Send us a text

Collaboration isn't just a buzzword—it's the engine that powers innovation in complex technical environments. Huub Streng, OSDU® Data Platform Advisor at Total Energies, joins us to unpack what makes teams truly successful.

From his remarkable journey starting in mechanical engineering to becoming a data management leader, Streng shares how adaptability and continuous learning shaped his career trajectory. The conversation reveals practical wisdom about creating environments where people genuinely enjoy working together toward common goals. At the foundation? Trust, clear decision-making processes, and well-defined objectives that everyone understands.

Streng offers fascinating insights into the delicate balance between individual accountability and collective responsibility. "Without individual accountability, team members would be looking at each other rather than taking ownership," he explains. We explore how mentorship accelerated his professional development and why he considers achievements as never standing alone—always building upon the contributions of others.

The discussion takes a deep dive into conflict management strategies, with Streng revealing that most workplace tensions stem from miscommunications rather than fundamental incompatibilities. His approach involves acknowledging conflicts directly, understanding individual perspectives, and facilitating productive dialogue. We also tackle the unique challenges of maintaining team cohesion in virtual environments, where deliberate community-building becomes essential.

Perhaps most compelling is Streng's passionate advocacy for diversity in collaborative settings. Through examples from the OSDU Forum's working groups, he demonstrates how diverse perspectives lead to more innovative solutions and more efficient problem-solving. Ready to transform how your teams collaborate? This conversation offers the blueprint you need.

Don't miss The Open Group Summit in Amsterdam (May 19-22, 2025) featuring OSDU Forum sessions, success stories, and collaborative working group meetings where these principles come alive. Learn more here.

Copyright © The Open Group 2023-2025. All rights reserved.

Send us a text

Journey through the evolving landscape of technology and energy as Einar Landre shares his remarkable career path from computer scientist to an Oil and Gas industry veteran. Dividing his professional life into two distinct chapters, Einar takes us from his early days maintaining software in Oslo through an exciting consultancy phase—where he developed solutions for the European Space Agency's space module and Olympic security systems—to his current two-decade tenure with Equinor (formerly Statoil).

What makes this conversation particularly illuminating is Einar's philosophy toward problem-solving and continuous growth. He describes recurring seven-year cycles throughout his career, points at which he naturally seeks new challenges to avoid stagnation. His childhood fascination with building models and experimenting with physics evolved organically into a professional approach characterized by curiosity and resilience.

Perhaps most valuable are the hard-earned insights Einar offers to those in technical fields: master something to the level of peer recognition, never stop learning, and practice being "egoless" by detaching your identity from the products you create. His reflections on mentorship—supporting others' growth while honoring their unique strengths—reveal the deeply human side of technical leadership.

Whether you're navigating your own career in technology or simply fascinated by how four decades in rapidly changing industries shapes one's professional wisdom, this episode offers both practical guidance and thoughtful perspective on successful adaptation in complex environments.

Further reading: https://blog.opengroup.org/2024/11/26/sitting-down-with-einar-landre-operator-representative-the-open-group-osdu-management-committee-omc/

Coming up on Season 2: Lifelong Learning (Mini Episode), Insights from Huub Streng (TotalEnergies) on effective collaboration, and lots more!

Subscribe to Open Comments for more conversations featuring industry veterans sharing their unique journeys and lessons learned along the way and much more.

Copyright © The Open Group 2023-2025. All rights reserved.

Send us a text

Ever wondered how diverse marketing roles can be within dynamic organizations? Join us as we explore this vibrant landscape with our hosts, Ash, Oliver, and Irene.

From the excitement of event planning to the challenge of marketing across sectors like healthcare and electricity, our guests share their unique journeys and insights. Hear Oliver's story of transitioning from business management in sports to embracing the ever-changing role of a marketing manager. Together, we uncover the secret sauce to thriving in a supportive environment that values teamwork and adaptability at The Open Group.

We get personal about creating dedicated workspaces and managing time effectively to maintain a healthy balance. Our conversation also dives into the power of lifelong learning and skill development, as Ash shares his passion for writing and Irene discusses her love for marketing strategy.

Tune in to discover how aligning personal growth with professional passion can create memorable experiences and advance your skills in the ever-evolving field of marketing.

Copyright © The Open Group 2023-2025. All rights reserved.

Send us a text

Experience the journey of Roberto Severo, whose passion for programming at the tender age of 13 set the stage for a distinguished career in IT and Enterprise Architecture. As the Country Manager for The Open Group in Brazil, Colombia, and Peru, Roberto takes us through his transition from the corporate world to leading the charge in adapting global strategies for local contexts. Discover how a chance encounter steered him towards The Open Group, where he has thrived for over a decade, honing invaluable skills such as resilience and empathy. Through Roberto's narrative, we explore the cultural nuances and language barriers that shape the unique challenges of working in Brazil, offering a compelling glimpse into his enduring commitment and happiness in his role.

Explore the evolution of the values of The Open Group, as we focus on its transformative impact within the oil and gas industry. The shift from humble beginnings to a collaborative community is highlighted through personal stories that reflect professional growth and the acceptance of diverse opinions surrounding The Open Group.

Learn how Open Standards and cooperative Forums like The Open Group Open Footprint® Forum and The Open Group OSDU® Forum have revolutionized data sharing and automation, and hear how working with different leaders has shaped professional values.

The conversation introduces stoicism as a powerful tool for overcoming professional setbacks, illustrating how this ancient philosophy can equip us to face challenges with resilience and grace. Join us for an enlightening discussion on collaboration, leadership, and the art of navigating an ever-evolving industry landscape.

Copyright © The Open Group 2023-2025. All rights reserved.

Send us a text

Ever wondered how to turn your struggles into strengths? Our guest, Daniel John, founder of "You, Me and Anxiety," shares his transformative journey from a directionless university graduate to a successful freelance copywriter and content manager. Hear Daniel’s candid reflections on his encounters with anxiety and panic attacks, and how these challenges inspired him to create a platform that uses humor and practical advice to make mental health relatable.

Join us as we dive into the art of creative brainstorming within agency settings, and the magic that happens when diverse minds collaborate. Daniel discusses the importance of lifelong learning and adapting to different mediums like writing and podcasting to maintain creative control. If you’re feeling stuck in your career, Daniel offers valuable advice on patience, exploring various industries, and viewing mistakes as growth opportunities. We also touch on cultural perspectives on failure and the critical need for stillness and reflection in a fast-paced world. This episode is packed with personal stories, insightful advice, and a fresh perspective on turning adversity into advantage.

Copyright © The Open Group 2023-2025. All rights reserved.

Send us a text

Rob Saunders' journey from Coventry to the heart of the music industry is nothing short of inspiring. Imagine growing up surrounded by your parents' vinyl collection, cultivating an insatiable passion for music that leads you to manage a band and navigate the complexities of the music and PR industries. Rob's mantra, "keep fighting the tide," encapsulates his relentless perseverance and dedication. He offers wisdom for anyone at a crossroads in their career, emphasizing the value of chasing your dreams and learning from every stumble along the way. Whether you’re graduating from university or just starting out in your career, Rob’s insights on seeking independent advice and remaining resilient are invaluable.

In the second half of our conversation, we dive into Rob's professional world, exploring his roles within DEUCE Music and DEUCE PR. He shares his commitment to lifelong learning, the necessity of varying one’s work environment to stay motivated, and his own strategies for maintaining productivity. Discover how you can connect with Rob and stay updated on his latest endeavors through his websites and social media. As we wrap up, gratitude is extended to Rob for sharing his journey and to our listeners for their continued support. Stay tuned for more episodes packed with stories that inspire and motivate.

Copyright © The Open Group 2023-2025. All rights reserved.

Send us a text

Can standards in technology be the unsung heroes of innovation? Join us as we celebrate World Standards Day with Steve Nunn, President and CEO of The Open Group, who shares his fascinating journey from a career in law to leading a global standards organization. Steve's insights reveal how his background in intellectual property law unexpectedly paved the way to a transformative role at X Open Company, laying the foundation for his leadership at The Open Group. His career path is a testament to the power of embracing unexpected opportunities and the joy of lifelong learning.

Standards might not be everyone's favorite topic, but their impact on technology is profound. Steve explains how standards ensure products from various manufacturers work together seamlessly, enhancing convenience and safety in industries like healthcare and enterprise architecture. The Open Group's contributions, notably the TOGAF standard, are essential in providing a unified language that promotes efficiency and saves lives. Learn how standards are the backbone of innovation, allowing new technologies to reach their full potential without borders or barriers.

In a world of rapid technological advancement, setting standards is no small feat, especially in fields like artificial intelligence. Discover how The Open Group's Open Professions program is crucial in defining professional practice standards across various sectors. From tackling the challenges of evolving technologies to fostering collaboration through events like the upcoming summit in Houston, we underscore the pivotal role of standards in solving complex business problems. Engage with us and The Open Group as we explore how these frameworks not only maintain order but propel industries into the future.

Copyright © The Open Group 2023-2025. All rights reserved.

Send us a text

How are young people leveraging digital technologies to shape a sustainable future? Join us on Open Comments as we look back on International Youth Day with the theme "From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development." Ash, Oliver, and Irene are excited to share stories of innovative youth who are driving progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This episode highlights how digital adoption and green skills are empowering young people to tackle pressing global issues like climate change, while also opening up new career opportunities.

You'll hear the inspiring journey of Melati and Isabel Wijsen from Bali. At the tender ages of 10 and 12, they launched Buy Buy Plastic Bags, a movement that has made significant strides in combating plastic pollution through awareness-raising and policy advocacy. Discover how their initiative has grown over the years, achieving remarkable milestones and inspiring global change.

Tune in to learn how you can support their mission and join the conversation celebrating the indomitable spirit of youth driving sustainable development and much more.

Copyright © The Open Group 2023-2025. All rights reserved.