In this conversation, Jackson Montgomery shares how he moved from a non-technical background to leading emerging technologies at Siemens Energy. He discusses the rise of AI, the future of energy—including nuclear fusion—and stresses the value of mentorship, diversity, and lifelong learning. He also highlights AI’s power to reshape business and points to resources for upskilling.

Takeaways

Jackson's journey into technology began later in life.

AI has recently gained mainstream attention with generative AI.

The energy industry is experiencing significant innovation.

Diversity of thought is crucial in the energy sector.

Mentorship plays a vital role in career development.

AI can automate menial tasks, enhancing productivity.

Continuous learning is essential in a rapidly changing job market.

Networking and peer mentoring can provide valuable insights.

The future of energy includes a mix of renewables and nuclear technologies.

Companies are increasingly supportive of AI training for employees.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jackson Montgomery and His Journey

05:41 The Intersection of Technology and Business

10:27 Navigating Career Transitions and Overcoming Biases

15:06 The Future of Energy: Trends and Innovations

19:55 AI's Role in Energy Transformation

22:13 The Challenge of AI ROI

23:40 Implementing AI Agents in Organizations

25:53 Navigating AI in Sales and Business

26:21 Career Reflections and Learning from Experience

29:01 The Importance of Stability in Career Paths

29:53 Rapid Fire Round: Personal Insights

31:35 Innovation and Corporate Culture

32:55 Lessons from Teaching and Student Engagement

34:50 The Future of Technology and AI

35:38 Diversity and Inclusion in the Energy Sector

37:13 Learning and Implementing AI in Business

Keywords

emerging technologies, AI, energy industry, mentorship, career development, Siemens Energy, innovation, technology consulting, nuclear fusion, diversity in tech, oil and gas