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.

Flint Water Safety – Nayyirah Shariff, Community Organizer, Activist

Every time you turn on your tap, think about what you’d have to do if you couldn’t use it – ever. That’s what daily life is still like in Flint, Michigan as a result of lead in the city’s water. The story may not be a top the national news these days, but the crisis… Continue reading Flint Water Safety – Nayyirah Shariff, Community Organizer, Activist

Environmental Journalism – Soledad O’Brien, Hearst TV & Former CNN Anchor

Hearst Television's "Matter of Fact" anchor Soledad O'Brien. Photo: Jay Mallin

“People have competing interests…(so) move beyond lazy labeling…a reporter’s job is to provide context…undergirded by data and statistics….Be a little fearless.” The Dakota Access Pipeline fight, hurricanes, droughts, earthquakes… the BP Oil Spill, the potential cuts to the EPA budget and rollback of the Clean Water and Clean Air Acts…Journalists rush to cover these stories as they break in the moment, but what’s missing? Listen to Green Connections Radio host Joan Michelson’s insightful conversation with renowned journalist Soledad O’Brien, formerly of CNN and MSNBC and now Founder and CEO of Starfish Media Group, an award-winning production company, and host of “Matter of Fact” syndicated on network television via Hearst TV.

Movies, Environment – Marilyn Weiner, Screenscope Inc.

“Find another way.” We all know the power of movies to move us. EMMY-winning documentary filmmaker – and co-executive producer of the masterful documentary “Dispatches From the Gulf” about the scientific impact of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill – Marilyn Weiner talks with Green Connections Radio host Joan Michelson about the ups and downs… Continue reading Movies, Environment – Marilyn Weiner, Screenscope Inc.

Movies Made Sustainably – Emellie O’Brien, Earth Angel

Think about your favorite movies this Oscar season… Now think about what it took to produce it: energy for lighting, water and food for the crew, paper for the scripts, wood and other materials for the sets, cars and vans to transport people, maybe cars and buildings that get blown up…. All of that produces a lot of waste and uses a lot of energy and water, and puts CO2 into the air. Listen to Green Connections Radio host Joan Michelson’s fascinating conversation with Emellie O’Brien, Founder and President of Earth Angel, an award-winning company focused on reducing the carbon footprint of movies and television shows. (I wonder what the carbon footprint is of the Oscars!)

Career Planning & Passion – w Alaina Love’s “Passionality”

How do you find the job that makes you feel your best, be engaged in your work?Those of us in the green economy want to make a difference and bring our passion for it to work. But short of going to work for a non-profit or volunteering, how do we do it? Listen here to HR Guru Alaina Love on Green Connections Radio podcast for tips on how to find where you best “fit” based on your values, interests and passions, so you can be your best and happiest “you” at work. Alaina Love is co-author of “The Purpose Linked Organization: How Passionate Leaders Inspire Winning Teams and Great Results.” This book comes with an assessment that will help you discover your “passionality.”

Profitable Social Value – w Cheryl Kiser, Author & Center for Social Innovation at Babson College

How do you create social value and make money at the same time? Whether you’re a big company or a small one, or a non-profit, listen to Green Connections Radio host Joan Michelson’s probing conversation with Cheryl Kiser, head of the Lewis Center for Social Innovation at Babson College and co-author of the new book, “Creating Social Value: A Guide for Leaders and Change Makers.”

Leadership Tips from Author & Time Mag’s Jay Newton-Small!

How Women are Changing the Way America Works
Leadership – advancing your career – finding alternate paths to solutions – even peaceful policing strategies that work…
Listen to renowned journalist Jay Newton-Small of Time magazine and author of the best-selling book “Broad Influence: How Women are Changing the Way America Works” in this enlightening conversation with Green Connections host Joan Michelson – great stories too!

Leveraging Sustainable Business Practices – with Mindy Lubber, CEO of Ceres

The Paris Accord Changed Business Practices Forever For 25 years, Ceres has been a force to be reckoned with as they drive sustainable business practices in the world’s largest companies. Ceres engages investors, executives and policymakers to use their own business practices and resources to stop “the bus coming towards us and our kids called… Continue reading Leveraging Sustainable Business Practices – with Mindy Lubber, CEO of Ceres

A Texas Republican Environmentalist – Trammel Crow, Earth Day Texas

Trammel Crow is a true original: a straight-talking Texas Republican real estate developer – who is also an avid environmentalist with a saucy style. He founded Earth Day Texas, now known as EarthX, a huge Earth Day event. Trammel talks openly with Joan Michelson about how to get more Republicans and oil and gas Wildcatters… Continue reading A Texas Republican Environmentalist – Trammel Crow, Earth Day Texas