Explore every episode of the podcast Power Leaders

AI may look like a digital revolution. But behind every data center is an enormous physical world of energy, infrastructure and people making it possible.

John Shanahan, Senior Vice President at Caterpillar, joins Archrock CEO Brad Childers to share what nearly 30 years at Caterpillar have taught him about the industries—and the leaders—powering modern life.

John explains why AI’s growth is inseparable from natural gas, mining, power generation and physical infrastructure, and why the extraordinary demand we’re seeing today is creating new opportunities across the energy industry.

But some of John’s most important lessons are about people.

He shares the experience outside Caterpillar that fundamentally changed the way he leads, why purpose can unlock extraordinary performance, how relationships turn business from transactional to personal, and why he believes the entrepreneurial “yeah, bring it” mentality of oil and gas makes energy an incredible industry for the next generation.

In this episode:

• Why AI doesn’t work without energy and infrastructure

• What people misunderstand about oil & gas and mining

• What’s driving today’s surge in energy demand

• How Caterpillar is responding to the data center boom

• The experience that transformed John’s leadership philosophy

• Why people need purpose to perform at their best

• How relationships change the way you lead

• Why John believes young people should choose energy

• The “yeah, bring it” mindset of oil & gas leaders

Power Leaders takes you inside the energy industry through the stories of the people leading it.

Hosted by Archrock CEO Brad Childers, each episode explores the defining experiences, leadership lessons and innovations shaping the industry that powers modern life.

Follow Power Leaders for more conversations with the leaders powering the energy industry.