“It’s Easier to Change the World If You Have Money” – Serial Entrepreneur & EDA Head Julie Kirk

“It’s easier to change the world if you have money.” Julie Lenzer Kirk, award-winning serial entrepreneur and head of the Economic Development Administration Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OIE) at the U.S. Commerce Department.  As a mentor to entrepreneurs and an author, Kirk shares juicy insider tips for fulfilling the entrepreneur’s ‘hierarchy of needs” based on her own successes (and failures).  Grab something to write with….
Listen to this engaging and informative discussion with Green Connections host Joan Michelson as Kirk encourages entrepreneurs to think big, define your niche and where to go to get the money, services and support you need because “you being starving does not help anyone.”

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

Innovation at GE Ecomagination

What do Wal-Mart, Intel, and Statoil have in common? They each just partnered with GE Ecomagination to tackle tough environmental challenges in their business. From energy efficiency to saving water, to reducing waste, eight huge multinationals are collaborating with GE Eco to find innovative solutions. Listen here to the Global Head of GE Ecomagination Deb… Continue reading Innovation at GE Ecomagination

From CTOSE: Dave Feldman

The Cleantech Open is a mecca for innovators, entrepreneurs, investors and thought leaders in the sustainability space.  A representative of each, Dave Feldman works to accelerate and focus the sustainability movement by helping communities build a cleantech sector and a hub for sustainability issues.  He is the CEO and Co-founder of the Livability Project and… Continue reading From CTOSE: Dave Feldman

Women in SET

On a recent interview with Joan, Dr. Laura Sherbin, the Executive Vice President and Director of Research for the Center for Talent Innovation, talked about the “middle-rung” for women in SET (Science, Engineering, Technology) organizations, as the place where women languish. It is the place where they can either stay in that middle management position… Continue reading Women in SET

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.

Innovating in a Post-Carbon Economy: Richard Branson, Elon Musk, Energy Secretary Moniz and Ambassador Melanne Verveer Come Together in DC

A “to-do” list of how to create a post-carbon economy evolved from the remarks of an array of innovators from business, politics and Hollywood at the 2013 Climate Leadership Gala the other night at the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC. From Sir Richard Branson, to Elon Musk CEO and founder of Tesla Motors and… Continue reading Innovating in a Post-Carbon Economy: Richard Branson, Elon Musk, Energy Secretary Moniz and Ambassador Melanne Verveer Come Together in DC

Karina Edmonds of the Department of Energy

Dr. Karina Edmonds, Technology Transfer Coordinator for the Department of Energy, speaks about innovations from the National Laboratories that are solving our energy challenges.   Listen to Dr. Karina Edmonds to learn how these inventions come to market and what entrepreneurs can learn from them  

Kathy Loftus of Whole Foods

With the recent acquisition of Whole Foods Market by Amazon, it’s a good time to listen to Green Connections Radio host’s fascinating conversation with Whole Foods Markets’ Global Head of Sustainable Facilities, Kathy Loftus. Kathy initiated some innovative strategies to reduce the enormous energy consumption of the retailer’s 420 stores and myriad other buildings. How… Continue reading Kathy Loftus of Whole Foods