title: People Power: Rethinking Utility Leadership in 2026
author: On The Grid
contenttype: podcast
publication: On The Grid
published: 2026-02-05T17:48:58+00:00
sourceurl: https://soundcloud.com/zpryme-agency/people-power-rethinking
word_count: 86
In the latest episode of Zpryme on the Grid, Jason Rodriguez, CEO and Co-Founder of Zpryme and Froliq, sits down with Carlos Ayala, Founder and Managing Partner of Mentora. Carlos shares his career journey in the energy industry, the inspiration behind launching Mentora, and why leadership, culture, and personal growth are critical to building high-performing utility organizations. The conversation explores blind spots in executive leadership, the role of diversity and AI, and what it really means to lead with purpose as the industry heads into 2026.