Leading In Times Of Great Change – Deborah Lee James, 23rd Secretary of the U.S. Air Force

“Food systems have to do with everything from production to processing, distribution, and the utilization. Then of course, end of life for food systems which includes food waste. In the United States, 40% of the food that we produce goes to waste. This means with distribution challenges that not everybody has equitable access to the kinds of foods that they need and want, at the times that they need them." Robin Currey on Electric Ladies Podcast  Climate change is disrupting our food and agriculture systems, including the critical supply chains that feed and clothe us. Yet, these same supply chains can also hold the key to regenerative agriculture, especially in the face of extraordinary new scientific innovation. Women make or influence 85% of consumption decisions, so they/we can play a critical role in driving what companies and farmers produce.   Listen to this live recording of a session at The Earth Day Women’s Summit at Earthx2025 with a panel moderated by Electric Ladies Podcast’s Joan Michelson. You’ll hear surprising ways that industries are creating solutions within supply chains, tapping into technologies to help us produce and consume more sustainably. The panel includes: Robin Currey, on the efforts underway to help food systems adapt to climate change through agricultural biodiversity. Alison Ward, CEO of CottonConnect, on efforts to engage women farmers in sustainable, regenerative agriculture practices. Zara Summers, Chief Science Officer at LanzaTech, on how carbon emissions are converted into sustainable materials for clothing, food, and fuel. Joan Michelson, Executive Producer of The Earth Day Women’s Summit and host of Electric Ladies Podcast. And, insightful career advice… “If you can combine something you’re passionate about with something you’re good at, and you can make that into a career, that is success. Find other women that will be prepared to give back to help careers and connect. We have a Women in CottonConnect group where we are really looking at how we can advance women in our organization. “Not everything has to be an enormous career step. When I joined CottonConnect, it was a relatively small organization that has since grown into a much larger one. But it was something I was passionate about, and I’ve been fortunate to have a great team and great advisors around me.” Alison Ward on Electric Ladies Podcast   You’ll also like: Alison Ward, CEO of CottonConnect, on how female farmers are transforming cotton. Zara Summers, Chief Science Officer of LanzaTech, on harnessing the power of nature’s oldest metabolism. UN Climate Week on Sustainable Fashion: panel discussion on buying sustainable fashion. 7 Career Tips For Women In Sustainable Fashion, an article by Joan in Forbes. Dr. Lara Ramdin, Chief Innovation Officer of Dole Sunshine Foods, on food design and nutrition. Joan Michelson’s Forbes article on The Surprising Future Of Fashion. Read more of Joan’s Forbes articles here. More from Electric Ladies Podcast!  JUST LAUNCHED: Join our global community at electric-ladies.mykajabi.com! For a limited time, be a member of the Electric Ladies Founders’ Circle at an exclusive special rate.  Elevate your career with expert coaching and ESG advisory with Electric Ladies Podcast. Unlock new opportunities, gain confidence, and achieve your career goals with the right guidance. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, articles, events and career advice – and special coaching offers. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio and Spotify and leaving us a review! Don’t forget to follow us on our socials Twitter: @joanmichelson LinkedIn: Electric Ladies Podcast with Joan Michelson Twitter: @joanmichelson Facebook: Green Connections Radio

“Most things when it comes to corporate sustainability do not happen in a vacuum. I am part of an environmental sustainability team, but we would not be able to accomplish anything without our energy teams, our network teams, and more. The ability to take what can be a complex idea and translate that into a compelling business case often comes down to dollars and cents. While it takes time, that's how we've been able to drive change.” Rosie Austin on Electric Ladies Podcast  In a poll at The Earth Day Women’s Summit in Dallas, Texas, 100% of respondents said that business is not doing enough to address the climate crisis. With climate change fuelling more frequent and ferocious weather events, and the current U.S. federal leadership defunding climate- and clean energy-related initiatives, businesses now have an opportunity, and a responsibility, to lead. Will they? The good news is, many of them are taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint and increase their climate resilience. How? Listen to this live recording of a session at The Earth Day Women’s Summit at Earthx2025 with a panel moderated by Electric Ladies Podcast’s Joan Michelson.   You’ll hear how businesses are keeping the momentum going and stepping in where federal leadership has stepped back.  The panel includes: Danielle Azoulay, Founder, The CSO Shop and former head of CSR and Sustainability at L’Oreal and at Bed, Bath & Beyond, who shares insights into what consumers care about, and how this is shaping business decisions. Helle Bank Jørgensen, CEO and Founder of Competent Boards training programs, on the importance of boards in keeping businesses focused on the long term. Jana Gerber, President, Microgrid North America at Schneider Electric, on what companies are focusing on to meet their climate goals. Rosie Austin, Principal Program Manager - Global ESG Reporting at AT&T, on why resilience doesn't occur in a vacuum. Joan Michelson, Executive Producer of The Earth Day Women’s Summit and host of Electric Ladies Podcast.  “If you look five years out, 10 years out, what is it that you want to look back at and say, Yes, I was part of this, or, or I did this. There’s a ton of roles if you look at these 17 biggest pain points in the world (the 17 sustainable development goals). Where is it that I can make a difference? I want to educate myself in this, so I can go out and help organizations, perhaps even the organization that you are working in right now.” Helle Bank Jørgensen on Electric Ladies podcast You’ll also like: Marci Jenks, Eco Material Technologies, on green cement innovations. Helle Bank Jørgensen, CEO and Founder, Competent Boards on the importance of ESG and boards. Jessica Filante Farrington, AT&T, Director of Global Sustainability, on climate resilient infrastructure. Tensie Whelan, Founding Director of the NYU Stern Center for Sustainable Business, on why sustainability is good for business. Joan Michelson’s Forbes article on What Business Can Do To Address Climate Crisis Despite The Backlash  Read more of Joan’s Forbes articles here.  More from Electric Ladies Podcast! JUST LAUNCHED: Join our global community at electric-ladies.mykajabi.com! For a limited time, be a member of the Electric Ladies Founders’ Circle at an exclusive special rate. Elevate your career with expert coaching and ESG advisory with Electric Ladies Podcast. Unlock new opportunities, gain confidence, and achieve your career goals with the right guidance. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, articles, events and career advice – and special coaching offers. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio and Spotify and leaving us a review! Don’t forget to follow us on our socials Twitter: @joanmichelson LinkedIn: Electric Ladies Podcast with Joan Michelson Twitter: @joanmichelson Facebook: Green Connections Radio

“Our core business is harvesting and collecting the by-product from coal combustion plants historically, called fly ash. We introduce it into supplementary cementitious materials to create a Portland cement replacement. We are pushing for 20% and even 30% [replacement of traditional cement] and hopefully reaching 100% one day with our technologies that are still in development.” Marci Jenks on Electric Ladies Podcast We need infrastructure that’s safe, strong, durable and climate resilient. To build our cities, roads, bridges and more, 30 billion tonnes of concrete is poured around the world every year. If concrete and cement were a country, it'd be the third largest emitting country behind the US and China! An innovative company tackling this challenge is Eco Material Technologies. Listen to Marcy Jenks, Director of Rail Logistics at Eco Material Technologies, who speaks to Joan about how green cement alternatives are making their way into major construction projects from Texas to Pennsylvania. You’ll hear about: How Eco Material Technologies is disrupting traditional cement with its sustainable alternative. Ways that green cement reduces long-term costs. Eco Material Technologies’ rail-focused logistics strategy that lowers carbon emissions. Expanding roles for women in the male-dominated construction and logistics industries. Plus, career advice for women in the construction and logistics industries.  “We need to continue to advocate for ourselves as women and for the women adjacent to us. There is a lot of opportunity for us to have our voices be heard, get a seat at the table, and our voices are critical. The unique insights that we bring, our perspectives and our kind of innate leadership and problem solving skills are key to this environmental and sustainability conversation in [the construction] industry and business.” Marci Jenks on Electric Ladies Podcast You’ll also like: Joan Michelson’s Forbes article on 5 Key Ways Climate Change And Economic Forces Are Redesigning Buildings. Deborah Lee James, 23rd Secretary of the U.S. Air Force, on good leadership traits in times of change. Lauren Sorkin, Co-founder and Executive Director, Resilient Cities Network, on how cities can withstand the shocks of climate change. Katie McGinty, Johnson Controls Chief Sustainability Officer, on why buildings are key to helping businesses address their carbon emissions. Anna Siefken, formerly from the Federal Energy Management Program at the U.S. Department of Energy, on plans to reduce the carbon footprint of federal buildings across the country. Erin McLaughlin, Senior Economist at The Conference Board explains why buildings are key to mitigating climate change.  Read more of Joan’s Forbes articles here. More from Electric Ladies Podcast! JUST LAUNCHED: Join our global community at electric-ladies.mykajabi.com! For a limited time, be a member of the Electric Ladies Founders’ Circle at an exclusive special rate.  Elevate your career with expert coaching and ESG advisory with Electric Ladies Podcast. Unlock new opportunities, gain confidence, and achieve your career goals with the right guidance. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, articles, events and career advice – and special coaching offers. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio and Spotify and leaving us a review! Don’t forget to follow us on our socials Twitter: @joanmichelson LinkedIn: Electric Ladies Podcast with Joan Michelson Twitter: @joanmichelson Facebook: Green Connections Radio

“Change is a constant. This is the world that we live in. And so how do you decide what needs to change and transform? The best leaders have certain traits about them when it comes to leading an organisation through change. Great leaders have an ability to communicate and inspire and they never get tired of doing it. Or if they get tired, they keep doing it anyway because constant communication is essential when you're going through change.” Deborah Lee James on Electric Ladies podcast (previously Green Connections Radio)   Many companies are scaling back their climate, sustainability and diversity commitments to avoid being the target of this administration’s wrath. This decisive moment for the private sector will test the resolve and foresight of today’s leaders, making this a must-listen for anyone in a leadership role.   In a wide-ranging interview on leadership based on a sector where life-and death decisions are routine, 23rd Secretary of the U.S. Air Force Deborah Lee James talks to host Joan Michelson about what it takes to be a woman rising through the ranks.   This episode is being replayed as a tribute to our service members this Memorial Day.   You’ll hear about: Approaches we can all learn from the military, especially with their in-depth experience in dealing with crisis. What resilience is and can be for those of us who don’t want setbacks to stop our march onward. What “the best leaders” do to inspire and drive great teams to successful results. The five step process she applies successfully to every situation and why we all could. Great career advice for women who are always advancing. “So often women in leadership roles have labels put upon them. They’re a bitch, they’re unduly aggressive, they’re not likeable… I try to be extra careful with my communications and in the way I treat people. And in this way I attempt at least to overcome the gender bias that is out there for strong women.” Deborah Lee James on Electric Ladies podcast (previously Green Connections Radio) Read Joan’s Forbes article about former Secretary James, and more of her Forbes articles here.  You’ll also like: U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan on the crucial role of climate bipartisanship when jobs and infrastructure investments are at stake Joan Michelson’s Forbes article on Fossil Fuels, War And Climate: Women On The Frontlines Call For A New Security Mindset Jennifer Granholm, 16th U.S. Secretary of Energy, on the future of clean energy and climate action Sherri Goodman, former Undersecretary of Defense, on the connection between climate change and national security Vanessa Chan, formerly from the U.S. Department of Energy, on the investments transforming the energy systems Anna Siefken, formerly from the Federal Energy Management Program at the U.S. Department of Energy, on plans to reduce the carbon footprint of federal buildings across the country More from Electric Ladies Podcast!  JUST LAUNCHED: Join our global community at electric-ladies.mykajabi.com! For a limited time, be a member of the Electric Ladies Founders’ Circle at an exclusive special rate.  Elevate your career with expert coaching and ESG advisory with Electric Ladies Podcast. Unlock new opportunities, gain confidence, and achieve your career goals with the right guidance. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, articles, events and career advice – and special coaching offers. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio and Spotify and leaving us a review! Don’t forget to follow us on our socials Twitter: @joanmichelson LinkedIn: Electric Ladies Podcast with Joan Michelson Twitter: @joanmichelson Facebook: Green Connections Radio

“While the word ‘climate’ may be politically charged for some, the need for affordable, reliable, and secure energy is something we can all agree on. Americans are calling for action, and as Members of Congress it’s our responsibility to deliver. If we want long-term solutions that address both our constituents' concerns and growing climate risks, we must work together to strengthen our energy and climate security with urgency.” Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan to Electric Ladies Podcast  This week, Congress is set to debate legislation that could reshape the United States’ energy landscape. At stake is more than $700 million in climate action and clean energy investments from the Inflation Reduction Act that was intended to benefit the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. What will the impact be if that funding is withdrawn. Listen to Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania and co-chair of the Bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus, a rare example of cooperation on Capitol Hill. She’s also co-chair of the Women in STEM Caucus, which is also bipartisan. She shares insights into how to build bipartisanship, address the climate crisis and energy needs – as well as the threat that political polarization poses to keeping communities and critical infrastructure safe from extreme weather events. You’ll hear about: How Pennsylvania’s political landscape shapes the path of climate legislation What the Bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus is doing to advance the clean energy transition How extreme weather events can open the door to bipartisan climate action Why Congresswoman Houlahan's leadership with the Women in STEM Caucus matters Plus, insightful career advice  “Recognize that whatever you choose to do right now is not the end decision for the rest of your life. When you look backwards it's going to make sense, but when you look forward, it's going to be a crooked line. It's not going to be a straight line to somewhere, so do not to be too hard on yourself, do not try to seek perfection.” Chrissy Houlahan on Electric Ladies Podcast You’ll also like: Most Americans Want Climate Action, Study Says. How To Bridge The Political Divide, ELP Host Joan Michelson’s article that includes Congresswoman Houlahan. Women Rewriting The Climate Conversation, a panel from The Earth Day Women’s Summit moderated by Joan Michelson Hilary Doe, Michigan’s Chief Growth Office on how the state is turning IRA Credits into Growth Doreen Harris, President and CEO of NYSERDA, on how New York is leading the way to the clean energy future. Sherri Goodman, former Deputy Undersecretary of Defense, on why climate change is an issue of national security. Joan Michelson’s Forbes article on Fossil Fuels, War And Climate: Women On The Frontlines Call For A New Security Mindset Read more of Joan’s Forbes articles here. More from Electric Ladies Podcast!  JUST LAUNCHED: Join our global community at electric-ladies.mykajabi.com! For a limited time, be a member of the Electric Ladies Founders’ Circle at an exclusive special rate.  Elevate your career with expert coaching and ESG advisory with Electric Ladies Podcast. Unlock new opportunities, gain confidence, and achieve your career goals with the right guidance. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, articles, events and career advice – and special coaching offers. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio and Spotify and leaving us a review! Don’t forget to follow us on our socials Twitter: @joanmichelson LinkedIn: Electric Ladies Podcast with Joan Michelson Twitter: @joanmichelson Facebook: Green Connections Radio

“How do we get people in the tent to even hear the story? With ‘Living with Ed’ and other projects, we were a family they could identify with. We were yelling, laughing, loving each other while talking about real issues. I represented the average person’s perspective on issues like taking the subway. There’s the funny, and there’s the conflict. If it’s not entertaining, it’s not going to connect.” Rachelle Begley on Electric Ladies Podcast  Culture wars around climate change do more harm than good. As climate-driven extreme weather events become more frequent, proposed cuts to climate-related programs at the federal, state, or corporate level, pose a growing threat to public safety. The climate crisis is a safety issue – this isn’t political. Fresh from The Earth Day Women’s Summit at Earthx2025, listen to a live recording of a panel moderated by Joan Michelson about how we can find common ground in a climate crisis. Hear from women who have successfully bridged culture, politics and platforms to reframe conversations around the climate crisis. You’ll hear from Inna Modja, Goodwill Ambassador of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, on humanizing climate migration. Rachelle Carson Begley, Actor and Environmentalist, on engaging through entertainment. Hayden Begley, Content Creator, on using social media to engage diverse audiences. Chelsea Henderson, Director of Editorial Content at RepublicEn, on bridging the political divide, and who also shares insightful career advice, and… Joan Michelson, host of Electric Ladies Podcast  “Playing into your interests and strengths is important. It’s become a bit of a cliché to say, ‘Do what you love, and everything will fall into place,’ because it’s not that easy. I try not to say no to opportunities. Instead, I try to say yes more and engage with other women, because women are incredible at supporting one another. Leaning into that support system – hearing about the pitfalls, the challenges, what was hard, what was easy – is invaluable.” Chelsea Henderson on Electric Ladies Podcast You’ll also like: Hilary Doe, Chief Growth Officer of Michigan, on how the state leverages the Inflation Reduction Act to increase climate resilience and drive growth. Chelsea Henderson, Director of Editorial Content at RepublicEn, on bridging the partisan divide on climate. Daniella Ortega, Director of “Carbon: An Unauthorized Biography”, on communicating non-preachy climate messages Courtney Bickert, social innovator and comedienne, on how comedy could help us solve today’s biggest problems. Joan Michelson’s Forbes article on Communicating Creatively On Climate To Save Lives Read more of Joan’s Forbes articles here. More from Electric Ladies Podcast!  JUST LAUNCHED: Join our global community at electric-ladies.mykajabi.com! For a limited time, be a member of the Electric Ladies Founders’ Circle at an exclusive special rate. Elevate your career with expert coaching and ESG advisory with Electric Ladies Podcast. Unlock new opportunities, gain confidence, and achieve your career goals with the right guidance. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, articles, events and career advice – and special coaching offers. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio and Spotify and leaving us a review! Don’t forget to follow us on our socials Twitter: @joanmichelson LinkedIn: Electric Ladies Podcast with Joan Michelson Twitter: @joanmichelson Facebook: Green Connections Radio

“We did lots of infrastructure investments over the last handful of years to make sure our communities are in the best possible place they can be. And we complemented federal investment with workforce investment to ensure Michiganders are getting access to those kinds of roles, some of which didn't even exist previously. [This ensures] that Michigan communities could benefit from learning to be solar installers and get access to new economic income streams.” Hilary Doe on Electric Ladies Podcast The Justice Department is suing Michigan over its climate initiatives under the Clean Air Act. Michigan has the fastest-growing clean energy job sector in the U.S., with over 120,000 clean energy jobs. In addition, a recent study ranked Michigan at limited risk from climate change-related events, so it may attract millions of Americans who may relocate to escape extreme climate events. Listen to Hilary Doe, Michigan’s first Chief Growth Officer (and the first in the country) on Electric Ladies Podcast with Joan Michelson. She describes how Michigan rapidly leveraged the Inflation Reduction Act to increase their climate resilience, economic growth and innovation. Now, Michigan is rated as one of the best places to live, work, raise a family and start a business. You’ll hear about: Michigan's efforts to position itself as a climate-resilient and clean energy hub. The state's fast growing startup ecosystem and innovation centers, particularly in clean tech and mobility. The impact of climate change on businesses and the trend of "climate migration" to Michigan and the Midwest. Strategies for retaining and attracting talent, including new programs like "Make My Home". Plus, insightful career advice.  “Many folks start to experience frustration because they have built such a wealth of expertise and have so much to offer, but they might feel just stuck. In my experience, when I've been able to jump off that ladder and pursue something, a different context, a different platform, that lets me get unstuck. It's risky, but sometimes it just unlocks so much passion in an individual that to do exactly what you're meant to do and share all your gifts and be more successful than maybe you could have been in the other context.” Hilary Doe on Electric Ladies Podcast You’ll also like: Tensie Whelan, Founding Director of NYU Stern on why sustainable business is good business.  Doreen Harris, President and CEO of NYSERDA, on how New York is leading the way to the clean energy future. Jennifer Granholm, 16th U.S. Secretary of Energy, gives three reasons why clean energy is here to stay. Sherri Goodman, former Deputy Undersecretary of Defense, on why climate change is an issue of national security. Joan Michelson’s Forbes article on Communicating Creatively On Climate To Save Lives. Read more of Joan’s Forbes articles here. More from Electric Ladies Podcast! JUST LAUNCHED: Join our global community at electric-ladies.mykajabi.com! For a limited time, be a member of the Electric Ladies Founders’ Circle at an exclusive special rate.  Elevate your career with expert coaching and ESG advisory with Electric Ladies Podcast. Unlock new opportunities, gain confidence, and achieve your career goals with the right guidance.  Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, articles, events and career advice – and special coaching offers. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio and Spotify and leaving us a review! Don’t forget to follow us on our socials Twitter: @joanmichelson LinkedIn: Electric Ladies Podcast with Joan Michelson Twitter: @joanmichelson Facebook: Green Connections Radio

“Blue state pension funds are doubling down on sustainability while red state pension funds are firing you. Companies are challenged because for some constituencies, they have to demonstrate their sustainability credentials, and for others, they have to hide them. So it's a really challenging time. But if you can demonstrate the business case, then maybe you can navigate being more proactive with those constituencies that really want this, and alleviating the risks with those constituencies that don't understand why it matters.” Tensie Whelan on Electric Ladies Podcast Mother Nature isn’t waiting for politics to catch up – business leaders know it. Building companies that stand the test of time and create lasting value for their stakeholders, no matter which way the political winds blow, is the true measure of strategy and vision. Listen to Tensie Whelan, Founding Director of the NYU Stern Center for Sustainable Business. Drawing on extensive research across a range of industries from consumer goods to agriculture, Tensie speaks to Joan about how businesses can strengthen the financial case for sustainability and enhance their communications. You’ll hear about: The nine key factors that drive financial value through sustainability. How to build a strong business case for sustainability. What effective sustainability messaging looks like. Plus, career advice for mid-career women in sustainability or those looking to break into the field.  “If you’re working strictly in a business function, but would like to have more impact, see if you can work for a business who's doing some innovative work around sustainability. The sustainability team is always looking for partners. So there's an opportunity for you to get more experience and over time, potentially parlay your job into more sustainability work. Secondly, you could get on a board, a non-profit board that does a lot of work on environmental or just sustainability with corporates. “My whole career, I've advanced [because] I've always seen where the holes were, how to look at problem with an opportunity mindset and volunteer to attack that opportunity and be willing to take a risk to do that and feel comfortable, which women struggle with at times.” Tensie Whelan on Electric Ladies Podcast You’ll also like: Alison Ward, CEO of CottonConnect, on how female farmers are transforming cotton. Dr. Stephanie Hare, researcher, broadcaster and author, on harnessing AI for climate action. Isabelle Grosmaitre, Goodness & Co, on how business models need to change to include their impact on society  Jill Tidman from The Redford Center on how we can talk about the climate while ensuring a balanced narrative. Joan Michelson’s Forbes article on Death, Destruction — And Distraction: New Study On Media’s Climate Coverage Crisis Read more of Joan’s Forbes articles here. More from Electric Ladies Podcast! JUST LAUNCHED: Join our global community at electric-ladies.mykajabi.com! For a limited time, be a member of the Electric Ladies Founders’ Circle at an exclusive special rate. Elevate your career with expert coaching and ESG advisory with Electric Ladies Podcast. Unlock new opportunities, gain confidence, and achieve your career goals with the right guidance. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, articles, events and career advice – and special coaching offers. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio and Spotify and leaving us a review! Don’t forget to follow us on our socials Twitter: @joanmichelson LinkedIn: Electric Ladies Podcast with Joan Michelson Twitter: @joanmichelson Facebook: Green Connections Radio

“I've been particularly passionate about working with women in those communities to teach them about new techniques so they can understand how to run their farm more effectively, but also understand their rights as women in those communities so they have a stronger voice…. And because they were called an ‘ambassador,’ their status in the village rose.” Alison Ward on Electric Ladies Podcast Have you ever wondered where your shirt really comes from, or where the cotton in your jeans was grown? While the tag might tell you where they were made, it won't tell you where the cotton came from. And that matters. Cotton is everywhere but this vital crop is now facing serious threats from climate change. Women farmers are transforming it. One organization is working to change that. CottonConnect is training female cotton farmers in eco-friendly, climate-resilient farming practices – and tracking it.  Listen to Alison aWard, CEO of CottonConnect on Electric Ladies Podcast with Joan Michelson and learn about the significant yet under recognized role of women in cotton farming. You'll hear about: How climate change is hitting female farmers the hardest. The ways CottonConnect is bringing transparency to the cotton supply chain. Innovative solutions in cotton farming, including a role played by the European Space Agency. How CottonConnect is empowering women and transforming communities. Plus, career advice for women navigating career transitions. “If you can combine something you're passionate about with something you're good at, and you can make that into a career, that is success. Find other women that will be prepared to give back to help careers and connect. We have a Women in CottonConnect group where we are really looking at how we can advance women in our organization.   “Not everything has to be an enormous career step. When I joined CottonConnect, it was a relatively small organization that has since grown into a much larger one. But it was something I was passionate about, and I've been fortunate to have a great team and great advisors around me.”  Alison Ward on Electric Ladies Podcast Read Joan’s Forbes articles here. Telle Whitney, Author and Co-Founder of AnitaB.Org Institute on building a culture of innovation. UN Climate Week discussion on how some creative women are making sustainable fashion a reality, moderated by Joan Michelson. Kerry Bannigan, Managing Director of PVBLIC Foundation, on sustainability and social responsibility on the runway. Zainab Salbi, cofounder of Daughters For Earth, on the pivotal role of women climate entrepreneurs. Rosemary Atieno of Women Climate Centers International, on how she is transforming rural communities by helping women solve daily challenges in climate-friendly ways. More from Electric Ladies Podcast! JUST LAUNCHED: Join our global community at electric-ladies.mykajabi.com! For a limited time, be a member of the Electric Ladies Founders’ Circle at an exclusive special rate.  Elevate your career with expert coaching and ESG advisory with Electric Ladies Podcast. Unlock new opportunities, gain confidence, and achieve your career goals with the right guidance. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, articles, events and career advice – and special coaching offers. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio and Spotify and leaving us a review! Don’t forget to follow us on our socials Twitter: @joanmichelson LinkedIn: Electric Ladies Podcast with Joan Michelson Twitter: @joanmichelson Facebook: Green Connections Radio

“Talking to people from different disciplines pushes your thinking about your assumptions, going out and listening to what other people are doing helps inform the way that you creatively solve the problem that's in front of you. Leaders often are scared by some of these ideas that are coming out of their workforce and that's why they're shutting them down. But if you can demonstrate yourself to be receptive to ideas, then you can help guide a creative future.” Telle Whitney on Electric Ladies Podcast Massive innovation is crucial to meet the scale of the climate crisis, but achieving this is increasingly challenging due to current political and social undercurrents. How can organizations innovate, and how can people within these organizations come together to brainstorm, bringing ideas of their own and improving on others? According to Telle Whitney, innovation must be an intentional, concerted effort that organizations actively adopt. Listen to Telle Whitney, Cofounder of the renowned Anita Borg Institute for Women in Technology & the Grace Hopper Conference – and one of Fast Company’s most influential women in technology – on Electric Ladies Podcast. Launching her latest book, Rebooting Tech Culture: How to Ignite Innovation and Build Organizations Where Everyone Can Thrive, Telle joins Joan to discuss how organizations and leaders can cultivate the culture of innovation and creativity so critical to addressing the climate crisis. You’ll hear about: The critical role culture plays in driving innovation. Why we must dispel the myth of the "lone genius". Telle’s 6Cs for building a culture of innovation. How leaders can encourage courage and risk-taking. Plus, career advice specifically for women in engineering. “To take your career to the next level, learning how to tell your story and what you want is an important skill. [One thing] I probably get from mid-career women more than anything else is the belief that ‘if I do good work, it will be recognised’. That is simply not true. Being able to say, I did this great work, and to be able to tell that to your manager or to the company leader – it is as important as the product development itself.”  Telle Whitney on Electric Ladies Podcast Read Joan’s Forbes articles here. Zara Summers, Chief Science Officer at LanzaTech about innovative ways that recovered carbon is making its way back into our daily lives. Autumn Huskins, Finance Director at Hitachi Zosen Inova (HZI), a waste-to-energy plant converting agricultural and food waste into electricity. Doreen Harris, President/CEO of New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA), on energy innovation for decades into the future. Sue Ozdemir, CEO of Exro Technologies, on whether big companies can innovate. Read: Insights from women about driving innovation in a purpose-led economy. More from Electric Ladies Podcast! HAPPENING NEXT WEEK! Join us at The Earth Day Women’s Summit on April 22, 2025, in Dallas, Texas! Register today with the code “EDWS” for the Women’s Summit and a special rate. Elevate your career with expert coaching and ESG advisory with Electric Ladies Podcast. Unlock new opportunities, gain confidence, and achieve your career goals with the right guidance. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, articles, events and career advice – and special coaching offers. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio and Spotify and leaving us a review! Don’t forget to follow us on our socials Twitter: @joanmichelson LinkedIn: Electric Ladies Podcast with Joan Michelson Twitter: @joanmichelson Facebook: Green Connections Radio