Energy Superheroes

Kevin O'Donovan is a technology evangelist, working to bridge the gap between fiction and reality when it comes to the latest energy transition tech. With past experience at heavy hitters like Compaq, HP, and Intel, he has long been focused on how we can change the world through up-and-coming innovations. Kevin's expertise lies in the intersection of energy and digitization, making him the ideal person to discuss the importance of digital twins in the energy industry.

Our latest Energy Superhero, Rijo Abraham, is bringing big changes throughout the UAE, one of the world's most rapidly advancing regions in terms of sustainability. An expert in decarbonization and energy efficiency, Rijo is a powerful voice in the realm of sustainable development. With an impressive background in engineering and a Master's degree in Sustainable Energy Futures from Imperial College London, Rijo has made significant contributions to sustainability initiatives across the UAE. In this episode, Rijo offers a promising glimpse at our sustainable future.

Karim Megherbi is the founder and CEO of Orisun Invest, a firm that assists in the realization and financing of energy transition projects globally. Boasting 17 years of experience in project development and finance, Karim is particularly adept at navigating the renewable energy sector within emerging markets. At Orisun Invest, he helps projects overcome obstacles like regulatory ambiguities, financing gaps, and technical complications. His firm offers comprehensive services including financial structuring, due diligence, risk management, and project management, ensuring that projects are executed efficiently and within budget. In this episode, Karim explores the nuances of renewable energy project development and finance, highlighting the key challenges faced in emerging markets and discussing the successful models employed by his firm.

Without the mining industry, the energy transition would be impossible. Just ask Alp Bora, mining expert and TedX speaker. As he puts it, we cannot solve climate change without mining. With a wealth of knowledge on mining and sustainability, Alp has authored the book “Mining is the Future,” highlighting how mining is inseparable from global electrification efforts. In this episode, Alp provides an enlightening discussion on the role of mining in the global energy economy.

Our latest Energy Superhero, Alice Schmidt, joins host Peter Perri to shed light on her comprehensive approach to sustainability. As a renowned speaker and consultant in the sustainability space, Alice brings to the table her unique perspective on the intersection of people, planet, and profit. She is the author of acclaimed book “The Sustainability Puzzle”, in which she unpacks her six essential "puzzle pieces" for sustainability: climate action, circular economy, technology, responsible consumption, sustainable business, and social justice. In this episode, Alice delivers impactful insights on how we can employ these puzzle pieces to create a better future for all.

“Ecoprenuer” Manoj Kumar is moving the needle on the energy transition in his home country of India and beyond. As the founder and CEO of Net Zero Think, Manoj provides businesses with disruptive climate solutions to push them down the path of decarbonization. The company is focused on some of today’s hardest to abate sectors, including things like cement, steel, coal, and power plants. In this episode, Manoj explains how Net Zero Think helps companies drive down carbon emissions, making the energy transition a reality today.

As the CEO (and occasional presenter) on top Youtube channel Fully Charged, Dan Caesar knows what’s what in the world of electrification. He boasts over 20 years of experience in the clean energy space, covering everything from electric vehicles, to solar, to batteries, and beyond. Since 2016, he has helped grow Fully Charged into the world’s number one show on electric vehicles and clean energy. In this episode, Dan dives into his work with Fully Charged and the exciting future he sees for electric vehicles.

To really effect change when it comes to climate, we need to start putting our money where our mouth is. Our latest guest, James Vaccaro, is doing just that as the Executive Director of Climate Safe Lending Network. The organization works to align bank lending with climate friendly solutions, bringing together important voices from banking, academia, government, and beyond. In this episode, James talks about the big role banks have to play in the energy transition and what his company is doing to nudge them in the right direction.

Could storytelling be the key to tackling the climate crisis? Mimi Kalinda thinks so. Based in Johannesburg, South Africa, Mimi is the Founder and Chief Narrative Shaper of her company Storytelling and Leadership. She helps today’s leaders define their story in today’s ever-digitized world. In this episode, we dive into the importance of storytelling and how it can help jumpstart the energy transition.

Johanna Godinez just might have cracked the code on success. As the Founder of B.A.Y. Lifestyle, she helps people uncover their true potential and break down barriers in both their personal and professional lives. Her proprietary Evolutionary Life Mapping method is applauded for helping clients understand their path to fulfillment and set the right goals to get them there. In this episode, we talk about the many definitions of success and the journey that Johanna took to find hers.