What offshore operations teach about deploying AI agents

As SLB marks 100 years, I found myself reflecting on the lessons that shaped my approach to how I operate.

After spending 8+ years in offshore (into-the-sea) operations, I realized many of those principles are becoming increasingly relevant as more workflows shift to AI. Successful AI deployments aren't just about great models - they're about planning, engineering, QA, contingency, and flawless execution.

Different industries. Same discipline.

Sharing a few reflections on why deploying AI agents increasingly feels like orchestrating a high-stakes industrial operation.