Energy Vista: A Podcast on Energy Issues, Professional and Personal Trajectories

A decade after warning about rare earth dependencies, David Abraham joins Leslie Palti-Guzman to unpack why #minerals now shape global power, how the US is racing to catch up, and what it'll take to finance a resilient #supplychain.David Abraham, is the author of The Elements of Power and a leading voice on the intersection of natural resources and #geopolitics. David warned about the strategic risks of overreliance on foreign minerals and #China's dominance—warnings that have now become front-page news.Together, they explore:

In this episode of Energy Vista, Leslie Palti-Guzman speaks with Nicola De Blasio, Senior Fellow at Harvard's Belfer Center, about the transformative potential of #blockchain #technology in #energy systems. They explore how blockchain can improve energy #trading, certify low-carbon commodities like #hydrogen, and enable #decentralized energy access. Nicola also discusses the challenges to adoption — from regulation to misconceptions — and why collaboration across industry, government, and innovators is key to unlocking blockchain's promise. Education is also critical for adoption of this new technology.Recorded on April 25, 2025.

In this French-language episode of Energy Vista, Leslie Palti-Guzman speaks with Didier Holleaux, Executive Vice President at Engie and author of La vraie histoire du gaz, to explore Europe's evolving energy landscape in the wake of Russia's war in Ukraine.They discuss Europe's reduced reliance on Russian gas, high gas prices, and continued market vulnerability. Didier explains why the crisis is far from over, unpacks the geopolitical and commercial stakes of LNG and pipeline flows, and offers insights on the Nord Stream sabotage — with a clear view on who had the most to gain.The conversation also covers the future of US LNG exports, European trust in suppliers like Russia the US and Qatar, and how supply diversification, biomethane, and renewables are reshaping the continent's energy resilience.

In this Energy Vista episode, Leslie Palti-Guzman sits down with Tarek Souki, an energy executive with deep experience in the U.S. LNG industry through his roles at Cheniere Energy and Tellurian. Together, they unpack the challenges of financing LNG projects, and whether America can maintain its competitive edge in the global LNG race.How do financing hurdles, long-term contracts, and regulatory uncertainty shape the future of U.S. LNG? What role do geopolitics and trade tensions play in securing buyers? And is Venture Global a true market disruptor or a company testing the limits of the system?Tarek also reflects on his career path, from investment banking to working alongside his father, LNG pioneer Charif Souki , and shares insights on navigating family business dynamics in the energy world.

In this episode of Energy Vista, Leslie Palti-Guzman speaks with Phil Chaffee, editor of Nuclear Intelligence Weekly at Energy Intelligence, about the global nuclear energy revival, its geopolitical supply chain challenges, and policy drivers shaping the industry. Is nuclear energy finally making a comeback, or are we still in a phase of big plans with little execution? How are AI-driven energy demand, climate policies, and energy security concerns shaping this revival? What role does gas play as a bridge fuel, and could nuclear truly compete in the long term? They also dive into the U.S. push for nuclear enriched fuel independence-- notably from Russia-- Europe's shifting stance—is Germany rethinking its nuclear exit?—and China's aggressive reactor expansion. Plus, Phil shares insights from nearly two decades of reporting on nuclear energy. Tune in for a deep dive into one of the most debated energy sources of the future.

"Europe cannot go back to business as usual with Putin's Kremlin. The era of Russian energy dominance in Europe should be over for good." – Dr. Benjamin Schmitt"Europe is undergoing a shock therapy administered by Washington—a tough wake-up call for the transatlantic relationship." – Leslie Palti-GuzmanIn this Energy Vista podcast episode, Leslie Palti-Guzman welcomes Dr. Benjamin Schmitt to discuss Europe's energy security amid geopolitical upheaval. They discuss Europe's energy diversification, Russia's energy weaponization, and the risks of hybrid warfare, including recent undersea cable attacks suspected to involve Russia. Who blew up Nord Stream pipes? Ben answers and stresses that Europe must not revert to Russian energy dependence, despite economic pressures. The conversation also covers NATO's role in critical infrastructure protection and transatlantic cooperation for energy resilience. At a personal level, Leslie shares her journey post-acquisition of GasVista and Leviaton, while Ben updates on his role at the University of Pennsylvania. Also, Ben shares his information regimen to remain on top of his research and analysis.

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Gina Cohen, an Israeli gas expert, on the geopolitics of trade in the East Mediterranean region. They discuss infrastructure development, energy security, export scenarios, Europe's renewed interest, new regional alliances and Israel's domestic policy environment. Gina is also sharing her personal journey in which she learned to speak up and lean in. This episode was recorded on May 27, 2022.

Leslie Palti-Guzman is exchanging with her eight-year-old son on the Russia-Ukraine war. He had many questions that he wanted to share with other kids. He asked Leslie about Europe's dependence on Russian energy, the refugee crisis, the role of China and many other topics. Audience: Third Grade and above. This episode was recorded on May 2, 2022. 

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Dr. Benabbou Senouci, macro economist and professor in Oran's Ecoles Superieures d'Economie, Algeria. This episode in French, recorded on Apr. 29, 2022, discusses Europe's renewed interest in Algeria's hydrocarbons, and what is means for Algeria's economy diversification away from fossil fuels. We delve into Algeria's renewable and hydrogen goals. Benabbou is sharing his thoughts about his students' interest in energy transition. 

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Phillip Cornell, Principal at Economist Impact on the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on energy trade flows. They discuss the state of play of sanctions and what further pressure, including a punitive tax on Russian oil, could mean for the world's economy. Their conversation touches on de-escalation in a post-war world, which could also become less globalized. Phillip explains his career path and when life threw him some curveballs. This episode was recorded on March 18, 2022. 

Was Germany's nuclear phase-out decision hasty and political or motivated by legitimate safety and environmental concerns? Why is nuclear back in the headlines and part of EU's green energy taxonomy? Leslie Palti-Guzman discusses with Colette Lewiner, senior advisor @Capgemini all things nuclear, investments, new technologies and politics. France's  looming announcement on new nuclear reactors shows growing divergences with Germany on energy issues. Colette shares her personal and social involvement in narrowing the gender gap in science. She is also explaining what she brings to the table as an independent Board member at more than six blue-chip companies. This episode was recorded on Jan. 31, 2022.

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Gulmira Rzayeva, Founder of Eurasia Analytics. They delve into Europe's current energy crisis and the consequences for future investments in Caspian's natural resources, from natural gas to hydrogen. They discuss geopolitics, prices, decarbonization, stranded assets, power play (Russia, Iran, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan). Gulmira has long been a voice for Azerbaijan explaining her country's energy policies and infrastructure projects #publicdiplomacy #thinktank #SouthernGasCorridor. This episode was recorded on Dec. 2, 2021.

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Peter Coleman, former CEO of Woodside and Board Director of Schlumberger. They cover many topics: current gas price crunch, LNG trade, investment in oil and gas versus renewable, influence of shareholders, Australia's export and climate policies, China's market clout, US-Australia relations. Peter shares  his unique experience as a CEO of a large company. Make sure to listen to the end to find out what was his most difficult decision. This episode was recorded on Oct. 28, 2021.

Leslie Palti-Guzman, exchanges with Antoine Heuty, founder of Ulula, a software company that allows workers in the mining industry to alert their employers about unsafe working conditions. Antoine and Ulula are at the core of the action: Supply Chains, ESG, Mining, Data. Our conversation touches on the role of the extractive industry in the energy transition, social vulnerabilities in the mining supply chain, ESG, standards and social media. Antoine is also sharing his path in becoming an entrepreneur.  This episode was recorded on Oct. 20, 2021. 

Why is biogas less 'sexy' than hydrogen? You will start to hear much more about the ‘hippie gas', which is biogas/biomethane, to decarbonize the electricity grid, cooking, and shipping (among other things). This is the topic of the latest Energy Vista podcast. Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Karen Sund on the growth prospects of biogas/biomethane, as a renewable, sustainable gas that will contribute to the circular economy. Karen is also sharing her passion about understanding full energy systems (local, national, international) and her obligation to say something, be outspoken. This episode was recorded on Jun. 11, 2021.

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet (NKM), former Minister for the Environment in France, currently Senior Partner at Antin Infrastructure in the US. Is there a technological solution to avoid cyber attacks on critical infrastructure? Do our democratic societies have a healthy debate on climate change and energy transition? Will there be some Transatlantic cooperation on energy infrastructure? Only NKM can cover such a wide spectrum of issues with depth and original thinking.  Through the podcast, we discuss her personal trajectory and her environmental passion which are deeply intertwined with her professional journey. This episode was recorded on May 14, 2021. 

Leslie Palti Guzman exchanged with Anna Mikulska on European pipeline politics and the use of natural gas as a geo-economic tool. They spiced up their discussion on Russia's Nord Stream 2 pipeline (NS2) by looking at statements advanced by the advocates and opponents of the project and gave their insights on why it's false, true or more nuanced. This is a timely topic with geopolitical ramifications; natural gas is here to stay in Europe for a few decades so it's important to understand what is at stake with NS2. Anna is also sharing what shaped her analytical mind and interest on energy issues from her Polish background to her law studies. This episode was recorded on Apr. 30, 2021.

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Anne-Claire Howard, CEO of ResponsibleSteel. We discuss the decarbonization challenges of the steel value chain: cost, trade wars, availability of technological solutions (CCS, hydrogen), future of steel communities, critical role of investors to finance R&D, certification of responsibly produced steel. Interestingly, the steel and LNG/gas industries have a lot in common when addressing energy transition and transformation. Anne-Claire shares also about her personal and professional trajectories; her pragmatism transpires. This episode was recorded on Apr. 9, 2021.

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Cecile Maisonneuve, Chairwoman of La Fabrique de la Cite. They discuss the future of our cities, how they will adapt and reemerge from ongoing challenges, the pandemic as well as climate change. They touch on mobility (for people and goods), decarbonization, electrification, density, democracy and the delicate balance between sustainability, equality and public acceptance.  Cecile opens up about how history and her multi-disciplinary understanding of the world  help her find creative solutions. Listen to the end to discover the enduring wisdom of Benjamin Franklin and how we can apply his life lessons to climate change. This episode was recorded on February 26, 2021.   

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Congressman Charles Boustany on US trade policy under the Biden administration and building a US presence in Asia through investments and energy. They delve into competition with China, setting up standards, coordination with Europe, infrastructure financing. They also discuss various trade agreements and their future. Congressman Boustany has a fascinating personal/professional trajectory, from a surgeon caring for his patients to a Congressman caring for his constituents in Louisiana. 

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Akos Losz, Energy Analyst at the IEA. They discuss some of the main trends highlighted in IEA's Gas Market Report Q4 2020 and debate on the drivers behind the historical price surge in Asia this winter. They also touch on seasonality, energy transition, coal-to-gas switching and investments. Akos shares his experience working at the IEA during Covid while raising a toddler. He explains the writing process and data gathering behind the agency's reports.  This episode was recorded on Feb. 1, 2021. 

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Aura Sabadus, a senior energy journalist with ICIS. We discuss recent energy security dynamics in South-East Europe with the completion of the Southern Gas Corridor and its implications on gas prices, gas-to-coal switching and relationship with Northwest Europe. We delve into the new European Union's approach to natural gas, financing and US regional interests. Some countries highlighted include Romania, Turkey, Greece, Moldova, Bulgaria. Regarding her personal trajectory, Aura shares her views on freedom of speech in a geopolitically sensitive region. The episode was recorded on Jan. 8, 2021.

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Colette Lewiner, Senior Energy Advisor to the Capgemini Chairman. They discuss the most surprising Covid-19 energy-related takeaways and Capgemini's latest World Energy Markets Observatory (WEMO). They delve into opportunities and challenges to decarbonize Europe's electricity mix, reach EU's climate goals, including its hydrogen strategy. At a personal level, Colette explains how she successfully manages a portfolio of activities (board member, advisor, consultant to start-up...). This episode was recorded on Dec. 3, 2020. 

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Michal Meidan, Director of the China Energy Program at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies. They discuss the feasibility of China's pledge to be carbon neutral by 2060 and Beijing's reasoning behind setting ambitious environmental goals. They delve into the challenges and opportunities of implementing the new top-down climate strategy and gauge whether Beijing will seize the opportunity to export green technologies abroad via the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). On a personal note, Michal shares about the usefulness of language skills (e.g. Mandarin), but in today's world mastering an exotic language may not be enough unless it's combined with another specialization. 

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Amos Hochstein, a businessman and former diplomat at the US State Department. They exchange on timely energy and environmental topics ahead of the US elections: 1) Putting climate at the center of all policies and what it means for foreign policy; 2) China's inconsistent climate trajectory; 3) Cost of the energy transition and need for international/private/public financing; 4) European energy security. At a personal level, Amos opens up about his sense of making a contribution when he worked for the government. He worked also for a gas company and had some explaining to do at home about the role of gas in the transition while raising a Climate generation.  

Leslie Palti Guzman exchanges with Rachel Kyte, dean of the Fletcher School at Tufts University. They discuss the opportunities and challenges of a global green recovery post-pandemic. They delve into the complicated dynamics between fossil fuels and energy access, including access to cleaner cooking. Rachel shares her thoughts on leapfrogging to cleaner energies, fossil fuel subsidies, and the future role of natural gas in the energy transition. On a personal note, Rachel is opening up on the epiphany that led her to become a Dean, her responsibility to train tomorrow's leaders, and what it takes to live life fully. Hint: Courage is key.

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Amy Jaffe, Managing Director at the Climate Policy Lab at Tufts University's Fletcher School. We delve into US-China energy competition, impact of trade wars on investments and trade flows, and geopolitics of climate change. We also explore the outcome of the US elections on the US-China energy relationship. Amy walks us through her force of adaptation, explaining how her career followed the evolution of the energy markets. This episode was recorded on September 25, 2020.

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Romany Webb, a Climate Law Fellow at the Sabin Center at Columbia University. We delve into US flip-flop policies on methane emissions and their legal consequences. We discuss EU's upcoming methane strategy, impact of US elections on climate, integration of biogas and hydrogen. Also, Romany shares how her legal and Australian backgrounds inform her perspective and how her move to the US brought her many opportunities. This episode was recorded on Sep. 22, 2020.

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Robert Johnston (RJ), managing director, energy, climate and resources at Eurasia Group (EG). They discuss Canada's energy challenges and opportunities as the country moves towards economic recovery and energy transition. They delve into Canadian companies' strategies to reduce their carbon footprint, get governmental support, and prepare for some stranded assets. Canada will be a place to watch for carbon capture technologies. RJ is also sharing about his professional and personal trajectories, with a stint as EG's CEO while being a modern dad.

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Amlan Saha who spends most of his time advising companies on their road maps to become carbon-neutral. They start by defining the 'net-zero emissions' concept and chat about timely topics, such as offsets, peer pressure, public policies, carbon budget, stranded assets, investors, hydrogen, and scenario analysis. Amlan discusses his multicultural background that makes him look at things with alternative perspectives/approaches. This episode was recorded on June 15, 2020.  

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Heather Rock, the Climate Resilience Chief at Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). They discuss the company's new climate change adaptation focus, growing weather-related risks and strategies to build resilience. California-based power companies are at the forefront of adaptation efforts (e.g wildfire risks) and can share lessons with the rest of the world. Heather is also sharing about her career evolution from being a political risk on Latam to working for oil and gas companies and trying to reduce climate change risks from within the industry.

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Benjamin Schmitt, a former European Energy Security Advisor at the US Department of State and Scientist at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. The podcast is divided in two parts given Benjamin's unique background on geopolitics of energy and physics : PART 1) We dive into the latest developments in European energy security: Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, Russia's energy vision, Ukraine, Belarus and motivations behind US's involvement ; PART 2) We discuss nuclear fusion, US mission in the South Pole, emerging power competition in Antarctica. Lastly, you will hear why we need more scientists in policy making.

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Colette Lewiner, an outstanding Women in Energy, who is currently energy adviser to the president of Capgemini and independent board member at several blue chip companies. They discuss the rapid transformations of the energy market in an environment marked by low prices, COVID-19 and demand destruction, including competitiveness of renewables, access to financing, green stimulus, and digitization. Colette explains how utilities are adapting to the situation at a time when some European governments consider nationalization. Also, she shares her insider view of what sitting on boards through a crisis, such as Covid-19, looks like.

This is a special episode with Leslie Palti-Guzman's daughter, Lyla (her stage name), who asks authentic questions on energy, natural gas and pollution. This is a fun, witty, genuine conversation from the perspective of a third grader who tries to understand better our energy world. All levels. Viewer discretion: There is one mention of the coronavirus/COVID19, when discussing why energy is important in our life. To be shared with families and happy listening during this challenging shelter-in period. 

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Thierry Bros on the European Gas market in the aftermath of the coronavirus crisis. They cover what may be left of the EU Green deal, revised outlook for renewable and gas infrastructure in a world without subsidies (e.g. PCI list), market share war between European gas/LNG suppliers and EU-US plans to curb methane emissions. Thierry delves into his professional trajectory and his accomplishments as a public servant,  academic writer, book author, bank research analyst and energy consultant. This episode was recorded on March 13, 2020.

Leslie Palti Guzman, exchanges with David Goldwyn, president of Goldwyn Global Strategies, on US-led strategy for driving energy growth in the Western Atmosphere. They discuss the initiative's key drivers, means and goals, and Latin America resource and infrastructure investment outlook post-Covid 19 (e.g. Mexico, Guyana, Argentina). They delve into David's experience in advancing US Energy Diplomacy and how mentors have shaped his professional ethic and skills. This episode was recorded on March 13, 2020.

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Commissioner Diane Burman on New York ambitious clean energy targets and what is means for the future of natural gas. The world is watching New York's energy leadership. Regulators, policymakers, and industries need to get it right. Diane explains us in details her complicated task as she needs to take into consideration costs, resilience, reliability and environment. We also discuss what an orderly just energy transition means and how female leadership can help. This episode was recorded on Feb. 28, 2020.

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Colette Lewiner, an outstanding Women in Energy, who is currently energy adviser to the president of Capgemini and mastermind behind the World Energy Markets Observatory, an annual report that sets standards in the energy sector. She is also a member of the EDF board of directors. They discuss WEMO 2019 key findings, including distinct trajectories for China and India to curb greenhouse gas emissions; how Europe is the best student in a bad class; coal clean technology; carbon price; batteries; hydrogen; geopolitics of renewable and the evolving business model of utilities. Colette is also opening up on her personal path, how she made it work as the first women in energy of her generation to reach top executive positions and enter male-dominated boardroom. Not easy, but possible! This episode was recorded on Nov. 15, 2019.  

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Marc-Antoine, Director of IFRI's Energy Center on timely topics from the European Union's carbon neutrality goals, to gas transit in Ukraine and border carbon adjustment. You will learn a lot on Europe's energy & climate state of mind, UK's decarbonization model, phasing out coal, electrification and carbon price. Marc-Antoine explains his personal commitment to reduce his carbon footprint by biking but Parisian lanes are not always bike-friendly. This episode was recorded on Nov. 8, 2019.

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Bob McNally, founder and president of Rapidan Energy. They exchange about the future of oil prices and demand, from plastics to transportation. They discuss US pulling back the Middle East since it became import-free, ongoing Washington DC climate discussions which will shape the 2020 presidential campaign. On Bob’s personal trajectories, they talk about his bipartisan music band and views on being an objective analyst versus an advocate. This episode was recorded on November 8, 2019. 

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Dagmara Koska, Energy and Climate Counsellor at Delegation of the European Union to the United States. Dagmara and Leslie discuss several energy and environmental topics that rhythm today’s transatlantic energy relations including Russia's Nord Stream 2 pipeline, youth climate movement, electricity versus gas projects, green gas, energy efficiency, Ukraine and energy security. Dagmara will answer whether it has become toxic to speak about fossil fuels in Brussels, and what is the right tone to address climate change and raise awareness without being hyper alarmist. On her personal and professional trajectories, Dagmara shares what has shaped her career including an emphasis on education and languages, love for multinational and multicultural environments.

Leslie Palti-Guzman is exchanging with Dr. Paula Gant, Senior Vice President, Corporate Strategy and Innovation at GTI. The discussion addresses the future of natural gas, pipelines and storage post-2030 at a time when our energy systems will be undergoing deep decarbonization. Paula highlights several innovations, including turning hydrogen and bio-methane into chemicals. On her professional and personal trajectories, Paula talks about her career path including her years working at DOE under the Obama adm, learning by doing and taking a pause in between works to readjust priorities.

Leslie Palti-Guzman is exchanging with Lisa Sachs, Director at Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment. The discussion touched on the role of investors in energy transition, reliability of projections for fossil fuel demand, country-by-country and fuel-by-fuel approach to decarbonization, and the need for global governance to manage stranded assets. On her personal trajectory, Lisa talks about raising three young daughters while growing her other baby, the Center. She is giving us great tips on how to teach complex topics--energy and sustainability--to our youth. 

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Carolyn Kissane, the Academic Director of the graduate program in Global Affairs at New York University and a professor of geopolitics of energy and environment. Carolyn and her students are just back from a research trip in Norway and Denmark where they examined the Nordic countries' model of energy transition. Carolyn and Leslie discuss electrification, role of governments and private sector, financing, transportation and power sectors, and environmental opposition to transmission lines. The chat on personal trajectories include playing a role model for women students and an inspiring segment on being true to your own style and personality (e.g. natural curly hairs rather than blow dry).

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Melanie Kenderline, principal of Energy Futures Initiative, dubbed as a low-carbon energy think tank. They discuss Turkey's ambitions to become a hub, but recent geopolitical tensions could slow down progress. Melanie dives into key drivers that make a functioning hub, including infrastructure and market design. This chat is full of anecdotes: working with 4 different energy secretaries, including former Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz, commuting on a weekly basis from New Mexico to Washington DC, working in two transition teams, having a supportive life partner. Melanie explains also her role as the C3E Symposium series ambassador, a joint MIT-DOE program to support the careers of women in clean energy with cash prizes.

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Clara Gillispie, Senior Director of Trade, Economic and Energy Affairs at the National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR). They chat about the meanings and objectives of US-led Indo-Pacific initiative, Asia Edge, TPP 2.0. They discuss several bilateral strategic energy partnerships with Japan, India and Australia and whether they will evolve into a multilateral forum. They cover the increasingly blurred lines between public and private financing for energy infrastructure and the role of China in this strategy. Clara shares her personal and professional trajectory, her tips to keep away digital distraction and to maintain work-life balance when working with Asia and travelling long distance. 

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Rachel Ziemba, founder of Ziemba Insights, a macroeconomic research firm. They chat about investments from oil-rich sovereign wealth funds (SWF) and their impact on energy and geopolitics.They also talk about institutional investors greening their investments. Rachel explains how strategies of funds from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Russia, Alberta, Alaska and other are evolving. As important is Rachel's insights on her career path and how she successfully built a "portfolio approach" of activities and clients. She is grateful for the support of women networks and like-minded entrepreneurs doing innovative businesses. 

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Dr. Kelly Sims Gallagher, a Tufts University Fletcher School professor and former US climate policymaker, on her new book Titans of Climate. They chat about the reasons that motivated her and her co-author to write the book and the process of writing it. Kelly tells us about China's post-Paris agreement climate actions and China's progress on being a responsible stakeholder. They talk about energy investments within China's Belt and Road initiative and Beijing's ambition to make it greener, as well as US-led Indo-Pacific strategy. In terms of personal trajectory, Kelly explains how it is more challenging for a woman to become a professor with tenure, and how she embraced the opportunity to work for the government--despite feeling guilty for her family at first. 

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Michael Lustig who retired after nearly 25 years at Blackrock, and now devotes the majority of his time toward teaching, non-profit & impact-related enterprises. Michael explains what led him to start new professional ventures, including advising a solar company that brings augmentative power generation in countries such as Rwanda. We discuss Power Africa, financing projects in less-credit worthy countries, CSR, fossil fuels, batteries, and US-China competition.   

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Rudolf Huber, president of LNG Austria. Rudolf is an outspoken expert on all things methane, with views that often challenge the consensus. Rudolf explains why natural gas will play a role in Europe's greener energy mix, including in road transportation (heavy duty vehicles and buses), and why German society will need to have difficult conversations about their energy choices. We discuss also the fact that talking about natural gas is toxic for some European policymakers (that's the case for some Americans too). Rudolf is also very spontaneous and transparent in sharing his experience in parenting a child with special needs that led him to adjust his professional path away from corporate.   The episode was recorded on March 8, 2019 

Leslie Palti-Guzman exchanges with Isuru Seneviratne, an energy expert and investor with a strong passion for pragmatic solutions to global warming. Isuru explains with great pedagogic skills what climate action means at the policy and investment levels (e.g Bipartisan Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act, carbon tax, New green Deal, green investment, divestment). Isuru discusses also his climate engagement and civic leadership at a personal level which is very inspiring. Isuru tells us about his journey from Sri Lanka to becoming an American citizen. Hollywood TV series have definitely been an important force of American soft power (listen to the end to find out about our favorite shows growing up oversees)!