Leadership isn't always a title. Sometimes it's simply seeing what needs to be done and stepping up to do it.

In Episode 110 of The Power Element Podcast, Producer Paul sits down with Morgan Ricks, Journeyman Lineman and General Foreman for Sturgeon Electric's Nevada Line operations, for an authentic conversation about leadership, humility, personal development, and the responsibility that comes with influencing others.

Drawing from his experiences in the military, the line trade, and leadership roles across the country, Morgan shares how discipline, routine, and a commitment to continuous improvement helped shape his career. The conversation explores the difference between being a skilled craftsman and becoming a leader, why leadership development is becoming increasingly important in the trades, and how creating a culture people want to be part of starts with ownership and communication.

Morgan also reflects on the mentors who impacted his life, the importance of decentralized command, the value of staying humble, and why developing future leaders requires patience, trust, and a willingness to let people learn through experience.

Whether you're a groundman, apprentice, journeyman, foreman, or someone simply trying to become better both professionally and personally, this episode offers practical leadership lessons rooted in real-world experience.

In This Episode:

• Leadership without a title

• The impact of mentorship and wisdom in the trades

• Extreme Ownership and decentralized command

• Creating a culture people want to be part of

• Personal development and continuous learning

• Military lessons applied to the line trade.

• Building leaders instead of followers

• The importance of humility and accountability

• Why every professional needs a trusted "council" of mentors and advisors

"The day you stop learning is the day you're done."Whether you're leading a crew, developing apprentices, or improving your craft, this episode reminds you that real growth happens through the daily process of learning, improving, and doing the work. 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 @ 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. The Power Element Podcast is a leadership, culture, and safety podcast for linemen and construction professionals, focused on standards, accountability, and high-performance culture in the utility and construction industries.