Today, we're joined by Anurag Kamal, CEO and co-founder of ElectricFish, a San Carlos-based startup solving the grid bottleneck that's holding back EV charging infrastructure. A mechanical engineer by training, Anurag spent the early part of his career working on heavy-duty powertrains at Eicher Motors (a Volvo subsidiary in India) before moving to the US to research lithium-ion batteries at Michigan Tech. He went on to work at BMW's Silicon Valley office before founding ElectricFish at a climate hackathon in 2019.

In this episode, we explore Anurag's journey across continents and corporate cultures, from India to Detroit to the Bay Area, and how those experiences shaped his leadership philosophy. We dig into the reality of building a company with co-founders you met at a weekend hackathon, why the electrical grid is being "torn apart" by EVs and renewables, and what it takes for a technical engineer to evolve into a commercial storyteller who can rally investors, customers and talent around a mission that could reshape how electricity moves for the next hundred years.

If you're a founder, engineer stepping into leadership, or anyone curious about the future of energy infrastructure, this episode is packed with insight.

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This podcast is brought to you by GS2 Partnership, the recruitment partner for ambitious, impact-led teams across energy, finance, and the built environment.

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Today, we're joined by Marco Terruzzin, Chief Revenue Officer at Energy Vault. Marco's career spans mechanical engineering, a PhD in energy economics, carbon credit trading in China under the Kyoto Protocol, and scaling Energy Vault from five employees to a publicly listed modern independent power producer.

In this episode, we explore how Marco navigated the tension between engineering ambition and commercial reality, from validating a gravity-based energy storage technology to pivoting the company's entire value proposition when market assumptions didn't hold. We discuss why the energy transition needs to be framed around prosperity and abundance rather than scarcity and reduction, how AI data centres could undo 20 years of grid decarbonisation within 24 months, and why Marco believes the economics will ultimately pull the industry back toward renewables.

We also get into Marco's leadership philosophy including his unconventional hiring test, why he values dialogue over interviews, and the guiding principles that have kept Energy Vault's commercial team aligned through rapid growth and strategic pivots.

If you're interested in energy storage, the intersection of AI and clean energy, or building high-performance teams in fast-moving industries, this episode delivers.

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This podcast is brought to you by GS2 Partnership, the recruitment partner for ambitious, impact-led teams across energy, finance, and the built environment.

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Today we're joined by Mark Liffmann, CEO and Co-Founder of Omnidian the company that created an entirely new category in the solar industry known as performance assurance. Mark's career is a masterclass in reading the market before anyone else: after starting as a corporate attorney at Harvard Law, he jumped into solar in 2002 long before the clean tech boom and helped build SunPower's residential business from zero to half a billion dollars in five years.

In this episode, we explore how a chance sales call revealed that America's biggest solar companies were managing hundreds of thousands of systems on spreadsheets and how that "aha moment" led Mark and his two co-founders to build Omnidian from a $600,000 angel round into a company guaranteeing 1.5 gigawatts of distributed energy assets. We also dig into the painful reality of raising pre-seed capital while still in your day job, the Bill Walsh management lesson that Mark calls the most important he ever learned, and how Omnidian has built an award-winning remote-first culture with less than 10% annual attrition including eight consecutive years as a Top 100 workplace in Washington State.

Whether you're a founder navigating early-stage fundraising, a leader building culture at scale, or someone fascinated by the infrastructure quietly powering the energy transition, this episode is packed with hard-won insight.

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Connect with Mark on LinkedIn

This podcast is brought to you by GS2 Partnership, the recruitment partner for ambitious, impact-led teams across energy, finance, and the built environment.

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Today we're joined by EJ Wise, CEO and founder of Positive Energy an EV charging infrastructure company at the forefront of America's electrification movement. EJ's story is one of the most compelling career pivots you'll hear: seven successful exits in media technology, from building fantasy football at CBS Sports to working at Will Ferrell's Funny or Die, before a chance investment and a birthday party conversation changed everything.

Now leading what could become the largest EV charging contract award in US history, EJ brings a sales leader's clarity, an entrepreneur's hunger, and a refreshingly honest take on what it takes to build something that actually matters.

In this episode, we explore:

• How EJ made the leap from media technology to the energy sector and why not knowing the industry turned out to be his biggest advantage
• The Romeo Power story: angel investor turned Chief Revenue Officer, working alongside SpaceX and Tesla alumni to commercialise battery technology
• Why EJ pivoted to found Positive Energy and the vision for the US's most reliable public EV charging network
• The technology roadmap: ultra-fast charging, wireless inductive charging, and autonomous vehicle charging infrastructure
• His non-negotiable hiring principle and why good character always beats great credentials
• What it really means to leave the world better than you found it: climate, team legacy, and the power of accountability

Whether you're navigating your own career pivot, building a team, or following the future of clean energy this episode is packed with straight-talking insight and more than a few brilliant stories along the way.

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Connect with EJ on LinkedIn

This podcast is brought to you by GS2 Partnership, the recruitment partner for ambitious, impact-led teams across energy, finance, and the built environment.

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Today we're joined by David Reasenberg, Chief Commercial Officer at Heliene, one of North America's premium solar module manufacturers. David's path to the C-suite is unlike almost any other you'll hear from painting trash cans as part of a school recycling programme in junior high, to becoming a licensed electrician, to installing solar on icy rooftops in Vermont, to founding his own e-commerce solar business, before building a career defined by rare tenure, loyalty, and relentless accountability across some of the industry's most respected organisations.

In this episode, we explore:

• How David's early environmental roots in 1990s California quietly shaped the career that followed
• The power of "compound judgment" and why staying in a role longer than most gives you an edge no job-hopper can buy
• How Heliene became one of the first US manufacturers to ship modules with full domestic content, and what that means for customers navigating today's policy landscape
• Why "responsiveness is a lost art" and the deceptively simple habits that separate great salespeople from average ones
• David's approach to hiring, referencing, and building high-performance commercial teams
• The role of AI in sales and why discipline will always beat cleverness

Whether you're in sales, renewable energy, or building a career with purpose, this episode is packed with hard-won lessons from someone who's done the work at every level of the industry.

Connect with Josh on LinkedIn 

Connect with David on LinkedIn

This podcast is brought to you by GS2 Partnership, the recruitment partner for ambitious, impact-led teams across energy, finance, and the built environment.

Find out more about GS2 here 

Connect with Josh on LinkedIn 

Connect with Olga on LinkedIn

This podcast is brought to you by GS2 Partnership, the recruitment partner for ambitious, impact-led teams across energy, finance, and the built environment.

Find out more about GS2 here 

Connect with Irfan on LinkedIn

This podcast is brought to you by GS2 Partnership, the recruitment partner for ambitious, impact-led teams across energy, finance, and the built environment.

Find out more about GS2 here 

Connect with Josh on LinkedIn 

Connect with Marta on LinkedIn

This podcast is brought to you by GS2 Partnership, the recruitment partner for ambitious, impact-led teams across energy, finance, and the built environment.

Find out more about GS2 here

Today, we're joined by Sohan Das, Vice President of Renewable Energy at EVS, Inc. a consulting engineering firm specializing in utility-scale solar, battery storage, and transmission infrastructure. Sohan's journey is one of purpose, resilience, and serendipity - from growing up in India watching his father's environmental initiatives, to navigating the 2009 recession, to building a renewable energy division from the ground up that now supports 230 families.

In this episode, we explore:

• How early environmental awareness in India shaped Sohan's career trajectory
• The reality of joining start ups during a recession and what it takes to thrive
• Building a renewable energy division from scratch at EVS, Inc. over 11 years
• The critical transition from individual contributor to leader of leaders
• Navigating industry uncertainty while staying mission-driven
• Why consulting engineering firms are the best place for engineers to truly learn their craft
• The importance of diversification strategy in a rapidly changing energy landscape

Sohan shares invaluable lessons on risk-taking, the art of listening, and how to balance technical excellence with people-first leadership. Whether you're an engineer, entrepreneur, or sustainability professional, this episode offers practical wisdom on building with purpose while weathering industry storms.

Connect with Josh on LinkedIn

Connect with Sohan on LinkedIn

This podcast is brought to you by GS2 Partnership, the recruitment partner for ambitious, impact-led teams across energy, finance, and the built environment.

Find out more about GS2 here

In this episode, Josh is joined by Kellie Macpherson, Executive Vice President of Compliance and Security at Radian.

With a career spanning grid reliability, renewables, and executive leadership, Kellie shares how her upbringing in a family deeply tied to the energy industry shaped her path and how she’s now helping to define the future of compliance and security in the renewable sector.

We explore Kellie’s journey from the California ISO during the energy crisis, to pioneering compliance in solar and renewables, to leading teams at scale in a rapidly growing business. Along the way, she reflects on leadership lessons, the power of saying “yes,” the challenges of sustaining growth, and why battery storage gives her hope for the future of the grid.

Key Takeaways:

• Growing up with grid reliability at the dinner table and how it shaped Kellie’s perspective on energy.
• Lessons from the California energy crisis and why reliability is personal.
• Transitioning into renewables and creating compliance frameworks for first-of-their-kind projects.
• The power of saying “yes” and how it accelerates careers.
• Building resilient teams, spotting burnout, and leading with kindness.
• Why battery storage is the future of reliable renewable energy.
• The role of LinkedIn and personal brand in creating opportunities.
  
  

If you’re interested in leadership, grid reliability, or the future of renewables, this conversation is packed with insight.

Today, we’re joined by Jon Parrella, Founder and CEO of TerraFlow Energy. In just one year, TerraFlow has become the world’s largest flow battery company, tackling one of the biggest challenges of our time: powering the colossal energy needs of data centers with American-made, long-duration battery storage.

In this episode, Jon shares his entrepreneurial journey — from early ventures in energy and SaaS to founding TerraFlow Energy. We explore how his mindset, risk-taking approach, and ability to pivot have fueled rapid growth, and why flow batteries could be the breakthrough technology for the energy transition.

We also dive into:

• Lessons from building and exiting multiple companies
• Why long-duration storage is key to AI-driven data centers
• How to scale a startup from idea to gigafactories in under 18 months
• Leadership, hiring, and the importance of aligning interests
• Jon’s vision for leaving a lasting legacy in clean energy

If you’re interested in entrepreneurship, energy innovation, or building sustainable solutions at scale, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Today, we’re joined by James Stander, founder of Sustainable Advantage, an ESG and sustainability consultancy supporting over 700 clients including 40 private equity firms across multiple sectors.

James’s journey is anything but conventional. From a tough start at school to early entrepreneurial ventures, a career in accounting and M&A, and eventually building a facilities management business, his path has been defined by resilience and reinvention. A pivotal moment, losing a major tender on sustainability grounds pushed James to establish Sustainable Advantage in 2010. Today, the firm has nearly 100 consultants in the UK and Paris, and operates globally.

In this fast-paced conversation, we dive into:

• James’s entrepreneurial highs and lows, from losing everything at 19 to scaling businesses to multi-million turnover
  
  
  
• Why sustainability is more than a tick-box exercise, it’s a driver of business value
  
  
  
• How private equity firms and their portfolio companies are navigating ESG pressures
  
  
  
• The role of data, metrics, and technology in making sustainability actionable
  
  
  
• Leadership lessons on growth, people, and the future of ESG consulting
  
  
  

If you’re an ambitious leader interested in sustainability, entrepreneurship, or the intersection of profit and purpose, this episode is packed with insights.

In this episode we’re joined by Harlin Singh, Managing Director and Global Head of Sustainable Investing at Citi Wealth. Harlin’s career path spans FX trading, microfinance, public policy, and now, guiding ultra-high-net-worth clients toward long-term, impact-driven wealth strategies.

In this episode, we explore:

• How Harlin pivoted from foreign exchange to sustainable finance
  
  
  
• The evolving role of private wealth in driving systems change
  
  
  
• Balancing philanthropy, investment, and operating businesses to maximize impact
  
  
  
• Turning complex topics like biodiversity and natural capital into investable strategies
  
  
  
• Why collaboration, not empire-building, is key to real sustainability
  
  
  

Whether you're managing wealth, designing strategy, or exploring ESG from any angle this episode offers practical and profound insights into the future of investing.

Today, we’re joined by Nicola Stopps, founder of Simply Sustainable, a leading sustainability and ESG consultancy. Nicola’s story is one of entrepreneurial grit, having built her firm from the ground up with just £1,500 and six months to make it work.

In this episode, we dive into:

The challenges and rewards of building a business from scratch

• How to embed sustainability into corporate strategy
• The importance of company culture and how to build a team that thrives
• What it takes to secure private equity investment while maintaining your values
• Nicola shares valuable lessons from her journey—from her activist roots in Wales to becoming a trusted sustainability advisor to some of the world’s largest companies.

If you’re an entrepreneur, business leader, or sustainability professional, this episode is packed with insights to help you build with purpose.

Today, we’re joined by Edward Vaughan Dixon, Head of Sustainability for Private Markets at Aviva Investors. Ed’s career journey is nothing short of remarkable - starting in construction and carpentry before progressing to a leadership role in sustainability at one of the world’s most prominent financial institutions.  

In this episode, we delve into how Ed has methodically shaped his career, focusing not just on technical expertise but also on developing essential leadership and soft skills, including completing an MBA. We also explore his vision for the future of sustainability in financial services and share practical advice for anyone navigating their own career in this field.  

If you’re looking for insights on sustainability, leadership, or career growth, this episode is packed with value!

We’re thrilled to welcome Anand Punja to today’s episode. As Anand Punja, Chief Engagement and Partnerships Officer at Forest Stewardship Council, Anand has dedicated over a decade to advancing sustainable forest management. His work spans the intricate intersections of markets, ecosystems, community engagement, social dynamics, and business finance.  

In our conversation, we explore Anand’s fascinating career journey, including his transition from the NGO sector to corporate consultancy and back to his roots in forestry and sustainability. We also discuss the bold decision he made to take a career break as a full-time parent, and how that shaped his path moving forward.  

If you’re interested in sustainability, career pivots, or balancing personal and professional priorities, this episode has something for you.

On today’s show, I’m excited to welcome Alexis Haass, a seasoned expert with over 20 years of experience at the intersection of business and climate action. From her impactful work at Adidas, where she led sustainability efforts, to her role as the first Chief Sustainability Officer at Arcadis, Alexis has consistently been at the forefront of driving meaningful change. Now, she focuses on advising private equity portfolio companies and advancing green transition solutions through the Women Climate Leaders Network at the European Investment Bank.  

In this episode, we explore Alexis’ career journey, what inspired her passion for sustainability, and her vision for the future of sustainable business. We discuss the role of innovation in shaping consumer demand and, most importantly, why linking sustainability with growth and strategy is key to driving performance.  

If these topics resonate with you, stay tuned!

Today, we’re delighted to welcome Andrew Griffiths, Director of Policy & Corporate Development at PlanetMark, a leading sustainability certification body. Andrew has had a fascinating career journey, building a wealth of experience that ultimately led him to his role at PlanetMark.

In this episode, we discuss how Andrew has strategically developed his personal brand to enhance his career, the collaborations and partnerships he’s fostered, and his vision for the future of the sustainability profession. Along the way, he shares valuable tips, insights, and a few entertaining stories that are sure to inspire.

There’s a lot to take away from this conversation, so dive right in!

In our conversation, we explore Elena's career journey from corporate roles at Mastercard to becoming a sustainability entrepreneur, as well as the unique perspective she gained from growing up in the Arctic and its influence on her connection to nature and sustainability.

It’s a fascinating chat, and definitely not one to miss!

Connecting the Dots by Dr Christian Busch, Link here to buy it from a B Corp Used Book Shop

Today, we’re excited to be joined by the "Circular Economy Queen of Sweden," Elin Bergman, Circular Impact Officer (Vice Chair) of Cradlenet and Co-founder & Managing Partner of Nordic Circular Hotspot. 

Elin is a well-known advocate for the circular economy, recognised as a LinkedIn Top Green Voice, with a growing audience who follow her insights and thought leadership.

In this episode, we explore the core principles of the circular economy and why it’s crucial for the future. We also delve into Elin’s career, which has been anything but linear, and hear about the personal adventures she’s experienced along the way.

If you’re keen to learn from someone who’s not only leading the conversation on circular economy but also has an inspiring life story, this episode is for you!

You can purchase a copy of Cradle to Cradle here - https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/405817/cradle-to-cradle-by-michael-braungart-and-william-mcdonough/9780099535478

This week, we’re excited to be joined by Adam Read, MBE, Chief Sustainability & External Affairs Officer at Suez UK, and a true leader in the waste management and innovation space. 

With over 20 years of experience across waste management, circular economy, government policy, and corporate strategy, Adam has witnessed the industry’s transformation firsthand. In this episode, we dive into his journey, from his childhood ambition to his role today, shaping the future of sustainability from both corporate and government perspectives.

We discuss how to craft compelling stories to convey sustainability messages, explore innovative solutions in waste management, and touch on the green skills essential for the future.

If you're curious about any of these topics, this episode is not one to miss. 

This week, we’re excited to be speaking to Heather Clancy, Editor At Large at GreenBiz Group.

Heather shares her insights on writing for both business and non-business audiences, the importance of embedding sustainability into the younger generation, and the global policy she would implement.

Want to know how Heather wants to leave the world better than she found it? Don’t miss this episode! 

On today's show, I'm delighted to be joined by Isabel McAllister, Chief Sustainability and Compliance Officer at First Bus. Isabel has dedicated her entire career to sustainability, starting with a degree in Environmental Science and European Environmental Regulation.

Her career took shape at Mace Group, where she spent 10 years growing their sustainability function into a market leader in the built environment. Recently, she transitioned to the transport sector, joining First Bus.

We discuss Isabel's career, her transition from the built environment to transport, and effective sustainability practices. Enjoy!

We’re delighted to be joined by Dan Sherrard-Smith, founder of MotherTree, a business that helps organisations and individuals make greener choices by offering support, guidance, and consultation on transitioning banking, pensions, and energy to more sustainable options.

As a serial entrepreneur, he co-founded Look After My Bills, securing the highest single investment in Dragons’ Den history. Despite some failures early in his career, his experiences in recruitment and sales have shaped him into the leader he is today.

If you're looking to make better financial choices, interested in the entrepreneurial journey of leading with purpose, or curious about innovations in sustainable finance, this episode is for you!

This week Jim Massey, Chief Sustainability Officer joins us to discuss the role of clarity and empowerment, staying true to your values, how transformation starts within yourself and, of course, how he wants to leave it better than he found it.

This is not an episode you’ll want to miss!

Christine Uri, Founder of ESG for In-house Counsel, shares her tips for entering the sustainability field, navigating sustainability in a corporate environment and her thoughts on finding meaning in business.

Listen to this captivating episode and find out how Christine wants to leave it better than we found it. 

Christine Uri - LinkedIn 

ESG for In-House Counsel

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In this episode, we’re joined by Louise Scott, Chief Operating Officer, Sustainability at PwC. We discuss the importance of internal mobility and flexibility, the role of authenticity in leadership and how PwC have turned an unused fire station into a social enterprise hub, and how Lousie intends on leaving it better than we found it. 

Don’t miss this insightful episode! 

This week, we are joined by Magali Anderson, Former Chief Sustainability and Innovation Officer and executive Committee member at Holcim. 

Magali shares her advice for aspiring sustainability leaders, how to make sustainability sexy, what legacy she would like to leave and, of course, how she wants to leave it better than we found it. 

Don’t miss this inspiring episode! 

Joining us this week is David Carlin, Founder of Cambium Global Solutions (Head of Climate Risk and TCFD at UNEP-FI). 

He shares his thoughts on overcoming obstacles to climate change action, developing the skills to lead a purposeful career, building a new approach for measuring and managing climate risks, and of course, how he will leave it better than we found it. 

Stay tuned for these insights and plenty more.

In this week's episode Josh is joined by Sean MacHale, Head of FSO Climate Change & Sustainability Services at EY.

We discuss Sean's upbringing in rural Ireland, how he progressed his career in the financial services industry, future sustainability focus areas, the evolution of sustainable finance and how he will leave it better than he found it.

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Joining us this week is Chris Hines, the Owner of A grain of sand. Chris was also one of the founders of Surfers Against Sewage, an organisation that many listeners will have heard of.

In this episode, we discuss what communication was like in the 1990s, the power of collaboration, intelligence activism, how Chris affected share prices to deliver environmental change, and of course, how Chris will leave it better than he found it.

Chris Hines - LinkedIn 

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Joining us for the first episode of 2024 is Cornelia Andersson, Head of Sustainable Finance & Investment, (Data & Analytics) at London Stock Exchange Group. In this episode, we find out why Cornelia sees change as an opportunity, how she navigated the transition to a technical role, her advice for future leaders and of course, how she’ll leave it better than she found it.

Enjoy an episode packed full of insights.

Joining us this week is Dan Wells, Partner at The Foresight Group. In this episode, we dive into the three layers of sustainability, the innovative areas The Foresight Group is going to be expanding into, the exciting areas of sustainability Dan is seeing outside of energy, and of course, how Dan is going to leave the planet better than he found it.

Enjoy another fascinating episode.

Joining us this week is Darren Anstee, Global Head of Occupational Safety & Health at TK Elevator.

In this episode, we discuss the importance of having a ‘why’, Darren's tips for people stepping into a larger remit, why Darren chooses to hire on behaviours and values over where someone comes from and lots more.

Enjoy another episode of Better Than We Found It.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Lena Patel, Deputy CEO of the Responsible Business Initiative for Justice (RBIJ). In this episode, we uncover Lena's remarkable career journey. 

Gain insight into her profound passion and determination that fueled her to leave the world better than she found it.