At Estimages, we’re known for delivering fast and reliable velocity modeling solutions powered by geostatistics. With offices in France, Norway, and Australia, we’re able to take on projects around the world. But it’s the people behind these projects that make all the difference.

Today, we’re featuring Théophane Paolo, a geoscientist in our French office who joined the team in 2021. We asked him a few questions to learn more about his journey and what inspires him.

1️⃣ Can you introduce yourself in a few words?

My name is Théophane Paolo, I’m 34 years old. I was born and raised in Paris. After moving around a lot, I returned to Paris for good a few years ago. I’m a geoscientist at Estimages in France.

2️⃣ What’s your background? How did you join Estimages?

I have a dual master’s degree: geophysics from Strasbourg and geology from Nancy. After my studies, I focused on reservoir engineering. I started with a position at a major company in Paris, where I worked on the technical aspects of projects. After this first experience, I moved to a consulting firm in Pau, where I worked on data management, still within the reservoir field. Then, I worked in London as a tech sales representative for reservoir software. The Covid crisis forced me to return to France. However, I decided to stay active and volunteered for a humanitarian mission in Lebanon. It was at this time that I heard about a job opening at Estimages. Even though the company doesn’t do reservoir engineering, this opportunity allowed me to explore another aspect of geosciences, further upstream in the exploration and production of hydrocarbons.

3️⃣ What is your typical week like?

There isn’t really a typical week. Our activity fluctuates a lot. Some weeks, I’m fully focused on a project to deliver the results to the client on time. Then it’s quieter, and I focus on market monitoring to stay updated on developments or business prospecting to find new clients. Until now, I had only worked in large organizations. Joining Estimages made me realize the difference with a smaller company. The tasks are more varied, and we are informed about everything. With my colleagues, we share not only the technical solutions implemented in our projects but also the health of the company, new ideas for growth, etc.

4️⃣ What have been the highlights of this year for you?

This year, I built two regional velocity models in Australia: the onshore Canning and onshore Perth basins. This helped expand Estimages’ RVM offering. Onshore projects are particularly challenging because the data is sparse and of varying quality, but that’s what I enjoy. Each project is different and brings new challenges. Working in geosciences is never repetitive. You always have to come up with new ideas to solve problems. Also, it’s always rewarding when the client is satisfied with the work done.

5️⃣ How would you like to evolve?

Last year, I completed a master’s degree in management and business administration. Why not use my new knowledge to help manage operations in France?

6️⃣ What are your hobbies?

I really enjoy the mountains, especially in the winter when I go downhill skiing. It’s such a pleasure to gather around a good raclette with my friends or family after a long day on the slopes! I’ve also just started rock climbing. For now, I’m only climbing indoors, but once I’m more trained, I might try an outdoor wall.

7️⃣ What has been your top moment since joining?

We did an escape game with the team a while ago. I’m very competitive, and I like to win. That day, some of my colleagues discovered that about me the hard way. We had a good laugh about it.