Funding Energy Innovations – Dr. Ellen Williams, ARPA-E, Dept of Energy

The Paris Accord to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions is ambitious and the U.S. has agreed to reduce it’s emissions by 26 to 28 % below 2005 levels by 2025. How do we do it? With breakthrough energy innovations! Leading the charge in these breakthroughs is ARPA-E, the innovation arm of the U.S. Department of… Continue reading Funding Energy Innovations – Dr. Ellen Williams, ARPA-E, Dept of Energy

Tech Entrepreneur Funding – Anna Brady-Estevez, NSF, SBIR Grant Program Director, National Science Foundation

Maybe you have a great idea or new app you developed that you’re itching to bring to life. Maybe you have a friend who does… Or, maybe you’re an entrepreneur who is running out of funds and fears not being able to continue. If this rings a bell, listen up. This podcast provides vital information about a federal grant program you can apply for. There’s no guarantee you’ll be approved, but you certainly won’t get it if you do not apply. It’s called the Small Business Innovation Research – or SBIR – grants (or STTRs). About half a dozen federal agencies offer them, all with different criteria. The SBIR program we’re talking about today is from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and has an open agenda, focused on the potential of the technology to make a big positive societal impact if it succeeds.

The “Un-Utility” – Mary Powell, Green Mountain Power

With so much innovation in the energy sector, the rapid expansion of renewable energy, development of a “smart grid” and the Internet of Things technologies, the utilities have to evolve too. And, without dropping any service to anyone, ever.
So, what’s a utility to do to survive – and to thrive? Enter Mary Powell, CEO of Green Mountain Power in Vermont, who was chosen as one of Fast Company’s most innovative people. She’s turning the business model of a utility on its head, and retains the support of her board because she’s succeeding in every way – customer service ratings in the 90%s and generating sold financial results. How? Listen up.

Energy Trends – Peter Kelly-Detwiler, Forbes, Northbridge Energy

The energy revolution continues, and is gaining speed as it converges with “Big Data” and more – despite geopolitical volatility. How do we make sense of it? How do we choose today’s investments that will affect tomorrow? By looking at the trend lines and intersections we might miss. The best person to give us those… Continue reading Energy Trends – Peter Kelly-Detwiler, Forbes, Northbridge Energy

Democratizing Energy, Innovation & STEM Careers – Dr. Sophie Vandebroek, CTO of Xerox

What does it mean to “democratize” energy? What’s the best way to drive innovation in a big organization? Listen to this fascinating discussion with one of the world’s foremost business leaders and innovators, Dr. Sophie Vandebroek, CTO of Xerox, to find out! You’ll also get excellent career advice, especially for women in mid-career.

VW on Electric Vehicles – Anna Schneider, SVP of Industry & Government Relations

Americans love their SUV’s and the number of electric vehicles on the road is still only a small percentage of all vehicles. Transportation is one of the top energy users on the planet and car manufacturers respond to what we buy – not what we say. Anna Schneider, Vice President of Industry-Government Relations at Volkswagen… Continue reading VW on Electric Vehicles – Anna Schneider, SVP of Industry & Government Relations

Luxury and Sustainability? MGM Resorts’ SVP & Sustainability Chief on the Win-Win

There is no tradeoff between luxury and sustainability, says Cindy Ortega, SVP and Chief Sustainability Officer of MGM Resorts, who ensures their 23 luxury resorts worldwide use the most viable sustainable options – with surprises. Part change agent, part CFO, and part sustainability evangelist, Cindy shares practical tips for selling sustainability (or any change) internally, motivating employees – and… Continue reading Luxury and Sustainability? MGM Resorts’ SVP & Sustainability Chief on the Win-Win

What Will It Take to Get More Women in Green-Energy Jobs?

Claire, Carly, and Arzoo are ambitious, some of the hardest working people I’ve ever worked with. They are determined to make a difference with their college degrees in sustainability and communications. Working with me at Green Connections Radio, they hear about all these cool green energy jobs, and how the average pay in STEM careers is about $7,000 above the average. They listen to successful women and men talk about the industry and the opportunities for rewarding careers in this field. They get excited about their own career prospects. But also see how few women are in this field.

Hilary Fordwich of AOC Key Solutions

Hilary Fordwich, host of the weekly television program Government Contracting Weekly and SVP of AOC Key Solutions, is a nationally renowned expert on government contracting. Listen to Green Connections Radio host Joan Michelson find out in this engaging conversation with government contracting expert Hilary Fordwich, host of the weekly television program Government Contracting Weekly and… Continue reading Hilary Fordwich of AOC Key Solutions

Susan Fallon of MONSTER.COM

Listen to Monster.com VP Susan Fallon talk with Green Connections Radio Host Joan Michelson about the thousands of job opportunities in energy and the green economy and how to find them and stand out. Here are links to websites for green jobs postings – and some include training: www.monster.com www.greenbiz.com www.sustainablebusiness.com www.cewd.org the greenjobsbank.com eco.org… Continue reading Susan Fallon of MONSTER.COM