer experience, brand strategy, and emerging technologies. As Senior AI Programs Advisor at Southwest, she develops practical solutions that amplify human potential through thoughtful technology implementation. With nearly two decades of experience driving measurable business growth across agencies and technology companies, Nicola excels at translating complex concepts into actionable strategies. With certifications in AI for Business Strategy from MIT and specialized training in leadership management, Nicola brings a unique perspective to organizations navigating digital transformation. Her ability to anticipate trends, develop innovative strategies, and lead cross-functional collaboration makes her a valuable asset in today's rapidly evolving business landscape. Resources Mentioned: Southwest Airlines | Southwest.com [https://www.southwest.com/] 🎧 LISTEN TO THE PODCAST Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/bdyaewtm [https://tinyurl.com/bdyaewtm] Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/mu6p44yw [https://tinyurl.com/mu6p44yw] 🎬 WATCH THE PODCAST https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVfDxhLXhk8 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVfDxhLXhk8] 💡ABOUT US Prompting Potential is your front-row seat to the future of innovation from the inside out. This series dives into the world of intrapreneurs—bold innovators inside organizations—who are challenging norms, integrating AI, and driving transformation. Each episode, host Roger Rohatgi, Chief AI Officer at Chai, (LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerrohatgi/]) sits down with Fortune 500 execs, creative technologists, and influential leaders turning internal challenges into breakthrough impact. From rethinking leadership to reshaping the future of work, these conversations show how creativity, courage, and smart strategy—paired with AI—can unlock extraordinary progress. Whether you're navigating AI adoption or championing change inside your company, Prompting Potential is your guide to unlocking the impact within. https://www.heychai.ai/podcast [https://www.heychai.ai/podcast]