Ep 8 | From Boots to Boardroom with Brian McFarlin | Strategy & Execution | KYRO AI

In this episode of #FromBootsToBoardroom, Hari Vasudevan sits down with Brian McFarlin, an entrepreneur and utility industry leader whose 40-year career spans engineering, management consulting, and executive roles helping shape how major utilities source and manage engineering, construction, and professional services. From helping entrepreneurs break into large utilities like Oncor, to now leading Utility Engineering with the Utility Innovation Group, he shares candid lessons on strategy, decision-making, and what it takes to keep moving the industry forward. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why relationships and “win–win” thinking matter more than titles in long-term success. How management consulting shaped Brian’s view that ideas are easy, execution is where rubber meets the road. The realities of driving change inside large utilities (and why entrepreneurs often struggle there). How to attract the next generation to utilities in a world of AI, data centers, and massive grid investment. Why low-cost, reliable power is critical and how data centers and new loads are changing the equation. How AI, LIDAR, and advanced data are reshaping grid planning, reliability, and vegetation management. Why learning to make decisions (and live with them) is one of the most important leadership skills. About Our Guest: Brian McFarlin is the President of UtilityEngineering, a full-service engineering and related services firm within UtilityInnovation Group, serving electric utilities across North America. Over his 40-year career, Brian has worked in leadership roles at Oncor, in management consulting for more than 20 of North America’s largest electric utilities, and in executive roles on the vendor side supporting transmission, substation, and distribution projects. A mechanical engineer and proud Texas A&M graduate, he is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Texas. Brian is known for his relationship-driven leadership style, focus on practical implementation over theory, and passion for helping both large utilities and entrepreneurs innovate together.  Follow Brian McFarlin on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bmcfarlin/  About the show: From Boots to Boardroom is a podcast that shines a light on the people who keep America running. Not every leader sits in a corner office — leadership is found on job sites, in the field, and in the boardroom. In each episode, we share the journeys of those who build, restore, and power our nation. From linemen and builders to entrepreneurs and executives, these are stories of grit, tenacity, empathy, and vision. Subscribe for episodes featuring the leaders who power America's infrastructure! Like this episode? Hit the thumbs up and let us know what leadership topic you'd like us to explore next! Follow Hari Vasudevan, Founder and CEO of KYRO AI here LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/harivasudevan/  Follow us on our socials: Linkedin - Instagram – Facebook - TikTok For more information, visit - https://kyro.ai/Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the guest are solely their own and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views, policies, or positions of KYRO AI, From Boots to Boardroom, or the host. Any appearance by a guest on this program does not constitute an endorsement of the guest’s views, products, services, or affiliations. KYRO AI, From Boots to Boardroom, and the host disclaims any liability relating to the content discussed and makes no representations regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information shared. #BrianMcFarlin #UtilityEngineering #GridReliability #Leadership #Energy #PowerIndustry #ElectricUtilities #CareerJourney #EnergyIndustry #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #Infrastructure #AI #DataCenters #EnergyTransition #Podcast #BusinessLeadership #UtilityCareers #PowerGrid #ExecutionMatters #ConstructionServices #GridInvestment #BusinessStrategy #Mentorship #FutureOfEnergy #SustainableEnergy