What’s really behind Nabors’ comeback? It’s not just better rigs.

Live from the Thrive Energy Conference 2026 at Daikin Park, Josh Lowrey talks with Brett Schellenberg of Nabors Industries about how automation is changing the game.

Faster iteration beats perfect tech
Knowing when to cut losses matters
Open platforms unlock real scale (with partners like Halliburton and Schlumberger)

Meanwhile, growth is shifting, away from North America and toward markets like Saudi Arabia and Argentina.

00:00 Live From Thrive

00:17 Meet Brett Schellenberg

01:15 40 Under 40 Talk

02:52 From Roughneck To Sales

04:12 Rig Tech Then Now

05:44 Fail Fast Learn Faster

08:01 Killing Your Baby

09:03 Nabors Legacy And Acquisitions

11:28 Reinvention And Innovation Bets

15:59 Brand Power Story

17:00 Caterpillar And Product Thinking

18:50 Tech And AI Tease

19:26 Rig Automation Highlights

19:57 Razor Pipe Handling Lessons

21:24 Open Rig App Ecosystem

21:49 Vertical Integration Edge

22:57 North America Rig Outlook

24:47 Tier Two Acreage Debate

26:37 International Footprint Growth

29:26 Argentina Tech Adoption

31:49 Travel And North Africa

32:24 Phone Safety Callout

34:16 Career Advice And Mentors

37:34 Wrap Up And Shoutouts

Drilling Is Changing Faster Than You Think with Brett Schellenberg | Ep 124