The Power of Entrepreneurial Leadership, with Chris Castro Ep #48

We’re celebrating the 100th episode of Smart Energy Voices with a showcase of women leaders who are driving sustainability in the energy sector. As recorded at the recent Net Zero Forum Spring,  2024 WISE (Women in Smart Energy) winners Renée Yarmy, Eryn Beddoes and Leigh Pearson discuss advancing net-zero efforts, workforce development, the value of mentorship, improving gender diversity in STEM and energy, and their personal motivations. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in… Innovative projects and sustainability goals [02:09] A closer look at WISE winners' contributions [07:16] Challenges/opportunities for women in energy and sustainability sectors [16:41] Gender diversity and collaboration in the energy transition [29:27] Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned: 2024 WISE Award Winners ConnexFM INFLATION REDUCTION ACT OF 2022 | Department of Energy Red Deer Polytechnic Connect with Renée Yarmy On LinkedIn Connect with Eryn Beddoes On LinkedIn Connect with Leigh Pearson On LinkedIn Connect With Smart Energy Decisions Smart Energy Decisions Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, aCast, PlayerFM, iHeart Radio If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at [email protected]

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, Debra Chanil welcomes back Becky Wacker, the Director of Energy Services Sales at Trane Commercial. In Episode 88, they dug into the challenges and opportunities that commercial building operators face today in light of their decarbonization efforts. In this new episode, Becky discusses how to seize decarbonization as an organizational opportunity and provides a framework for navigating complexity and prioritizing where to turn decarbonization into a competitive advantage.  You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in… Regulatory push for decarbonization (2:42) Impact of decarbonization in different areas of an organization (6:46) Breaking down silos within organizations (10:23) Cost savings and improved operational efficiency (13:05) Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned: Nielsen IQ 2022 Study about Sustainability Sustainable Brands 2021 Study about Sustainable Behaviors Connect with Becky Wacker On LinkedIn Becky Wacker is the Director of Sales for Energy Services at Trane by Trane Technologies, leading acquisition and implementation of complex facility programs and projects. She has 15 years of experience helping customers leverage their buildings to better meet their organizational goals, with a particular passion for decarbonization and efficiency.  Becky received her Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Minnesota while winning two Division I National Championships with the Women’s Ice Hockey team. She sits on the board for Clean Energy Economy Minnesota (CEEM) and National Association of Energy Service Companies (NAESCO), and can often be found in a sports venue playing, watching, or coaching in her spare time.  Connect With Smart Energy Decisions Smart Energy Decisions Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, aCast, PlayerFM, iHeart Radio If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at [email protected]

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, Debra Chanil speaks with Brittney Boyd, founder and CEO of the Energy Equity Group (EEG). Brittney shares her personal journey, from growing up in a low-income neighborhood to becoming an influential figure in the clean energy industry, and delves deeper into the mission and goals of the Energy Equity Group. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in… Energy Equity Group’s mission and goals (07:41) Role of corporate partnerships (09:28) Importance of authenticity and integrity (13:23) Corporate responsibility and additionality (15:55) Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned: Energy Equity Group Sadie Bronk Energy Bees Connect with Brittney Boyd On LinkedIn Brittney Boyd is the CEO and Founder of The Energy Equitable Group (EEG), offering authentic and meaningful environmental justice services to corporations committed to an equitable and just transition to clean energy. She holds an associate degree in business administration and has over 15 years in the sales industry and 11 years in enterprise partnership management. Brittney Boyd's educational foundation is rooted in her studies at Temple University's Fox School of Business. She excelled in the workforce, showcasing exceptional communication skills, adaptability, and a data-driven approach in both B2B and B2C sales environments. She led multiple successful sales partnership teams across various regions for AT&T Telecommunications, a Fortune 10 company. Connect With Smart Energy Decisions Smart Energy Decisions Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, aCast, PlayerFM, iHeart Radio If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at [email protected].

In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host Debra Chanil welcomes Emily Schapira, President and CEO of the Philadelphia Energy Authority. She’s also a recent winner of the DEI Impact award in the Catalyst for Change category. They discuss how the Philadelphia Energy Authority is making great strides in the push for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Learning about the Philadelphia Energy Authority [01:25] Emily’s background in the energy industry [02:50] Renewable energy and the job market [05:38]   The Philadelphia Energy Authority and the federal government [09:45]  The priorities of the Philadelphia Energy Authority [12:43]  How its partnerships are created and structured [16:03]  Diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace [19:37]  What’s next for Emily and the Philadelphia Energy Authority [26:35]  Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned Philadelphia Energy Authority American Association of Blacks in Energy  Solarize Philly  The Green Retrofit Immersive Training (GRIT) Program Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 Connect with Emily Schapira On LinkedIn Emily has led the Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) as its President and CEO since 2016. PEA is an independent municipal authority building a robust, equitable clean energy economy in Philadelphia. PEA has supported over $800M in energy efficiency and clean energy programs and projects so far, creating over 7,000 jobs. PEA's work has been nationally recognized as a model for other states and municipalities. It covers City infrastructure, the School District of Philadelphia, housing, small businesses, and commercial and industrial properties. Prior to joining PEA, Emily led energy efficiency work across commercial and industrial customer portfolios for WESCO and Aelux and served in sustainability roles with Wharton, Intel, and Verizon. She chairs the board of the Philadelphia Green Capital Corp, Philly's green bank. Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com   Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at [email protected]

At its recent Net Zero Forum, Smart Energy Decisions conducted live interviews with energy customers at various stages of their decarbonization strategies. This episode of the Heard at NZF mini-series focuses on energy customers in healthcare. The interviews feature Scott Czubkowski, the National Director of Energy and Facility Performance at Medxcel Facilities, and Cory Pouliot, the Senior Director of Facilities Operations at Boston Medical Center. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... National solutions for sustainable healthcare [02:05] Making data-based decisions [07:41] Sustainability and DEI in healthcare facility construction [11:25] Bringing the community on board [13:43] Click here for detailed show notes Connect with Scott Czubkowski On LinkedIn Scott Czubkowski PE, CHC is the Director of Energy and Facility Performance at Medxcel.  His specialties include large-scale demand side reduction strategies resulting in utility savings and lower carbon emissions (GHG), supply side management procurement strategies that leverage large portfolio aggregation which supports RE strategies and facility performance programs that optimizes existing assets while optimizing maintenance costs.  Mr. Czubkowski entered the energy arena in 1990 as a nuclear plant construction engineer on 688 Los Angeles Class submarines and has supported hospital demand side programs since 1994 through various roles as a BAS controls engineer, HVAC system design builder, professional MEP consultant. Most recently, he manages over 1.9 TWh of emissions. He is a licensed trainer for Florida CILB continuing education programs, an adjunct professor for DeVry University and has spoken at regional engagements related to energy and HVAC system operations.   Geographical regions served: SE & Central US, Caribbean Islands, Switzerland, Holland, France and Canada. Connect with Cory Pouliot On LinkedIn Cory Pouliot is the Senior Director of Facilities Operations at Boston Medical Center. Cory possesses strong leadership and organizational competencies combined with strategic planning skills to ensure functional and sustainable program development and implementation, for both clinical and ancillary support/service areas. Cory holds a Master’s degree in Facilities Management from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy and a MBA in Healthcare Administration from Anna Maria College.  Additionally, he holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering and Facilities and Plant Engineering; both from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy.  Cory is a Fellow with the American College of Healthcare Executives.   Cory is also an Adjunct Professor at Wentworth Institute of Technology, teaching various courses in numerous undergraduate and graduate programs in their Facilities Management and Construction Management programs.   Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com   Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at [email protected]

At its recent Net Zero Forum, Smart Energy Decisions conducted live interviews with energy customers at various stages of their decarbonization strategies. This episode of the Heard at NZF mini-series features interviews with energy customers in the commercial space. The guests are Joshua Witte, Director of Energy Sustainability and ESG at Dollar Tree stores, Rebecca Hensley, Senior Manager of Environment Programs at CSX, and Gary Hilber, Chief Sustainability Officer at Local Bounti. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Dollar Tree’s first steps in sustainability [01:42] Landlord and internal buy-in [06:48] CSX Transportation’s emission reduction efforts [11:49] Renewable diesel and alternative fuels in the rail industry [13:50] Local Bounti’s sustainable commitment [17:36] Sustainability progress in agriculture [25:39] Find detailed show notes here   Resources & People Mentioned Dollar Tree, Inc. CSX Local Bounti

At Smart Energy Decisions’ recent Net Zero Forum, Adrian Avino, Engineering Construction Manager for IKEA Property, North America Real Estate/US, gave an overview of how IKEA plans to meet its sustainability goals. Adrian shares IKEA’s holistic approach including the company’s strategy to use renewable heating and cooling for projects across its North American portfolio. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... IKEA’s sustainability goals [01:36] Renewable solutions for commercial buildings [03:12] Decarbonizing existing buildings [11:01] Holistic sustainability [14:25] Click here to read detailed show notes   Resources & People Mentioned IKEA: A sustainable everyday BrainBox AI Ecopilot Connect with Adrian Avino On LinkedIn Adrian holds a civil engineering and an MBA finance degree, is a voting member of the Climate Positive Forum, and is the lead Engineer for IKEA North America in the US. In this role, he spearheads the approval, research, and development of Sustainability Projects.  Adrian and his team have approved over $500 million in large-scale Sustainability Investments, among PV, ESS, Energy Efficiency, and Renewable Heating and Cooling projects, with the ambition to eliminate the use of fossil fuels by 80%. Adrian is also an ambassador for the IKEA Foundation, the company’s philanthropic arm, and collaborates with diverse partners and organizations on renewable energy investments and sustainable development to combat climate change. Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com   Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at [email protected]

On this episode of Smart Energy Voices, we continue to highlight the winners of the 2023 DEI Impact Awards, recognizing power users driving the energy transition while advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. We speak with Sandeep Blah about the PSE&G Clean Energy Jobs Program, Bambi Ingram about the success and educational value of the UAB Solar House and Sustainable Community project, and Scott Gerba and Ashif Hassan about the Colin Powell Bloom Energy Fellowship.  Each of these winners shares their insights on empowering individuals, sustainable living, and fostering diversity in clean energy leadership and how their particular program helped move the needle in those ways. Listen to gain insight into integrating DEI into operations and encourage support and participation in your energy transition efforts. The DEI Impact Awards were sponsored by NRG. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Sandip Blah, representing PSE&G, winner of a Partnership award for their Clean Energy Jobs Program.  [2:05] Bambi Ingram, representing the University of Alabama at Birmginham’s award-winning UAB Solar House and Sustainable Community [14:00] Ashif Hassan and Scott Gurba, representing The Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership at CCNY, winner of the One to Watch award Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com   Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at [email protected] Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

At its recent Net Zero Forum, Smart Energy Decisions hosted the 2023 DEI Impact Awards, recognizing large power users’ company-wide efforts to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion while powering the energy transition. This two-part series will celebrate the winners of these awards and highlight their efforts. The DEI Impact Awards were sponsored by NRG. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Energy-saving programs for public housing in the US [02:05] Funding opportunities for public housing programs [06:39] Expanding access to energy programs [11:38] Inclusivity in sustainability efforts [16:28] UTRGV’s emphasis on DEI [17:52] Mentorship and sustainability in higher education [20:55] Diversity, equity, and inclusion impact at NRG [30:39] For detailed show notes and guest bios, click here   Resources & People Mentioned Build for the Future Sustainability Fellowship Programs | UTRGV Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion | NRG Energy Connect with Jennifer Brunelle On LinkedIn Connect with Marianella Franklin On LinkedIn Connect with Charles Marshall On LinkedIn Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com   Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at [email protected] Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

At Smart Energy Decisions’ recent Net Zero Forum, Michelle Lancaster, Microsoft’s Director of Global Sustainability Strategy and GTM, and Chuck Hanna, Vice President of National Accounts and Solutions Sales, gave a keynote discussing how Microsoft is working with Constellation to reduce carbon emissions and increase energy reliability – all while managing costs. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Sustainability and renewable energy partnerships [03:49] Reliability in a growing industry [06:27] Reducing the carbon footprint of data centers [10:12] Technology partnerships for sustainability [16:06] Energy policy and advocacy [20:10] Sustainability management [24:07] Click here for show notes   Resources & People Mentioned Microsoft Constellation Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability Connect with Chuck Hanna On LinkedIn Chuck Hanna has extensive experience in the energy sector including competitive retail markets, wholesale markets, and transmission and distribution businesses. He serves as the Vice President of National Accounts and Solution Sales at Constellation. In this role, he leads a team of sales professionals in providing comprehensive energy solutions to commercial and industrial retail customers across the nation including two-thirds of the Fortune 100. This includes leadership and management of associations where Constellation is the endorsed energy supplier. With nearly 20 years of experience in the energy sector, Chuck has deep expertise in the energy markets and the long-term trajectory and forward-looking trends. Prior to his current role, Chuck worked as Vice President of Mid-Atlantic Sales and East Regional Sales at Constellation Energy Company, which is the competitive retail business within Exelon Generation Company, LLC. Chuck was responsible for leading over 50 sales professionals across the Mid-Atlantic, New York, and New England electricity, natural gas, demand response, renewable energy, energy efficiency and other services directly to commercial and industrial customers. Prior to the merger of Exelon and Constellation, Chuck led the retail sales team for all regions at Exelon Energy. With experience in sales, marketing, and origination across many geographic regions. He is a graduate of the University of Delaware where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. He earned his Master of Science in Business Administration degree from the University of Bath in England, which he attended as a Rotary Foundation Scholar.” Connect with Michelle Lancaster On LinkedIn Michelle Lancaster currently leads Microsoft’s GTM, customer engagement, and product strategy for sustainability. In this role, she has helped scope and close customer agreements focused on decarbonization, driving $500M+ revenue; launched a global seller training and customer engagement program; shaped the company’s product roadmap and initial SKUs on sustainability solutions; formed and launched strategic partnerships including Transform to Net Zero; and most recently, led the creation of Microsoft’s first sustainability report. Connect With Smart Energy Decisions https://smartenergydecisions.com   Follow them on LinkedIn Subscribe to Smart Energy Voices If you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decision Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at [email protected] Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com