Fueling Tomorrow

Chad McAllaster on Leading Operations, Embracing AI, and Cycling 207 Miles in a Single Day

In this episode of Fueling Tomorrow, host Erin Bailey sits down with Chad McAllaster, Executive Vice President of Operations at Diamondback Energy, to talk about what it actually takes to safely deliver one of the Permian Basin's largest corporate operational programs -- and where he sees the industry heading next.Chad breaks down why the oil field functions like one giant integrated system, how his team is approaching AI and autonomous controls, and what he means when he says results matter just as much as how you get them. He also shares the career philosophy that got him to the C-suite: say yes to opportunities, even when they look like a step backward.Plus -- Chad is an avid cyclist who completed a 207-mile, three-mountain-pass ride in 12.5 hours, trains on rollers indoors in Midland, and has his sights set on climbing Mont Ventoux in France. He talks about how the discipline and consistency required to ride at that level translates directly into how he leads.Whether you're early in your career, working in operations, or just curious about how 13 million barrels a day actually gets produced -- this conversation is worth your time.CHAPTERS0:00 -- Welcome and introduction0:20 -- What does an EVP of Operations actually do?0:49 -- The oil field as one integrated system2:41 -- A career across Anadarko, Endeavor, and Diamondback2:54 -- The oil industry is a people business3:24 -- Mentors and the power of saying yes to opportunities4:29 -- How to approach a new role from the ground up5:00 -- Top operational priorities at Diamondback today5:19 -- Safety first: be aware and act with intentionality6:33 -- Transforming operations with AI and autonomous controls7:09 -- Recognizing innovation: Operations Excellence Teams8:20 -- Presenting field ideas to the board of directors9:02 -- The biggest technical shift in Chad's career9:25 -- Horizontal drilling and multi-stage completions changed everything10:36 -- What outsiders still get wrong about oil production12:27 -- Advice for new engineers and college graduates13:19 -- What the next generation of operations leaders needs14:50 -- The "what and the how" framework for evaluating performance15:39 -- How Chad got into cycling16:13 -- Nearly crying at the MS 150 finish line16:48 -- 207 miles, three mountain passes, 12.5 hours17:31 -- Cycling the Alps, Dolomites, and European climbs18:59 -- Next trip: Mont Ventoux and the Tour de France route19:22 -- Training for mountain climbs in flat Midland, Texas19:50 -- What cycling teaches you about discipline and leadership21:08 -- Closing thoughts on Diamondback's operations team21:39 -- Outro

How the Permian Basin Became a Global Energy Leader with Jack Harper

The Permian Basin has transformed dramatically over the past three decades—and few people have witnessed that evolution as closely as Jack Harper.In this episode of Fueling Tomorrow, host Erin Bailey sits down with Jack to reflect on his career across some of the most influential companies in the energy industry, including Tom Brown, Concho Resources, and ConocoPhillips. Today, Jack serves as Chairman of the Permian Strategic Partnership (PSP), an organization focused on improving quality of life across the Permian Basin through investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and workforce development.Jack shares stories from his early days in the industry, the mentors who shaped his career, and how technological breakthroughs like horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing helped unlock the incredible potential of the Permian Basin.They also discuss the region’s growing importance on the global stage, the role of young leaders entering the energy industry, and why Jack remains optimistic about the future of the Permian for decades to come.Topics include:Jack Harper’s journey into the oil and gas industryThe evolution of the Permian Basin over the last 30 yearsLessons on mentorship and career growthThe impact of technology and horizontal drillingHow the Permian Strategic Partnership is shaping the future of West TexasWhether you're part of the energy industry or simply interested in the future of American energy, this conversation offers valuable perspective on the people and innovations powering the Permian Basin.Chapters00:00 Intro – Meet Jack Harper00:33 Reflections on a 30-year career in energy01:38 From Baylor to Midland02:36 First steps into the oil & gas industry03:04 Learning how to explain energy to investors04:26 Mentorship and career development06:33 The evolution of the Permian Basin07:53 The rise of shale and horizontal drilling11:13 The future of the Permian Basin12:20 Energy innovation and new technologies13:16 AI and the future of energy operations14:25 Leading the Permian Strategic Partnership15:26 PSP’s impact on the Permian Basin17:10 Major regional projects and community investment18:30 Why Midland’s future is bright20:09 The next generation of energy leaders

Inside Diamondback’s Growth with COO Danny Wesson

In this episode of Fueling Tomorrow, host Erin Bailey sits down with Diamondback’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Danny Wesson, for a candid conversation about leadership, innovation, and the company’s remarkable journey from its early Wolfberry days to becoming a nearly 950,000 BOE/day operator. Danny reflects on joining Diamondback in 2012 as part of the original team, what it meant to “build a better mousetrap” in a small, resource-limited company, and how a humble curiosity mindset still drives their operational excellence today. He shares insights on scaling operations, how technology and AI are transforming field efficiency, the importance of mentorship, and what it takes to lead with values in today’s energy industry.The conversation also highlights Diamondback’s commitment to strengthening Midland—through education, support for the disenfranchised, STEM initiatives, and beloved programs like the Rolling Baristas. Whether you’re in the oil and gas industry, passionate about leadership, or interested in Diamondback’s impact on the Permian Basin, this episode offers depth, perspective, and inspiration directly from the COO guiding daily operations.Chapters00:00 – Introduction00:27 – Joining Diamondback in 201203:16 – Early culture and taking a chance on the company05:53 – Evolution of operations and technology08:50 – Humble curiosity and team culture12:00 – Digital transformation and AI’s impact14:48 – Goals and priorities for 202616:18 – Danny’s core leadership principles20:29 – Lessons from early leadership roles23:44 – Mentorship and influence of Travis Stice26:02 – Community engagement and Midland initiatives30:27 – The future of energy32:22 – Final message to Diamondback employees

Fueling America’s Future with Congressman August Pfluger

In this episode of Fueling Tomorrow, host Erin Bailey sits down with Congressman August Pfluger to discuss his journey from U.S. Air Force fighter pilot to representing Texas’s 11th District in Washington, D.C. Pfluger reflects on his military career, his unexpected entry into politics, and why he believes energy security is national security.From stories of flying combat missions overseas to championing the Permian Basin on Capitol Hill, Congressman Pfluger shares how his experiences shaped his leadership and passion for protecting America’s energy future. He highlights his role in bringing colleagues to West Texas to see firsthand the importance of oil and gas, his push for permitting reform, and his vision for bipartisan cooperation.Chapters00:00 – Welcome with Erin Bailey00:34 – From Fighter Pilot to Congress02:50 – Lessons Learned Entering Politics03:30 – Representing 20+ Texas Counties05:25 – Standing Up for Oil & Gas07:30 – Hosting Congress Members in the Permian Basin09:30 – Changing Perspectives on Fracking11:00 – Mentors and Energy Leaders Who Shaped His Work12:00 – Chairing the House Energy Action Team14:00 – Building Bipartisan Support for Energy Policy15:30 – A Defining Military Moment Fighting ISIS17:50 – Long-Term Goals for Texas’s 11th District20:10 – Congressman Pfluger’s Favorite Things About West Texas22:00 – Baseball Games & Proud Legislative Wins24:50 – Closing Thoughts on Community and Service

Jere Thompson on Strategy, Growth, and Leadership at Diamondback Energy

In this episode of Fueling Tomorrow, host Erin Bailey sits down with Jere Thompson, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Diamondback Energy.Jere shares his career journey—from banking and strategy to becoming CFO—and what it's like helping lead one of the most active energy companies in the Permian Basin. He discusses the early days of his career, the importance of risk-taking, what attracted him to Diamondback, and the leadership philosophy that drives innovation and growth.This is a candid and insightful look at what it takes to lead in the energy sector during one of the most dynamic times in its history.Presented by Diamondback Energyhttps://diamondbackenergy.comProduced by Forty Wolves Studiohttps://fortywolves.comChapters00:00 – Welcome and Introduction01:20 – Early Career and Banking Background04:12 – Moving to Midland and Joining Concho06:40 – Transitioning into Corporate Planning and Strategy09:00 – Joining Diamondback in 202111:25 – First Big Deal and the BD Learning Curve14:30 – Firebird, Lario, Endeavor, and Beyond17:55 – Becoming CFO and the Oklahoma City Team21:30 – Strategic Projects and Treasury Management23:42 – Leadership Style and Empowering Teams27:10 – Advice for Interns and Young Professionals30:20 – Midland Memories, Mentorship, and Family Life34:00 – Cancun Leather Jacket and Favorite Local Spots36:40 – Reflections on Career and What’s Ahead for Diamondback