E222: Defense to Renewables: A Passionate Career Shift

In this episode, our guest is Cherrie Atilano, the dynamic founder and CEO of AGREA Agricultural Systems and the AGREA Foundation. Cherrie shares her powerful journey of building sustainable agricultural models in the Philippines, particularly by empowering women in rural and island communities. From transforming typhoon-hit buildings into solar-powered women's centers to promoting regenerative farming and financial inclusion for smallholder farmers, Cherrie’s mission is deeply rooted in social justice, environmental resilience, and inclusive development. She discusses her partnerships with UN agencies, grassroots projects and her involvement in electric vehicle and solar initiatives. Cherrie also highlights the importance of mindset-building for women, teaching vision boarding, gratitude, and entrepreneurship alongside technical training. The episode wraps with her reflections on AI, journaling, leadership discipline, and how to balance ambition with wellness. Please join to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie X (Twitter) @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie YouTube @energypreneurs Instagram @energypreneurs Tiktok @energypreneurs Spotify Video @energypreneurs

In this episode, our guest is Woochong Um, Chief Executive Officer of the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP). With a distinguished career spanning more than 30 years in international development, Woochong shares his journey from senior leadership at the Asian Development Bank to now spearheading one of the world’s most ambitious efforts to end energy poverty and combat climate change. He discusses GEAPP’s mission to bring clean, affordable energy to 1 billion people by 2030, reduce carbon emissions, and generate millions of green jobs across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Woochong also reflects on the role of public-private-philanthropic partnerships, flexible capital, and local innovation in scaling climate solutions—highlighting transformative projects in Rajasthan, Haiti, Indonesia, and beyond. From off-grid solar and battery storage to digital grid management and electric mobility, this conversation offers insight into what it takes to deliver a just, inclusive energy transition in emerging markets. Please join to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie X (Twitter) @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie YouTube @energypreneurs Instagram @energypreneurs Tiktok @energypreneurs Spotify Video @energypreneurs

In this episode, our guest is Janine Teo, CEO of Solve Education! She shares her inspiring journey from a computer engineer in Singapore to a global changemaker leading scalable education programs for marginalized communities. With over 30 million lessons delivered, Janine breaks down how her organisation uses the “GAIN” framework—Gamification, AI coaching, Incentives, and Network—to tackle the root challenges of low literacy, self-confidence, and motivation. We discuss the power of mindset, the limits of traditional education, and how emerging technologies like AI can either bridge or widen the divide—depending on how we design them. Janine also highlights the importance of behavioural science, foundational skills and why education is the key to climate resilience and entrepreneurship in underserved communities. Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie X (Twitter) @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie YouTube @energypreneurs Instagram @energypreneurs Tiktok @energypreneurs Spotify Video @energypreneurs

In this episode of Energypreneurs, our guest is Jaimes Kolantharaj, Principal Energy Specialist at the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Jaimes shares insights on renewable energy projects in South Asia, highlighting ADB’s role in shifting investments from government funding to private sector-driven initiatives. He discusses solar and battery storage deployment in the Maldives, electric ferries for sustainable transport, and policy trends in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan. The conversation also explores the impact of AI, digitalisation, and energy-efficient solutions, particularly in agriculture and electric mobility. Jaimes offers valuable advice to young entrepreneurs entering the renewable energy, emphasising the need for innovation and digital solutions in an evolving energy landscape.   Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie X (Twitter) @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie YouTube @energypreneurs Instagram @energypreneurs Tiktok @energypreneurs Spotify Video @energypreneurs

Joe Lowry, a 35-year lithium industry veteran, joins Sohail Hasnie to break down lithium’s rise from obscurity to a global necessity. He shares insights on China’s battery dominance, EV market shifts, and the next frontier—home and grid storage.   Joe also teases his upcoming book Lithium Confidential and offers sharp advice for newcomers in the industry. He discusses investment trends, the role of trust in business, and how lithium will continue shaping the future of energy storage worldwide. Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie X (Twitter) @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie YouTube @energypreneurs Instagram @energypreneurs Tiktok @energypreneurs Spotify Video @energypreneurs

In this episode, our guest is Cherie Gregoire, a clean energy expert with a unique journey from defense engineering to renewable energy. Cherie shares her insights on energy efficiency, solar development, and climate resilience, reflecting on key projects she has led in the UK and Australia. She discusses the impact of climate change on infrastructure, policy shifts in the energy sector, and innovative solutions for decentralized energy systems. Please join us to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie X (Twitter) @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie YouTube @energypreneurs Instagram @energypreneurs Tiktok @energypreneurs Spotify Video @energypreneurs

In this episode, Alfredo Baño Leal, an energy expert with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), discusses Uzbekistan’s evolving energy sector. The conversation highlights the country’s transition from gas dependency to renewable energy, with recent policy reforms driving energy efficiency and reducing waste. With over 1-2 GW of rooftop solar already installed and a target of 40% renewable capacity by 2030, Uzbekistan is rapidly reshaping its power grid. Alfredo shares insights into the challenges of modernising the grid, the growing adoption of electric vehicles, and how distributed generation is becoming a cost-effective alternative for rural electrification. He also discusses Uzbekistan’s push toward clean energy investments, including the development of local solar manufacturing and a new BYD electric vehicle assembly plant. The episode closes with a look at Uzbekistan’s cultural richness, its emerging role as an energy leader in Central Asia, and why it’s a fascinating place to visit. Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie X (Twitter) @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie YouTube @energypreneurs Instagram @energypreneurs Tiktok @energypreneurs Spotify Video @energypreneurs

In this episode, Sohail Hasnie speaks with Gabriel Laera, an economist with extensive experience in energy transitions, investment banking, and utility sectors. Gabriel discusses the complexities of new energy strategies, emphasizing the importance of filtering through hype to determine what’s truly viable. He highlights the challenge of managing legacy assets in the energy sector, particularly in oil, gas, and utility companies, which must balance reinvestment with shareholder returns. Key topics include the risks of stranded assets, the impact of electrification on traditional industries, and the critical role of capital allocation in ensuring long-term business sustainability. Gabriel also explores emerging energy solutions, including hydrogen, carbon capture, and direct air capture, evaluating their feasibility and long-term implications. He underscores the need for a realistic, well-planned approach to energy investments, considering regulatory frameworks, technological shifts, and economic viability. Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie X (Twitter) @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie YouTube @energypreneurs Instagram @energypreneurs Tiktok @energypreneurs Spotify Video @energypreneurs

In this episode, our host, Sohail Hasnie, delivers an interesting insight on the transformative power of batteries in reshaping the energy landscape. He explores how advancements in battery technology are revolutionising everything from solar power storage to electric vehicles, making renewable energy more reliable and accessible. Sohail breaks down why batteries are the key to energy independence and climate action, highlighting the latest trends that will shape the future of sustainable power. Please join to find more.   Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie Twitter @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie

In this episode, our guest is Sonia Chand Sandhu, with extensive experience in project development, and knowledge work on livable cities, environment, and climate adaptation. Sonia shares her journey in sustainable development, highlighting innovative environment management, urban planning, evaluation, and capacity-building approaches. She discusses the importance of knowledge management in development projects, the role of AI in evaluation, and how strategic investments in climate adaptation can shape future cities. All opinions and views expressed are solely her own and do not reflect those of her organization.   Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie Twitter @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie