The Nuclear Leader25 Okt 2025

S1EP18 Building Tomorrow: John Hernandez on Energy, Leadership, and Innovation

In this episode of the Nuclear Leader Podcast, host Bill Nowicki welcomes John Hernandez, Vice President at Arizona Public Service, to discuss his journey and experiences in the nuclear power industry. John shares his background as a first-generation American, tracing his path from studying at Georgia Tech to working at the Palo Verde nuclear power plant. He reflects on the challenges and opportunities in the industry, including digital upgrades, the role of nuclear power in the Southwest, and the importance of leadership and workforce development. Tune in to hear John's insights on maintaining the reliability and safety of nuclear plants, fostering a strong workforce, and planning for the future of nuclear energy.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:43 John Hernandez's Cuban-American Background

01:13 Educational Journey and Family Influence

02:42 Career Beginnings and Nuclear Industry Insights

06:21 Leadership and Personal Growth

10:19 Challenges and Achievements at Palo Verde

14:06 Importance of Palo Verde to the Southwest

17:46 Unique Cooling System at Palo Verde

19:09 Water Management and Evaporation Ponds

19:50 Challenges and Future Planning in the Southwest

21:06 Extended Operation and Long-Term Viability of Palo Verde

22:27 Exploring New Nuclear and Interim Strategies

23:53 Addressing Workforce Changes and Leadership Development

27:19 Internship Programs and Veteran Workforce

31:44 Diversity and Representation in Leadership

33:56 Closing Thoughts and Future Vision

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Episoder(19)

S1EP17 Enhancing Leadership Communication in the Nuclear Industry with Nadia Bilchik

In this episode, host Bill Nowicki interviews Nadia Bilchik, a communication and leadership expert with extensive experience. Nadia shares insights on improving communication skills in highly technica...

24 Sep 202536min

S1EP16 The Joy Advantage: How Playfulness Creates Better Leaders and Fuller Lives, Andrea Garfield

Episode Overview: In this insightful conversation, host Bill Nowicki welcomes back Andrea Garfield, CEO of the Awesome Institute and executive coach, to discuss how maintaining joy, playfulness, and p...

12 Aug 202521min

S1EP15 Mastering Nuclear Leadership: Insights from a Reactor Engineer, John Vukovics

In this episode of the Nuclear Leader Podcast, host Bill Nowicki interviews John Vukovics, a seasoned nuclear industry professional with over 28 years of reactor engineering experience at River Bend S...

23 Jul 202531min

S1EP14 From Social Work to Nuclear Leadership: Lauren Burns' Journey with Framatome

In this episode of the Nuclear Leader Podcast, host Bill Nowicki interviews Lauren Burns, a former social services professional who transitioned into the nuclear industry with Framatome. Lauren shares...

19 Jul 202527min

S1EP13 Navigating Leadership in Nuclear Power: A Conversation with Keith Crissman

In this episode of the Nuclear Leader Podcast, host Bill Nowicki chats with his longtime friend and nuclear industry veteran, Keith Crissman. They revisit their early days at Calvert Cliffs and follow...

10 Jul 202543min

S1EP12 Empowering Change: Dr. Annaliese Piriano's Journey in Nuclear Leadership

Dr. Annaliese Piriano transitioned from academia to the nuclear industry. Annaliese shares her experience integrating NeuroLeadership principles and innovative teaching methods to train nuclear leader...

1 Jul 202544min

S1EP11 Radiation Realities: An Insider's Perspective with Michael Rennhack

In this episode of the Nuclear Leader Podcast, host Bill Nowicki introduces Michael Rennhack, a radiation technician with years of experience. Michael shares his journey from growing up in Benton Harb...

21 Jun 202555min