Last week Hart Energy, the global news energy publication, released its “Impactful Veterans in Energy” list recognizing military veterans that demonstrate leadership skills and make significant contributions to the energy industry. The program highlights individuals within various organizations that showcase a commitment to service, display excellence in problem-solving, have a passion for achievement and are making a deep impact on the future of the industry.
Data Gumbo’s very own Chief Product Officer, William Fox, was among the 20 individuals recognized. William joined the Reserve Officer Training Corp (ROTC) with the intention of going into the army before the 9/11 attacks occurred. He was a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army from 2005 to 2010, where he held various leadership positions in South Korea and Baghdad
Before joining the military, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in European History from Washington and Lee University in Virginia. Once he finished active duty, he held management roles at NOV Inc. and MHWirth before joining Data Gumbo in 2017. Today, he leads product strategy and design for GumboNet’s industrial smart contract network.
In his profile for Hart Energy on what makes Veterans excellent hires for industrial outfits, William said:
Veterans have been through a crucible where they are given responsibility and direction and
expected to execute a mission or task with minimal supervision and support. Success in that sort of environment is valuable in any context but especially so in the remote and sometimes austere locations of oil and gas operations. Additionally, you’re trained to show up early in the right place in the right uniform with pen and paper and to take notes and ask questions which is (sadly) a huge advantage over most people.
When asked for words of advice – both for the professional or personal realm – William added, “Be humble, someone always knows more than you. Plans are useless but planning is invaluable. Embrace the suck. Better to ask forgiveness than permission.”
We thank Hart Energy for recognizing William and the other honorees as well as all Veterans for their service.
