Smart Energy Voices
Welcome to Smart Energy Voices: an SED Podcast
Hosted by John Failla, Smart Energy Decisions Founder.
Smart Energy Voices, an SED podcast, features conversations with leaders of the energy transition. In each episode, Smart Energy Decisions founder John Failla digs deep with industry movers and shakers to reveal insights you can learn from in their stories, personalities, and visions for the future.
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Episode 65: Best Practices in Vehicle Fleet Electrification
Date: 5/20/22
Guests: Gary Glasscock, City of Houston
Ryan Martin EVolve Houston
In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla introduces Gary Glasscock and Ryan Martin from Smart Energy Decision’s recent Innovation Summit. Gary is the Director of Fleet Management for the City of Houston. Ryan is the Interim President and Managing Partner at EVolve Houston. This panel conversation, moderated by SED’s Director of Research and Content Debra Chanil, highlights the innovative public-private partnership between the City of Houston and Evolve Houston. Read more...
Episode 64: Decarbonizing Thermal Loads: The Next Frontier
Date: 5/06/22
Guests: Susan Corry, University of Maryland College Park
David Reid, Celanese
Peter Kelly-Detwiler, Smart Energy Decisions
In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla introduces Susan Corry of the University of Maryland College Park, David Reid of Celanese, and Peter Kelly-Detwiler of Smart Energy Decisions from a panel at Smart Energy Decisions’ recent Innovation Summit. These three leaders discuss decarbonizing thermal loads and how different types of organizations are facing this challenge. Read more...
Episode 63: Mohawk’s Decarbonization Journey
Date: 4/22/22
Guests: Scott Bargerstock, Director of Manufacturing, Productivity, and Global Energy, Mohawk Industries
In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla introduces Scott Bargerstock of Mohawk Industries, the opening keynote speaker from Smart Energy Decisions’ recent Innovation Summit. As Director of Manufacturing, Productivity, and Global Energy, Scott shares his insights on how he is building the green bridge with Mohawk Industries’ efforts to decarbonize and save money without a formal net-zero goal. Read more...
Episode 62: The Electrification of General Motors
Date: 4/08/22
Guests: Rob Threlkeld, Global Manager of Sustainable Energy, Supply, and Reliability at General Motors
This episode of Smart Energy Voices features a keynote conversation host John Failla had with Rob Threlkeld, Global Manager of Sustainable Energy, Supply, and Reliability at General Motors. In Episode 25, they talked about the future of General Motors, EVs, and Renewables. Listen in for this update on the dramatic changes at GM since their last conversation, including GM’s commitment to an electric future and how energy is driving the reinvention of the company. Read more...
Episode 61: The Next Chapter: Reflections from an Industry Leader
Date: 3/25/22
Guests: Mary Curtiss, HP's Former Global Energy Head of Energy and Sustainability
In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla introduces a keynote speaker from the recent Renewable Energy Forum. As Mary Curtiss transitions from her role as HP's Global Energy Head of Energy and Sustainability to a new role at the company, she reflects on key lessons learned during her tenure as a senior leader in the field, as well as more than 20 years of related industry experience. Listen in to hear more about Mary’s amazing career and her work at HP. Read more...
Episode 60: Challenges and Opportunities for EV Charging at Scale
Date: 3/11/2022
Guests: Neha Palmer, CEO and Co-Founder of TeraWatt Infrastructure
In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla has a conversation with Neha Palmer, CEO and Co-Founder of TeraWatt Infrastructure. Many also know her as the former Head of Energy Strategy at Google. Neha recently wrote an article for Wired titled “Electric Vehicle Charging is the Next Billion-Dollar Market.” She spoke about the potential and challenges of the transition to vehicle fleet electrification. At Google, Neha drove a large part of the adoption of renewables, so you won’t want to miss out on her insight into this critical topic. Read more...
Episode 59: Microsoft and the Art of the Possible
Date: 2/25/2022
Guests: Brian Janous - General Manager of Energy at Microsoft
This episode of Smart Energy Voices presents the keynote speaker from the recent Renewable Energy Forum, Brian Janous - General Manager of Energy at Microsoft. As one of the world’s preeminent leaders in the energy transition, Microsoft is constantly innovating. Listen in as Brian provides a glimpse into the mindset and culture at Microsoft that has enabled its unique approach to innovation, including efforts to drive collaboration between peers, suppliers, and customers to enable broader adoption of renewable energy. Read more...
Episode 58: The Role of Customer Choice in Decarbonization Strategies
Date: 2/11/2022
Guests: Ron Gaudette, Senior Vice President of NRG Business
This episode is made in partnership with NRG. In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla is joined by Rob Gaudette, Senior Vice President of NRG Business for a discussion on the increased pressure large power users are experiencing to meet aggressive emission reduction targets. Listen in as they dive into the dynamics of this changing landscape. Read more...
Episode 57: Collaborating to Drive Diverse Supplier Activity
Date: 1/28/2022
Guests: Cheryl Comer, Strategic Account Manager - Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions
Gilbert Campbell, Co-Founder & CEO - Volt Energy
Denis George, Category Manager for Energy - The Kroger Company
In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla continues SED’s series on “Inspiring Diversity in Energy.” This conversation was part of the recent Distributed Energy Forum with a panel featuring Cheryl Comer, Strategic Account Manager - Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions, Gilbert Campbell, Co-Founder & CEO - Volt Energy, and Denis George, Category Manager for Energy - The Kroger Company. You won't want to miss this meaningful conversation on how collaboration can help accelerate success in diversifying the supplier rosters of large electric power users. Read more...
Episode 56: Managing Energy Supply and Demand in Transportation
Date: 1/13/2022
Guests: Keith Warner, Aviation Utilities Business Manager for the Port of Seattle
In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host Debra Chanil talks with Keith Warner to discuss his role as Aviation Utilities Business Manager for the Port of Seattle and its affiliated utility. Among the topics they cover are the importance of resiliency, the push for electrification, and Keith’s unique perspective on moving from the private sector with Boeing to his current public sector role. Join us to hear Keith’s great insight on managing energy in transportation. Read more...
Episode 55: Achieving Reliability, Resilience, and Emission Reductions in Higher Ed with DERs
Date: 12/10/2021
Guests: Lincoln Bleveans, Executive Director, Sustainability & Energy Management at Stanford University
In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, SED's Debra Chanil discusses distributed energy resources in higher education with Lincoln Bleveans, Executive Director, Sustainability & Energy Management at Stanford University. DERs in higher education is a complex topic that can be overwhelming. Lincoln addresses the challenges of energy reliability, resilience, and creating a granular room-to-room energy plan. He also discusses the unique intersection between the university and Silicon Valley. You won’t want to miss his insightful observations. Read more...
Episode 54: Clean Energy Dealmaking
Date: 12/3/2021
Guests: Mona Dajani, Global Co-Head of Energy, Infrastructure, Mobility, Renewables & Water at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla is joined by Mona Dajani, Global Co-Head of Energy, Infrastructure, Mobility, Renewables & Water at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP. Mona is a prolific dealmaker in the renewable energy space and is a highly regarded, well-recognized attorney. You’ll find her extensive experience and unique perspective enlightening. Listen to learn more. Read more...
Episode 53: Industrial Decarbonization Strategies at General Mills
Date: 11/19/2021
Guests: Daren Kaiser, Global Energy Strategy Leader - General Mills
In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla talks with Daren Kaiser, Global Energy Strategy Leader - General Mills, at the recent Distributed Energy Forum. They discuss the unique challenges related to General Mills’ ambitious decarbonization goals and the tactics Daren is employing to deliver against its sustainability commitments, such as energy optimization and CHP solutions. Listen in to hear more about industrial decarbonization strategies. Read more...
Episode 52: DER's Role in Your Total Energy Management Strategy
Date: 11/12/2021
Guests: Doug Sansom, Managing Director – Distributed Energy Resources at NRG Energy
In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla talks with Doug Sansom, Managing Director – Distributed Energy Resources at NRG Energy, at Smart Energy Decisions’ recent Distributed Energy Forum. They discuss the tools that customers need in order to take control of their total energy management strategy. Listen in for insightful energy management strategies. Read more...
Episode 51: Renewable Energy Innovations in Regulated Markets
Date: 11/5/2021
Guests: Robert Day, Executive Director of Origination, Evergy Energy Partners
Grant Wilkerson, Director of New Business Development, Evergy Energy Partners
This episode of Smart Energy Voices is produced in partnership with Evergy Energy Partners. Host John Failla is joined by Evergy’s Robert Day, Executive Director of Origination, and Grant Wilkerson, Director of New Business Development to discuss how Evergy is responding to the unique needs of large power users in both regulated and deregulated markets for renewable energy. Listen to learn more about their inside perspective. Read more...
Episode 50: Blueprint for a Zero Carbon Grid: The DOE Solar Futures Study
Date: 10/29/2021
Guests: Dr. Becca Jones-Albertus, Solar Energy Technologies Office Director, Department of Energy
In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla has a conversation with Dr. Becca Jones-Albertus, Solar Energy Technologies Office Director, Department of Energy. The DOE recently released the Solar Futures Study detailing the significant role of solar in decarbonizing the nation’s power grid. The study showed that by 2035 solar energy has the potential to power 40% of the nation’s electricity, drive deep carbonization of the grid, and employ as many as 1.5 million people without raising electricity prices. Listen in to hear from the mind and leader behind that study. Read more...
Episode 49: The State of the Voluntary Carbon Offset Market, with Kyle Harrison
Date: 10/22/2021
Guests: Kyle Harrison, Head of Sustainability Research at BloombergNEF
In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla had the opportunity to speak with Kyle Harrison about the state of the voluntary carbon offset market. Kyle is the Head of Sustainability Research at BloombergNEF. Over the last three years, Smart Energy Decisions has had the privilege of working with BNEF and Kyle on a variety of projects and events. You won’t want to miss Kyle’s interesting and valuable perspective. Read more...
Episode 48: The Power of Entrepreneurial Leadership, with Chris Castro
Date: 10/08/2021
Guests: Chris Castro, Director of Sustainability & Resilience, City of Orlando
In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla is joined by Chris Castro, Director of Sustainability & Resilience and Co-Chair of the ‘Future-Ready’ initiative for the City of Orlando. Chris has accomplished a tremendous amount with the city in an amazingly brief time. Listen in to learn more about the thrilling work Chris is currently doing and about this fascinating personal journey in the field of sustainability. Read more...
Episode 47: Creating Your Roadmap to Net Zero, with Tripp Borstel
Date: 10/01/2021
Guests: Tripp Borstel, Director with ENGIE Impact's Sustainability Solutions
In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla sits down with Tripp Borstel, Head of Transformation at ENGIE Impact. They discuss key levers to work and issues relating to the use of carbon offsets. There’s a lot to cover when it comes to achieving zero emissions - and the scale of the challenge requires creating alignment across a variety of parties within an organization. Listen in to this conversation from Smart Energy Decisions’ recent Renewable Energy Forum. Read more...
Episode 46: Inspiring Diversity in Energy Series with Ajulo Othow and Dana Clare Redden
Date: 9/17/2021
Guests: Ajulo Othow, Enerwealth Solutions, LLC
Dana Clare Redden, Solar Stewards
This episode of Smart Energy Voices continues our series on Inspiring Diversity in Energy with a panel from the recent Renewable Energy Forum. Smart Energy Decisions’ Debra Chanil sat down with Ajulo Othow, co-founder and CEO of EnerWealth Solutions, LLC, and Dana Clare Redden, founder of Solar Stewards. With this experience in creating companies in the solar space, they’ll discuss the challenges of entrepreneurship and what they think is needed to bring more diversity to the solar industry. Read more...
Episode 45: A Guide to Addressing Your Scope 3 Value Chain Emissions
Date: 9/10/2021
Guests: Katherine Canoy, 3Degrees
In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host Debra Chanil talks with Katherine Canoy, Director of Energy and Climate Practice at 3Degrees. As more organizations are making ambitious climate commitments, such as net-zero emissions, many companies grapple with the most effective way to address their Scope 3 emissions. Debra and Katherine discussed practical steps that organizations can take to tackle their value chain emissions at SED’s recent Renewable Energy Forum. Listen in on the discussion of this hot topic: reducing Scope 3 emissions.. Read more...
Episode 44: Bucknell's Renewable Energy Journey, with Victor Udo
Date: 9/3/2021
Guests: Dr Victor Udo, Bucknell University
In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla speaks with Victor Udo, Bucknell University’s Director of Sustainability. Bucknell University recently announced a 7-acre solar array on the campus. Victor explains how the project came about, how it fits in with their overall sustainability strategy, and what was needed to overcome the sometimes contentious process to gain local ordinance to proceed. This episode is a must-listen for other large power users, especially in higher education. Read more...
Episode 43: Capitalizing on Opportunities in Community Solar
Date: 8/27/2021
Guests: Miro Sutton, NRG Energy
In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla sits down with Miro Sutton, Managing Director – Renewable Advisory, Strategy and Origination, NRG Energy. This discussion covers the state of community solar, including key trends, benefits, and common misperceptions. You’ll want to listen in to learn about NRG’s unique approach to developing community solar projects. Read more...
Episode 42: Building a Global Renewable Energy Portfolio
Date: 8/20/2021
Guests: Zephyr Taylor, Mars Inc
In this episode of Smart Energy Voices, host John Failla is joined by Zephyr Taylor, Global Director of Renewable Energy, Mars Inc. This conversation took place during Smart Energy Decisions’ Renewable Energy Forum. They discussed Mars’ progress against its “Sustainable in a Generation” plan and its ambitious emissions reduction and renewable energy goals. Listen to hear more about Zephyr’s work at Mars. Read more...
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