The Energy Question

The Energy Question


The Energy Question: Episode 104 - Bobby Shackouls, Visionary Former CEO of Burlington Resources

July 09, 2024

In this episode of The Energy Question, David Blackmon interviews the visionary former CEO of Burlington Resources, Bobby Shackouls. Bobby took over as CEO of BR in the mid-1990s, assuming command of a large independent producer that had struggled financially the previous two years. 


By 2005, Shackouls and his team had built BR into a $32 billion enterprise whose management philosophy related to cost control and capital discipline remains one of the dominant models in the industry today. That list notably includes Travis Stice, the current CEO at Permian Basin giant Diamondback Energy.


David worked for Shackouls and BR through the duration of his time as CEO, until the company was bought by ConocoPhillips in a deal that closed in May, 2006. 


Since retiring from BR, Shackouls has maintained a keen interest in current events and continues to advocate as a voice of sanity on energy policy and climate alarmism.


Enjoy this discussion.


Highlights of the Podcast


00:09 - Introduction and Background

02:15 - Transition to ConocoPhillips

04:03 - Leadership and Management Philosophy

06:36 - Challenges in the Energy Industry

09:40 - Capital Discipline and Industry Evolution

11:57 - Oil Industry Health

13:29 - Climate Change Concerns

14:56 - Global Energy Usage

17:18 - Vehicle Preferences

19:00 - Political Knowledge

21:48 - Regulatory Impact

23:25 - Generational Views