The Power Element Podcast

We’re kicking off an all-new series, Everyone Leads. Along with a milestone moment as The Power Element Podcast celebrates its 100th episode.

In this special episode, Host Raul Guardado and Producer Paul reflect on the journey that brought us here and the leadership lessons learned along the way. The show features an “Ask Copilot” segment that looks at the power utility industry then and now, exploring how the trade, technology, and leadership mindset have evolved over time.

We also answer questions submitted by our listeners, giving a voice to the audience that has helped shape the podcast since the beginning. To close out the episode, Raul and Paul reflect on the insights, growth, and purpose behind the first 100 episodes—and why leadership truly exists at every level.

This episode is powered by Sturgeon Electric and MYR Group.Check out and support our promotional partners: Milwaukee Tool, Klein Tools, Wye Delta, High Voltage Industries, and Vimocity.Ad music provided by: Daniel [email protected]._beats | @DSSbeatsFollow us on Instagram: @CaliforniaLineWorksMay we all continue to guide and support those in need. Be your Brother’s Keeper. Visit www.lineco.org for assistance through LineCo.Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988#podcast #leadership #service #humanitarian #construction #disciplineequalsfreedom

In Episode 99 of The Power Element Podcast, Raul and Producer Paul sit down with Dave Berke of Echelon Front to discuss leadership rooted in accountability, humility, and real-world experience.

Dave shares insights shaped by his career as a U.S. Marine Corps fighter pilot and his work today developing leaders through Echelon Front. The conversation also highlights the release of his new book, The Need to Lead, where Dave challenges leaders at every level to step up, take ownership, and embrace the responsibility that leadership demands.

This episode dives deep into what it means to lead when the pressure is on, owning outcomes, building trust within teams, and developing the next generation of leaders. Dave’s perspective reinforces a powerful message: leadership isn’t about position or title, but about action, discipline, and the willingness to serve others.

This episode was recorded live at the Top Gun Leadership Summit.

Thank you, Dave Berke and the Echelon Front Team.

echelonfront.com

@davidrberke

This episode is powered by Sturgeon Electric and MYR Group.

Check out and support our promotional partners: Milwaukee Tool, Klein Tools, Wye Delta, High Voltage Industries, and Vimocity.

Ad music provided by: Daniel [email protected]._beats | @DSSbeatsFollow us on Instagram: @CaliforniaLineWorks

May we all continue to guide and support those in need. Be your Brother’s Keeper. Visit www.lineco.org for assistance through LineCo.Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988#podcast #leadership #service #humanitarian #construction #disciplineequalsfreedom

In Episode 98 of The Power Element Podcast, Raul and Producer Paul sit down with Justin Wren—former UFC fighter, humanitarian, and founder of Fight for the Forgotten- to discuss leadership through service, purpose, and action beyond the spotlight.

Justin shares his powerful journey from professional fighting to advocating for some of the most vulnerable communities in the world. Through Fight for the Forgotten, he has dedicated his life to bringing clean water, protection, and hope to the Pygmy communities of the Congo. This conversation dives deep into overcoming personal battles and what it truly means to use your platform to serve others.

This episode was recorded live at the Top Gun Leadership Summit.

Thank you, Justin Wren and the Fight for the Forgotten team. Learn more and support their mission: www.fightfortheforgotten.org

This episode is powered by Sturgeon Electric and MYR Group.

Check out and support our promotional partners: Milwaukee Tool, Klein Tools, Wye Delta, High Voltage Industries, and Vimocity.

Ad music provided by: Daniel [email protected]._beats | @DSSbeats

Follow us on Instagram: @CaliforniaLineWorks

May we all continue to guide and support those in need. Be your Brother’s Keeper. Visit www.lineco.org for assistance through LineCo.Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988

#podcast #leadership #service #humanitarian #construction #FightForTheForgotten

In Episode 97 of The Power Element Podcast, Raul and Producer Paul sit down with Jason Gardner, former Navy SEAL and leadership instructor at Echelon Front, to explore what it truly means to lead from the front. Jason brings decades of experience in high stakes environments and shares practical insights on building resilient teams, combating complacency, and embracing the principles of Extreme Ownership. This episode was recorded live from the Top Gun Leadership Summit.

Thank you, Jason Gardner and the Echelon Front Team @jason.n.gardner@echelonfront@movalleyjatc

This episode is powered by Sturgeon Electric and MYR Group.

Check out and support our promotional partners: Milwaukee Tool, Klein Tools, Wye Delta, High Voltage Industries, and Vimocity.

Ad music provided by: Daniel Sanchez @d.s.s._beats @DSSbeats Follow us on Instagram @ CaliforniaLineWorks

May we all continue to guide and support those in need. Be your Brother’s Keeper. Visit www.lineco.org for assistance through LineCo. Suicide, crisis, and lifeline Dial 988.#podcast #leadership #construction

In Episode 96 of The Power Element Podcast, Raul and Producer Paul sit down with Missouri Valley JATC’s Leigh Conducy to launch our Top Gun Leadership Summit series. From field‑tested leadership lessons to building mentorship, strengthening culture, and sharing stories from the trade, this conversation sets the stage for a powerful lineup of episodes recorded live at the Top Gun Leadership Summit in Iowa. Tune in for practical leadership insights and a behind‑the‑scenes look at an event that’s helping shape the future of our industry.Thank you, Leigh Conducy and the Missouri Valley JATC team.

@movalleyjatc

This episode is powered by Sturgeon Electric and MYR Group.Check out and support our promotional partners: Milwaukee Tool, Klein Tools, Wye Delta, and High Voltage Industries.Ad music provided by: Daniel Sanchez @d.s.s._beats @DSSbeats Follow us on Instagram @ CaliforniaLineWorksMay we all continue to guide and support those in need. Please continue the conversation about mental health and well-being within your community. Be your Brother’s Keeper. Visit www.lineco.org for assistance through LineCo. Suicide, crisis, and lifeline Dial 988.#podcast #leadership #construction

In Episode 95 of The Power Element Podcast, we’re recording live from the 2025 International Lineman’s Rodeo. This episode features Shawn Becker, a first-year line school student. Shawn left a memorable impression at the International Lineman's Rodeo, as he took the initiative to seek out Journeyman Lineman for advice, demonstrating the drive and curiosity that help shape the future of our industry.

Thank you, Shawn Becker.

This podcast is powered by Sturgeon Electric and MYR Group.

Check out and support our promotional partners: Milwaukee Tool, Klein Tools, Wye Delta, and High Voltage Industries.

Ad music provided by: Daniel Sanchez @d.s.s._beats @DSSbeats

Follow us on Instagram @ CaliforniaLineWorks

May we all continue to guide and support those in need. Please continue the conversation about mental health and well-being within your community. Be your Brother’s Keeper. Visit www.lineco.org for assistance through LineCo. Suicide, crisis, and lifeline Dial 988.

#podcast #leadership #construction

In Episode 94 of The Power Element Podcast, we’re recording live from the 2025 International Lineman’s Rodeo. Joining the show is Joe Maynes. Joe is a Journeyman Lineman and is a part of the World Champion Sturgeon Electric California/IBEW Local 47 Rodeo Team. In this episode, we talk about competition mindset, the drive to win, and what it takes to perform under pressure. Joe shares his journey from rookie to seasoned competitor, the lessons learned from last year, and how experience shapes strategy. We also dive into rodeo culture, safety leadership, and innovation in the trade.

Thank you, Joe Maynes. @maynes.joe

This podcast is powered by Sturgeon Electric and MYR Group.

Check out and support our promotional partners: Milwaukee Tool, Klein Tools, Wye Delta, and High Voltage Industries.

Ad music provided by: Daniel Sanchez @d.s.s._beats @DSSbeats

Follow us on Instagram @ CaliforniaLineWorks

May we all continue to guide and support those in need. Please continue the conversation about mental health and well-being within your community. Be your Brother’s Keeper. Visit www.lineco.org for assistance through LineCo. Suicide, crisis, and lifeline Dial 988.

In Episode 93 of The Power Element Podcast, we’re recording live from the 2025 International Lineman’s Rodeo. Joining the show is Power Element Podcast Alumni, Tony Bravo. Tony is a Journeyman Lineman and SCE Training Manager. Tony talks about the evolution of the trade, leadership, and the importance of mentorship. Tony shares his journey from working in the field to training the next generation of linemen, and why investing in foremen and apprentices is critical for building a strong culture. Thank you, Tony Bravo @tony_bravi_knivesThis podcast is powered by Sturgeon Electric and MYR Group.Check out and support our promotional partners: Milwaukee Tool, Klein Tools, Wye Delta, and High Voltage Industries.Ad music provided by: Daniel Sanchez @d.s.s._beats @DSSbeats Follow us on Instagram @ CaliforniaLineWorksMay we all continue to guide and support those in need. Please continue the conversation about mental health and well-being within your community. Be your Brother’s Keeper. Visit www.lineco.org for assistance through LineCo. Suicide, crisis, and lifeline Dial 988.#podcast #leadership #construction

In Episode 92 of The Power Element Podcast, we’re recording live from the 2025 International Lineman’s Rodeo. Joining the show is Steve Sarnocinski. Steve is the Senior Vice President of Jobsite Solutions at Milwaukee Tool. Steve discusses the latest advancements in safety and productivity and shares more on Milwaukee Tools' journey of disruptive innovation, especially their commitment to developing industry-leading PPE and safety helmets.

Thank you, Steve "Sarno" Sarnocinski and Milwaukee Tool.

Contact Mike Dumoit at [email protected]for the Helmet Presentation and for more informationThis podcast is powered by Sturgeon Electric and MYR Group.

Check out and support our promotional partners: Milwaukee Tool, Klein Tools, Wye Delta, and High Voltage Industries.

Ad music provided by: Daniel Sanchez @d.s.s._beats @DSSbeats F

ollow us on Instagram @ CaliforniaLineWorks

May we all continue to guide and support those in need. Please continue the conversation about mental health and well-being within your community. Be your Brother’s Keeper. Visit www.lineco.org for assistance through LineCo. Suicide, crisis, and lifeline Dial 988.#podcast #leadership #construction

In Episode 91 of The Power Element Podcast, we’re recording live from the 2025 International Lineman’s Rodeo. Joining the show is Jenny Lavin, CEO/co-founder of Union Care Solutions. This episode dives deep into the unique challenges faced by lineworkers, focusing on mental health, psychological safety, and the importance of peer support in the trade. Whether you're a seasoned lineman, apprentice, or industry leader, this episode offers valuable perspectives and resources to help drive positive change in the power utility community. Thank you, Jenny Lavin and Union Care [email protected]unioncaresolutions.orgThis podcast is powered by Sturgeon Electric and MYR Group.Check out and support our promotional partners: Milwaukee Tool, Klein Tools, Wye Delta, and High Voltage Industries.Ad music provided by: Daniel Sanchez @d.s.s._beats @DSSbeats Follow us on Instagram @ CaliforniaLineWorksMay we all continue to guide and support those in need. Please continue the conversation about mental health and well-being within your community. Be your Brother’s Keeper. Visit www.lineco.org for assistance through LineCo. Suicide, crisis, and lifeline Dial 988.#podcast #leadership #construction #mentalhealth