The AI Revolution: From Drilling to Algorithms, Inventing an Energy Future / IPWatchdog Unleashed

This week on IPWatchdog Unleashed, we welcome Marlene Valderrama, who is Principal Intellectual Property Manager & Technology Scout for Halliburton. Marlene, known for her expertise in invention harvesting and intellectual property (IP), is making significant strides at Halliburton as a pioneer of modern IP practices and a champion for the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). During our conversation, Marlene shares insights from her role as an innovation scout, the challenges of encouraging innovators inside Halliburton to recognize the importance and magnitude of their novel contributions, and the exciting advancements in drilling technology facilitated by AI. The conversation delves into best practices for AI implementation and the importance of continuous training for IP and innovation management. Additionally, Marlene opens up about her personal journey, her unexpected career path from drilling engineer to IP advocate, her passion for giving back through long-distance biking to raise money for multiple sclerosis research, and much more.

Embracing Innovation at Halliburton

Marlene, who has been with Halliburton for over seven years, dives into her career journey, describing how she recently transitioned into her current position as Principal IP Manager with responsibility for all Global R&D. In this new role, among many responsibilities, Marlene is tasked with focusing on deploying AI solutions at Halliburton to facilitate innovation harvesting and identify tools—and protocols—for innovators to safely use.

Drilling technology is advancing all the time, and accessing energy involves heavy technological investments and meticulous planning. Halliburton uses AI technologies and digital twins, the industry is now able to drill more intelligently, avoiding cost-intensive mistakes and improving efficiency. “It’s not just dumb iron,” Marlene explains as she emphasizes that the oil and gas industry is not just about brute force drilling any more. “There’s a lot of technology that goes into it. It’s basically outer space, just down a hole 15 miles, laterally five more miles.”

Encouraging Innovators to Disclose

The discussion transitions into the challenges faced in fostering a culture of innovation. Marlene recounts the struggle of convincing teams of their innovative potential, sometimes because they are minimizing their own contributions, and sometimes because no one has taken time to explain how and why even seemingly minor innovations can and do provide great rewards for the company.

One major hurdle is changing the mindset that software and AI cannot be patented. Through quarterly trainings and one-on-one sessions, Marlene is working to embed a proactive IP culture within Halliburton. She highlights the need for continuous education due to staff turnovers, emphasizing the importance of retaining institutional knowledge despite a fluid workforce.

“I have this office full of candy. I always joke that I’m trying to give people diabetes,” Marlene said. “I tell them, just come in… free candy with an idea. I have this neon sign now that says, think outside the box. I make it cozy. I make myself available. I’m trying to be intentional to just talk to people.”

Networking and Career Advice

Marlene shares networking insights, reflecting on her journey from a career in physics to becoming a leading figure in IP. She cites building relationships through LinkedIn and attending industry conferences as pivotal to her career development. What is the secret sauce for networking? “It’s taking that initial step,” Marlene explains as she describes the importance of getting out of your own way so you can “just go out and do it.”

Raising Money for a Good Cause

Beyond her professional life, Marlene is also a humanitarian and advocate for social good. She participates in the MS150, which is an annual 150-mile bike ride raising funds for multiple sclerosis research—a cause personal to her due to close family affected by the disease. Her participation exemplifies the passion she brings to all areas of her life, spurring others in the IP community to join and support such causes.

Final Reflections

Marlene’s story is an inspiring testament to the power of innovation and connectivity in corporate and personal realms. Her commitment to fostering a robust culture of IP and leveraging AI’s potential is the path forward for so many individuals and companies, even if they don’t know it yet. As the conversation wraps up, Marlene leaves us with thoughts on embracing opportunities and the endless possibilities within the IP industry, urging young professionals to seize every chance to lead in this dynamic field. “If there’s a mic, go get it,” Marlene says. “Even if you’re nervous, I’m telling you, I still get nervous every single time. But just put yourself out there; you never know.”

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