We recently had the opportunity to interview Saber Belghith, Founder and CEO of Konnect 3D, one of the leading SaaS platforms.
As the visionary founder of Konnect 3D, Saber has revolutionized capital project execution by integrating 4D virtual environments into pre-construction, planning, and estimation phases. With expertise in virtual design, construction, and work face planning, he has successfully led Konnect 3D into its growth phase, which is currently, one of the prominent SaaS platforms, transforming EPC project collaboration and simulation.
Dedicated to innovation, Saber Belghith has bridged technology and capital project delivery, ensuring exceptional results in the industry.
Spark Behind The Journey
We started the interview by asking, “Reflecting on your journey, what inspired you to start in your current industry, and what was a defining moment early in your career?”
Saber shared, “My journey into the oil and gas industry began with a deep fascination for engineering complexity. From the start, I was drawn to the intricate process of creating something vast, from raw materials to finished structures.
However, as I advanced, I noticed that while our projects became more ambitious, our methods were stuck in the past. This realization hit me hard early on when I was working on a large-scale project that struggled under the weight of fragmented data and siloed teams. It was a defining moment that sparked the idea for Konnect 3D – bringing real-time, seamless integration to an industry that was yearning for evolution.”
Adaptability Amidst Adversities
To learn more about the challenges overcame by Saber Belghith in his career span, we asked, “Throughout your career, what has been one of the most significant challenges you faced, and how did you overcome it?”
He shared, “One of the greatest challenges I’ve faced was navigating the growing complexity of large-scale projects in a world still reliant on outdated methods. The industry’s tendency to ‘throw more people’ at a problem without addressing the underlying inefficiencies led to communication breakdowns and costly delays.
Overcoming this challenge meant redefining the way teams interact with data. Konnect 3D was born out of this need to connect not just systems, but people and their insights – bringing clarity and confidence to the chaos of project execution. It wasn’t just about innovation; it was about simplifying the process so the technology would be a true enabler, not an obstacle.”
Potential Trends Of The Industry
To have a glimpse of Saber Belghith’s perspective on the potential trends of his industry, we inquired, “Given the rapid evolution in your industry, what major trends do you see shaping the future, and how is your company preparing for them?”
Saber responded, “The future of our industry lies in the convergence of real-time data, AI, and advanced analytics. As projects become more complex, the ability to make informed, instant decisions will be the differentiator. At Konnect 3D, we’re investing heavily in AI-driven project management tools, laser scanning, and real-time data capture, with a vision that extends beyond the present.
We’re preparing for a future where the entire lifecycle of a project, from conception to execution, can be visualized and optimized with precision. By staying ahead of these trends, we’re ensuring that our clients not only meet but exceed the demands of tomorrow’s projects.”
Plans For Konnect 3D
We further asked, “Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for your company, and what strategies are you considering to achieve them?”
“Our vision for Konnect 3D is nothing short of revolutionary. In the coming years, we aspire to transform the way large-scale projects are executed, moving away from the fragmented, siloed systems of the past and toward a fully integrated, AI-enhanced future. Strategically, we are focused on expanding the Konnect xD suite to encompass more dimensions of project management – from 3D visualization to 5D predictive analytics.
By leveraging historical and real-time data, we will enable our clients to predict, plan, and deliver with unparalleled efficiency. Our strategy centers on partnerships, continuous innovation, and keeping our ear to the ground on technological advancements.” He said.
Redefining Business Landscape
AI and emerging technologies are transforming businesses. We asked, “How do you see these changes affecting your industry, and how is your company adapting?”
He replied, “AI is not just a trend – it’s reshaping the very fabric of industries, both construction and energy are no exceptions. We are at the dawn of a new era where AI can manage project complexity in ways we never thought possible. At Konnect 3D, we are embedding AI agents into our platform to streamline decision-making, automate routine tasks, and enhance human judgment with data-driven insights.
The integration of machine learning into our system ensures that as projects evolve, so do the tools that manage them. We’re adapting by making sure that our platform not only meets the current needs but anticipates future challenges with agility.”
Foundational Principles For Success
What guiding principles or core values have you consistently relied on to drive your company’s success?
“At Konnect 3D, our success is rooted in three guiding principles: innovation, integrity, and empathy. We innovate to challenge the status quo, delivering cutting-edge solutions. Our integrity ensures reliable, transparent, and industry-informed solutions. Empathy sets us apart, as we design technology with the user in mind, solving real problems in real-time. These core values drive our success and will continue to guide us as we scale.” Saber replied.
Staying Ahead Of The Curve
Eager to learn about the approaches that shape Saber’s company, we asked, “Could you share an innovative strategy or approach that has recently helped your company stand out in a competitive market?
Enthusiastically, he replied, “Our most innovative strategy has been the creation of a modular and flexible platform that doesn’t impose rigid workflows but instead adapts to the unique needs of each project. Konnect 3D isn’t about dictating how things should be done; it’s about empowering teams to work their way while still benefiting from the platform’s intelligence. This approach has resonated with clients who are tired of one-size-fits-all solutions.
Our edge comes from deep industry expertise and a relentless focus on user experience. By allowing our clients to customize their approach while giving them the tools to predict and manage complexity, we’ve carved out a niche in a competitive market.”
Empowering Team And Fostering Agility
We ended the session by asking, “How has your leadership philosophy evolved over the years, particularly in light of the technological advancements and disruptions in your industry?”
“Leadership today demands a balance between vision and agility. Over the years, my philosophy has evolved from being a strong directive force to becoming a facilitator of innovation and collaboration. The fast-paced nature of technological disruption means that as a leader, I need to foster a culture of adaptability within the team, encouraging them to think beyond the present.
Empowering my team to take ownership, experiment, and fail fast has been crucial in staying ahead. It’s no longer about having all the answers – it’s about creating an environment where the best ideas can emerge, be tested, and implemented swiftly.” Saber concluded.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Readers can follow my work through the Konnect 3D website at www.konnect3d.com or connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/saberbelghith.
Get in touch with our team today to learn how Konnect 3D can transform your oil and gas projects and unlock new levels of efficiency and performance. We look forward to helping you achieve your goals and drive your business forward.
In an age where industries evolve at lightning speed, there exists a special breed of C-suite executives who are not just navigating the changes but driving them. These are the pioneers who think outside the box, championing novel strategies that shatter the status quo and set new industry standards. Their approach fosters innovation, spurs growth, and leads to disruptive change that redefines their sectors. In this interview series, we are talking to disruptive C-suite executives to share their experiences, insights, and the secrets behind the innovative approaches they are taking to disrupt their industries. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Saber Belghith.
Saber Belghith is the founder and CEO of Konnect 3D, a cutting-edge data and 3D platform designed to enhance project execution through artificial intelligence and digital twin technology. With a Master’s degree in Aerospace and experience as a seasoned private pilot, Saber brings a unique perspective to his work, blending technical expertise with a passion for aviation. A serial entrepreneur with a long-standing career in the oil and gas industry, Saber has been a member of the Construction Industry Institute since 2012 and actively participates in advisory panels with major EPCs and operators. His journey in project execution highlighted challenges such as data silos and communication gaps, which inspired him to create Konnect 3D as part of the Konnect xD suite under his company, TWINTECH. Saber’s commitment to innovation extends beyond the industry, with a focus on corporate social responsibility and bridging the gap between academia and industry.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion about disruption, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?
My journey began with a deep fascination for both technology and aviation. I pursued a Master’s degree in Aerospace and became a private pilot, but my professional path led me into the oil and gas industry. It was during my years in project execution that I encountered the persistent challenges that still plague the industry today — data silos, communication gaps, and inefficiencies. These issues, combined with my entrepreneurial spirit, led me to create Konnect 3D. I envisioned a solution that would integrate data and improve project management efficiency using AI and digital twin technology. That’s the vision behind Konnect 3D, and it’s what drives me to innovate every day.
What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?
Konnect 3D stands out because it is not just a software; it’s a transformative platform designed to bridge gaps between teams, data, and communication in large-scale projects. One standout example is our collaboration with a client that are a Chinese-American joint venture. They were facing chaotic changes in data and materials in real-time, affecting project timelines. Konnect 3D allowed them to synchronize and adapt their project workflow seamlessly, providing the kind of real-time data insights that gave them peace of mind in complex situations. Our ability to handle such complexities is what sets us apart.
You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
1. **Visionary Thinking**: I’ve always been driven by the desire to see the bigger picture. When I noticed inefficiencies in project execution, I didn’t just want to solve one problem; I wanted to create a system that would revolutionize the entire process. That’s how Konnect 3D was born.
2. **Resilience**: Building a company like Konnect 3D, especially one that challenges traditional methods, requires an unshakeable ability to push forward despite setbacks. Early on, many didn’t believe that real-time data integration in construction projects was achievable, but my persistence ensured that we stayed the course.
3. **Adaptability**: The fast-paced evolution of technology requires constant learning and adaptation. I’ve ensured that Konnect 3D evolves alongside industry advancements, incorporating AI, real-time data, and digital twin technology to keep our platform at the cutting edge.
Leadership often entails making difficult decisions or hard choices between two apparently good paths. Can you share a story with us about a hard decision or choice you had to make as a leader? I’m curious to understand how these challenges have shaped your leadership.
One of the hardest decisions I faced as a leader wasn’t about technology or strategy — it was about people. Early on in Konnect 3D’s journey, I realized that no matter how innovative our ideas were, they wouldn’t succeed without the right team in place. We had incredibly talented individuals, but the challenge was bringing together people with different perspectives and skill sets to work as one cohesive unit.
Instead of focusing on just finding solutions myself, I made the decision to empower my team to lead. We created a culture where everyone had a voice, and the best ideas came from collaboration. It wasn’t easy — there were different opinions and approaches — but we learned to trust each other and work towards a common goal. That decision to focus on building the right team, fostering open communication, and embracing diverse perspectives is what truly set Konnect 3D on the path to success. It taught me that, as a leader, it’s not about having all the answers, but about creating the right environment where your team can thrive and drive the innovation forward.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. Let’s begin with a basic definition so that all of us are on the same page. In the context of a business, what exactly is “Disruption”?
Disruption, in the context of business, is about challenging the established norms and creating new pathways that redefine the industry. It’s not just about improving something that exists; it’s about creating a transformative shift that forces everyone to rethink how things should be done. Disruption often involves leveraging new technologies, business models, or processes to deliver more value in ways that weren’t possible before.
How do you perceive the role of ‘disruption’ within your industry, and how have you personally embraced it? Is it a necessity, a strategy, or something else entirely in your view?
In my industry, disruption is an absolute necessity. The oil and gas sector, as well as construction, has long relied on traditional methodologies that are no longer sufficient in today’s fast-paced world. At Konnect 3D, we have embraced disruption not as a strategy, but as our core philosophy. We use digital twin technology and AI to solve the inefficiencies of traditional project management, bringing real-time insights and predictive analytics to the forefront. Disruption is the catalyst for survival and growth in an increasingly digital world.
What lessons have you learned from challenging conventional wisdom, and how have those lessons shaped your leadership style?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that challenging conventional wisdom often requires patience and persistence. You must be prepared to educate stakeholders and gradually earn their trust. This has shaped my leadership style to be more collaborative. I lead by listening, by presenting clear data-driven insights, and by building a culture that encourages questioning the status quo. As a leader, I’ve come to understand that innovation is not just about having the right ideas but also about bringing others along on the journey.
Disruptive ideas often meet resistance. Could you describe a time when you faced significant pushback for a disruptive idea? How did you navigate the opposition, and what advice would you give to others in a similar situation?
When we first introduced Konnect 3D to major players in the EPC sector, we faced skepticism regarding the feasibility of integrating real-time data into large-scale projects. Many believed that such an approach would be too complex to manage. I navigated the opposition by presenting small, digestible pilots that demonstrated the platform’s value incrementally. My advice to others in similar situations is to start small, build proof points, and let the results speak for themselves. Change is hard, but success is the ultimate persuader.
What are your “Five Innovative Approaches We Are Using To Disrupt Our Industry”? If you can, please share a story or an example for each.
1. Digital Twin Technology: We are leveraging digital twins to create live replicas of physical assets, allowing teams to simulate and optimize project execution in real-time.
2. AI-Driven Predictive Analytics: AI helps our clients foresee potential project issues before they happen, leading to proactive management and reduced downtime.
3. Real-Time Data Integration: Konnect 3D allows for seamless integration of all project data, enabling teams to work from a single source of truth, drastically improving collaboration.
4.Advanced Visualization Tools: We provide enhanced 3D and 4D visualization, which gives clients the ability to see complex projects unfold in real time, making communication far more effective.
5. Flexible Data Models: Our platform’s flexible data models allow us to adapt quickly to project changes, giving clients the agility needed in today’s fast-paced environment.
Looking back at your career, in what ways has being disruptive defined or redefined your path? What surprises have you encountered along the way?
Disruption has been the cornerstone of my career. It redefined my path when I chose to create Konnect 3D, moving away from traditional project management and into the realm of innovation. One of the biggest surprises has been the resistance from within the industry — sometimes innovation is hardest to sell to those who need it most. But, the satisfaction of seeing a disruptive idea transform an entire workflow is unparalleled.
Beyond professional accomplishments, how has embracing disruption affected you on a personal level?
Embracing disruption has made me more open to change in all aspects of life. It has taught me the importance of adaptability and resilience, and this has translated into my personal life, where I now embrace challenges as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks.
In your role as a C-suite leader, driving innovation and embracing disruption, what thoughts or concerns keep you awake at night? How do these reflections guide your decisions and leadership?
What keeps me awake at night is the rapid pace of technological change and ensuring that we are always ahead of the curve. I constantly think about how we can maintain our competitive edge while staying true to our mission. These reflections guide me to prioritize continuous learning, both for myself and my team, ensuring that we remain agile and prepared for the future.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
If I could start a movement, it would be focused on bridging the gap between academia and industry, creating stronger pipelines for talent and innovation. I believe that by fostering collaboration between these two worlds, we can drive technological advancements that benefit not just companies, but society as a whole.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Readers can follow my work through the Konnect 3D website at www.konnect3d.com or connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/saberbelghith.
Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
About the Interviewer: Cynthia Corsetti is an esteemed executive coach with over two decades in corporate leadership and 11 years in executive coaching. Author of the upcoming book, “Dark Drivers,” she guides high-performing professionals and Fortune 500 firms to recognize and manage underlying influences affecting their leadership. Beyond individual coaching, Cynthia offers a 6-month executive transition program and partners with organizations to nurture the next wave of leadership excellence.
Get in touch with our team today to learn how Konnect 3D can transform your oil and gas projects and unlock new levels of efficiency and performance. We look forward to helping you achieve your goals and drive your business forward.
FPSO Alexandre de Gusmão was embarking on a project that required meticulous planning and execution. With a focus on the early fabrication phase for piping and completed steel structure assembly, there was a need for a sophisticated tool that could facilitate the correlation of design issued for construction and procurement delivery for material allocation.
In the intricate dance of construction sequencing, FPSO Almirante Tamandaré, a significant project under PETROBRAS, has effectively harnessed the capabilities of Konnect3D’s Digital Twin Platform. This collaboration has ensured strategic material allocation, paving the way for a seamless construction process.
FPSO Almirante Tamandaré faced the critical challenge of ensuring that materials were allocated efficiently and accurately in line with the construction sequence. The project demanded a solution that could provide a clear, organized system for material allocation to support the right construction sequence.
• Efficient Material Allocation: With Konnect3D, FPSO Almirante Tamandaré experienced a level of efficiency in material allocation that supported a smooth and organized construction process.
• Seamless Construction Sequencing: The platform’s support in material allocation facilitated a construction sequence that was well-organized and executed without delays or confusion.
• Enhanced Team Collaboration: The collaborative features of Konnect3D’s platform ensured that the team could work together effectively on material allocation and construction sequencing tasks.
The success of FPSO Almirante Tamandaré with Konnect3D underscores the platform’s invaluable support in strategic material allocation and construction sequencing. With features designed for efficiency and collaboration, Konnect3D has proven to be an essential partner for successful project execution.
In the meticulous early fabrication phase, FPSO Yellow Tail One Guyana has effectively utilized Konnect3D’s Digital Twin Platform. This partnership has ensured a streamlined approach to material allocation and construction sequencing, laying a solid foundation for the ongoing project.
During the early fabrication phase, FPSO Yellow Tail One Guyana required precise coordination between design, procurement, and construction activities. The goal was to fabricate the correct piping spools in alignment with the construction sequence, necessitating a platform that could seamlessly integrate these processes.
In the meticulous stages of testing, the Marjan Package 4 Offshore Platform has seamlessly integrated Konnect3D’s Digital Twin Platform, ensuring a streamlined approach to system checks, document access, and collaborative tasks during the crucial preparation for pre-commissioning.
During its testing phase, Marjan Package 4 required a robust platform that could facilitate line checks and hydrotests efficiently while providing seamless access to P&ID documents with full traceability of fabrication and installation processes.
In the intricate dance of offshore platform operations, the Scarborough Offshore Platform has successfully utilized Konnect3D’s Digital Twin Platform for enhanced collaboration and efficient piping installation workfront analysis.
Scarborough Offshore Platform faced the daunting task of coordinating between multiple centers, disciplines, and subcontractors. The project required a sophisticated tool for efficient collaboration and precise analysis of the piping installation workfront.
In the world of Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC), project delivery often faces challenges such as cost overruns and schedule delays. Konnect3D, with its innovative Digital Twin Platform, is revolutionizing the way industry professionals tackle these problems.
One of our most recent success stories involves SBM OFFSHORE, a long-standing customer of ours. They have successfully delivered the FPSO Sepetiba using our platform, marking a significant achievement in the industry.
The FPSO Sepetiba, SBM Offshore’s third Fast4Ward® FPSO, sailed away on June 16, 2023, from the BOMESC shipyard, China, after successful completion of the topsides integration and onshore commissioning phases. This achievement was made possible through the use of our Digital Twin Platform, which seamlessly integrates all data types and streamlines workflows.
The FPSO has commenced its transit to the Mero field in the Santos Basin offshore Brazil, located 180 kilometers offshore Rio de Janeiro. SBM Offshore has a contract with Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. (Petrobras) for the 22.5 years lease and operation of FPSO Sepetiba. First oil is expected in the second half of 2023.
The FPSO will have the capacity to produce up to 180,000 barrels of oil per day and has storage capacity of 1,400,000 barrels of oil. This project is a testament to the power and efficiency of our platform, and we are proud to have been a part of it.
Our platform empowers data engineers, digital solution developers, and data consumers – both human and machine – to drive superior results. It offers a fast and efficient way to create an EPC Digital Twin, enabling users to deploy various use cases; from Project Meetings & Location-based Services to Progress monitoring & Continuous AS-Build Handover.
The platform’s features include Explorer, Take-off, Work Package, Markups, Views, Properties, Activity Lifecycle, Documents, Status, and Filters. These features provide a comprehensive solution to the project delivery problem, consistently helping projects avoid being late and over-budget.
The successful delivery of the FPSO Sepetiba by SBM OFFSHORE using our Digital Twin Platform is a shining example of how Konnect3D is revolutionizing project delivery in the EPC industry. We are committed to providing a versatile platform that empowers industry professionals to drive superior results.
For those interested in experiencing the benefits of our platform, we invite you to book a demo and explore what’s possible with Konnect3D.