In this episode of The Route to Success, Sara Orellana sat down with Mike Fuller, CEO of Berkeley Electric Cooperative, to discuss leadership, lifelong learning, and what it means to serve with purpose. With more than 30 years in the electric utility industry, Fuller’s career reflects the values that define the cooperative model – service, community, and continuous improvement.
1. Prepare Before Opportunity Knocks
Fuller lives by the principle, “When opportunity comes, it’s too late to prepare.” Originally inspired by coach John Wooden, this mindset shaped his approach to leadership and career growth. Fuller attributes much of his success to surrounding himself with mentors and always seeking to learn – formally and informally.
Tool: Build your “personal board of directors.” Identify three to five people you can learn from – inside and outside your field. Observe their decision-making and communication styles, and check in regularly for advice.
2. Leadership is Modeled, Not Declared
People learn from what leaders do, not what they say. Fuller reminds us that leadership happens through actions that others quietly observe. As he puts it, “People are watching our every move – how we respond, how we act, and how we lead.”
Tip: Lead visibly. Don’t just talk about accountability, transparency, or respect – demonstrate them in small, consistent ways. Your team will mirror what you model.
3. Keep Learning – Stay Humble
Even as a CEO, Fuller is pursuing his PhD at Clemson University. He describes academia as “uncomfortable but necessary,” pushing him to think critically and bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Tool: Dedicate one hour each week to learning something outside your comfort zone – data analysis, financial management, or a new leadership framework. Lifelong learning keeps you agile and grounded.
4. Bridge the Gap Between Research and Reality
Fuller believes there’s a divide between academic research and real-world application. His mission: connect the two. By engaging with both industry and academia, he hopes to make research more practical and actionable for leaders.
Tip: If you’re in business or nonprofit leadership, reach out to nearby universities. Collaborate on student projects or research partnerships. It’s a cost-effective way to access new ideas and future talent.
5. Serve First – The Cooperative Way
Electric cooperatives operate on a simple yet powerful principle: community before profit. Berkeley Electric returns millions to its members each year while maintaining safe, reliable, and affordable service. Fuller says co-ops are “the heartbeat of their communities,” empowering others to thrive.
Tool: Adopt a service-first mindset. Ask: Who benefits most from our work, and how can we deepen that impact? Aligning operations with community needs builds loyalty and trust.
6. Lead Through Collaboration
Fuller’s approach to leadership is deeply inclusive. He emphasizes that no one works alone – success depends on valuing every employee, from linemen to engineers. “We don’t exist in a vacuum,” he says. “Every position, regardless of title, is critically important.”
Tip: Map your organization’s strengths like puzzle pieces. Identify how each department connects to others, and hold quarterly cross-functional meetings to share wins, challenges, and lessons learned.
7. Never Stop Moving Forward
Fuller advises young professionals to “don’t stop.” Challenges and setbacks are inevitable, but progress depends on persistence. He likens leadership to riding an escalator: “If you stand still, you’re going down.”
Tool: Practice momentum mapping. Each week, write down one forward-moving action – however small – that supports your long-term goal. Progress compounds faster than perfection.
Final Takeaway
Mike Fuller’s story reminds us that leadership rooted in humility, service, and learning never goes out of style. Whether you’re leading a company, a classroom, or a community, his message holds true: Stay curious, stay connected, and never become complacent.
Because, as Fuller proves, growth doesn’t just power organizations – it powers communities.
Listen to the full episode here:
YouTube: https://youtu.be/dpiLNrtU1mo
Transistor (Spotify and Apple): https://share.transistor.fm/s/72a4e723
Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0aa72207-dbab-4047-aa5e-fe7971145b86