Green Connections Radio - Women Who Innovate With Purpose, & Career Issues, Including in Energy, Sustainability, Responsibil

“Change is a constant. This is the world that we live in. And so how do you decide what needs to change and transform? The best leaders have certain traits about them when it comes to leading an organisation through change. Great leaders have an ability to communicate and inspire and they never get tired of doing it. Or if they get tired, they keep doing it anyway because constant communication is essential when you're going through change.” Deborah Lee James on Electric Ladies podcast (previously Green Connections Radio)   Many companies are scaling back their climate, sustainability and diversity commitments to avoid being the target of this administration's wrath. This decisive moment for the private sector will test the resolve and foresight of today's leaders, making this a must-listen for anyone in a leadership role.   In a wide-ranging interview on leadership based on a sector where life-and death decisions are routine, 23rd Secretary of the U.S. Air Force Deborah Lee James talks to host Joan Michelson about what it takes to be a woman rising through the ranks.   This episode is being replayed as a tribute to our service members this Memorial Day.   You'll hear about: Approaches we can all learn from the military, especially with their in-depth experience in dealing with crisis. What resilience is and can be for those of us who don't want setbacks to stop our march onward. What “the best leaders” do to inspire and drive great teams to successful results. The five step process she applies successfully to every situation and why we all could. Great career advice for women who are always advancing. “So often women in leadership roles have labels put upon them. They're a bitch, they're unduly aggressive, they're not likeable… I try to be extra careful with my communications and in the way I treat people. And in this way I attempt at least to overcome the gender bias that is out there for strong women.” Deborah Lee James on Electric Ladies podcast (previously Green Connections Radio) Read Joan's Forbes article about former Secretary James, and more of her Forbes articles here.  You'll also like: U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan on the crucial role of climate bipartisanship when jobs and infrastructure investments are at stake Joan Michelson's Forbes article on Fossil Fuels, War And Climate: Women On The Frontlines Call For A New Security Mindset Jennifer Granholm, 16th U.S. Secretary of Energy, on the future of clean energy and climate action Sherri Goodman, former Undersecretary of Defense, on the connection between climate change and national security Vanessa Chan, formerly from the U.S. Department of Energy, on the investments transforming the energy systems Anna Siefken, formerly from the Federal Energy Management Program at the U.S. Department of Energy, on plans to reduce the carbon footprint of federal buildings across the country More from Electric Ladies Podcast!  JUST LAUNCHED: Join our global community at electric-ladies.mykajabi.com! For a limited time, be a member of the Electric Ladies Founders' Circle at an exclusive special rate.  Elevate your career with expert coaching and ESG advisory with Electric Ladies Podcast. Unlock new opportunities, gain confidence, and achieve your career goals with the right guidance. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, articles, events and career advice – and special coaching offers. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio and Spotify and leaving us a review! Don't forget to follow us on our socials Twitter: @joanmichelson LinkedIn: Electric Ladies Podcast with Joan Michelson Twitter: @joanmichelson Facebook: Green Connections Radio

“While the word ‘climate' may be politically charged for some, the need for affordable, reliable, and secure energy is something we can all agree on. Americans are calling for action, and as Members of Congress it's our responsibility to deliver. If we want long-term solutions that address both our constituents' concerns and growing climate risks, we must work together to strengthen our energy and climate security with urgency.” Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan to Electric Ladies Podcast  This week, Congress is set to debate legislation that could reshape the United States' energy landscape. At stake is more than $700 million in climate action and clean energy investments from the Inflation Reduction Act that was intended to benefit the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. What will the impact be if that funding is withdrawn. Listen to Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania and co-chair of the Bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus, a rare example of cooperation on Capitol Hill. She's also co-chair of the Women in STEM Caucus, which is also bipartisan. She shares insights into how to build bipartisanship, address the climate crisis and energy needs – as well as the threat that political polarization poses to keeping communities and critical infrastructure safe from extreme weather events. You'll hear about: How Pennsylvania's political landscape shapes the path of climate legislation What the Bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus is doing to advance the clean energy transition How extreme weather events can open the door to bipartisan climate action Why Congresswoman Houlahan's leadership with the Women in STEM Caucus matters Plus, insightful career advice  “Recognize that whatever you choose to do right now is not the end decision for the rest of your life. When you look backwards it's going to make sense, but when you look forward, it's going to be a crooked line. It's not going to be a straight line to somewhere, so do not to be too hard on yourself, do not try to seek perfection.” Chrissy Houlahan on Electric Ladies Podcast You'll also like: Most Americans Want Climate Action, Study Says. How To Bridge The Political Divide, ELP Host Joan Michelson's article that includes Congresswoman Houlahan. Women Rewriting The Climate Conversation, a panel from The Earth Day Women's Summit moderated by Joan Michelson Hilary Doe, Michigan's Chief Growth Office on how the state is turning IRA Credits into Growth Doreen Harris, President and CEO of NYSERDA, on how New York is leading the way to the clean energy future. Sherri Goodman, former Deputy Undersecretary of Defense, on why climate change is an issue of national security. Joan Michelson's Forbes article on Fossil Fuels, War And Climate: Women On The Frontlines Call For A New Security Mindset Read more of Joan's Forbes articles here. More from Electric Ladies Podcast!  JUST LAUNCHED: Join our global community at electric-ladies.mykajabi.com! For a limited time, be a member of the Electric Ladies Founders' Circle at an exclusive special rate.  Elevate your career with expert coaching and ESG advisory with Electric Ladies Podcast. Unlock new opportunities, gain confidence, and achieve your career goals with the right guidance. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, articles, events and career advice – and special coaching offers. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio and Spotify and leaving us a review! Don't forget to follow us on our socials Twitter: @joanmichelson LinkedIn: Electric Ladies Podcast with Joan Michelson Twitter: @joanmichelson Facebook: Green Connections Radio

“How do we get people in the tent to even hear the story? With ‘Living with Ed' and other projects, we were a family they could identify with. We were yelling, laughing, loving each other while talking about real issues. I represented the average person's perspective on issues like taking the subway. There's the funny, and there's the conflict. If it's not entertaining, it's not going to connect.” Rachelle Begley on Electric Ladies Podcast  Culture wars around climate change do more harm than good. As climate-driven extreme weather events become more frequent, proposed cuts to climate-related programs at the federal, state, or corporate level, pose a growing threat to public safety. The climate crisis is a safety issue – this isn't political. Fresh from The Earth Day Women's Summit at Earthx2025, listen to a live recording of a panel moderated by Joan Michelson about how we can find common ground in a climate crisis. Hear from women who have successfully bridged culture, politics and platforms to reframe conversations around the climate crisis. You'll hear from Inna Modja, Goodwill Ambassador of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, on humanizing climate migration. Rachelle Carson Begley, Actor and Environmentalist, on engaging through entertainment. Hayden Begley, Content Creator, on using social media to engage diverse audiences. Chelsea Henderson, Director of Editorial Content at RepublicEn, on bridging the political divide, and who also shares insightful career advice, and… Joan Michelson, host of Electric Ladies Podcast  “Playing into your interests and strengths is important. It's become a bit of a cliché to say, ‘Do what you love, and everything will fall into place,' because it's not that easy. I try not to say no to opportunities. Instead, I try to say yes more and engage with other women, because women are incredible at supporting one another. Leaning into that support system – hearing about the pitfalls, the challenges, what was hard, what was easy – is invaluable.” Chelsea Henderson on Electric Ladies Podcast You'll also like: Hilary Doe, Chief Growth Officer of Michigan, on how the state leverages the Inflation Reduction Act to increase climate resilience and drive growth. Chelsea Henderson, Director of Editorial Content at RepublicEn, on bridging the partisan divide on climate. Daniella Ortega, Director of “Carbon: An Unauthorized Biography”, on communicating non-preachy climate messages Courtney Bickert, social innovator and comedienne, on how comedy could help us solve today's biggest problems. Joan Michelson's Forbes article on Communicating Creatively On Climate To Save Lives Read more of Joan's Forbes articles here. More from Electric Ladies Podcast!  JUST LAUNCHED: Join our global community at electric-ladies.mykajabi.com! For a limited time, be a member of the Electric Ladies Founders' Circle at an exclusive special rate. Elevate your career with expert coaching and ESG advisory with Electric Ladies Podcast. Unlock new opportunities, gain confidence, and achieve your career goals with the right guidance. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, articles, events and career advice – and special coaching offers. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio and Spotify and leaving us a review! Don't forget to follow us on our socials Twitter: @joanmichelson LinkedIn: Electric Ladies Podcast with Joan Michelson Twitter: @joanmichelson Facebook: Green Connections Radio

“We did lots of infrastructure investments over the last handful of years to make sure our communities are in the best possible place they can be. And we complemented federal investment with workforce investment to ensure Michiganders are getting access to those kinds of roles, some of which didn't even exist previously. [This ensures] that Michigan communities could benefit from learning to be solar installers and get access to new economic income streams.” Hilary Doe on Electric Ladies Podcast The Justice Department is suing Michigan over its climate initiatives under the Clean Air Act. Michigan has the fastest-growing clean energy job sector in the U.S., with over 120,000 clean energy jobs. In addition, a recent study ranked Michigan at limited risk from climate change-related events, so it may attract millions of Americans who may relocate to escape extreme climate events. Listen to Hilary Doe, Michigan's first Chief Growth Officer (and the first in the country) on Electric Ladies Podcast with Joan Michelson. She describes how Michigan rapidly leveraged the Inflation Reduction Act to increase their climate resilience, economic growth and innovation. Now, Michigan is rated as one of the best places to live, work, raise a family and start a business. You'll hear about: Michigan's efforts to position itself as a climate-resilient and clean energy hub. The state's fast growing startup ecosystem and innovation centers, particularly in clean tech and mobility. The impact of climate change on businesses and the trend of "climate migration" to Michigan and the Midwest. Strategies for retaining and attracting talent, including new programs like "Make My Home". Plus, insightful career advice.  “Many folks start to experience frustration because they have built such a wealth of expertise and have so much to offer, but they might feel just stuck. In my experience, when I've been able to jump off that ladder and pursue something, a different context, a different platform, that lets me get unstuck. It's risky, but sometimes it just unlocks so much passion in an individual that to do exactly what you're meant to do and share all your gifts and be more successful than maybe you could have been in the other context.” Hilary Doe on Electric Ladies Podcast You'll also like: Tensie Whelan, Founding Director of NYU Stern on why sustainable business is good business.  Doreen Harris, President and CEO of NYSERDA, on how New York is leading the way to the clean energy future. Jennifer Granholm, 16th U.S. Secretary of Energy, gives three reasons why clean energy is here to stay. Sherri Goodman, former Deputy Undersecretary of Defense, on why climate change is an issue of national security. Joan Michelson's Forbes article on Communicating Creatively On Climate To Save Lives. Read more of Joan's Forbes articles here. More from Electric Ladies Podcast! JUST LAUNCHED: Join our global community at electric-ladies.mykajabi.com! For a limited time, be a member of the Electric Ladies Founders' Circle at an exclusive special rate.  Elevate your career with expert coaching and ESG advisory with Electric Ladies Podcast. Unlock new opportunities, gain confidence, and achieve your career goals with the right guidance.  Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, articles, events and career advice – and special coaching offers. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio and Spotify and leaving us a review! Don't forget to follow us on our socials Twitter: @joanmichelson LinkedIn: Electric Ladies Podcast with Joan Michelson Twitter: @joanmichelson Facebook: Green Connections Radio

“Blue state pension funds are doubling down on sustainability while red state pension funds are firing you. Companies are challenged because for some constituencies, they have to demonstrate their sustainability credentials, and for others, they have to hide them. So it's a really challenging time. But if you can demonstrate the business case, then maybe you can navigate being more proactive with those constituencies that really want this, and alleviating the risks with those constituencies that don't understand why it matters.” Tensie Whelan on Electric Ladies Podcast Mother Nature isn't waiting for politics to catch up – business leaders know it. Building companies that stand the test of time and create lasting value for their stakeholders, no matter which way the political winds blow, is the true measure of strategy and vision. Listen to Tensie Whelan, Founding Director of the NYU Stern Center for Sustainable Business. Drawing on extensive research across a range of industries from consumer goods to agriculture, Tensie speaks to Joan about how businesses can strengthen the financial case for sustainability and enhance their communications. You'll hear about: The nine key factors that drive financial value through sustainability. How to build a strong business case for sustainability. What effective sustainability messaging looks like. Plus, career advice for mid-career women in sustainability or those looking to break into the field.  “If you're working strictly in a business function, but would like to have more impact, see if you can work for a business who's doing some innovative work around sustainability. The sustainability team is always looking for partners. So there's an opportunity for you to get more experience and over time, potentially parlay your job into more sustainability work. Secondly, you could get on a board, a non-profit board that does a lot of work on environmental or just sustainability with corporates. “My whole career, I've advanced [because] I've always seen where the holes were, how to look at problem with an opportunity mindset and volunteer to attack that opportunity and be willing to take a risk to do that and feel comfortable, which women struggle with at times.” Tensie Whelan on Electric Ladies Podcast You'll also like: Alison Ward, CEO of CottonConnect, on how female farmers are transforming cotton. Dr. Stephanie Hare, researcher, broadcaster and author, on harnessing AI for climate action. Isabelle Grosmaitre, Goodness & Co, on how business models need to change to include their impact on society  Jill Tidman from The Redford Center on how we can talk about the climate while ensuring a balanced narrative. Joan Michelson's Forbes article on Death, Destruction — And Distraction: New Study On Media's Climate Coverage Crisis Read more of Joan's Forbes articles here. More from Electric Ladies Podcast! JUST LAUNCHED: Join our global community at electric-ladies.mykajabi.com! For a limited time, be a member of the Electric Ladies Founders' Circle at an exclusive special rate. Elevate your career with expert coaching and ESG advisory with Electric Ladies Podcast. Unlock new opportunities, gain confidence, and achieve your career goals with the right guidance. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, articles, events and career advice – and special coaching offers. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio and Spotify and leaving us a review! Don't forget to follow us on our socials Twitter: @joanmichelson LinkedIn: Electric Ladies Podcast with Joan Michelson Twitter: @joanmichelson Facebook: Green Connections Radio

“I've been particularly passionate about working with women in those communities to teach them about new techniques so they can understand how to run their farm more effectively, but also understand their rights as women in those communities so they have a stronger voice…. And because they were called an ‘ambassador,' their status in the village rose.” Alison Ward on Electric Ladies Podcast Have you ever wondered where your shirt really comes from, or where the cotton in your jeans was grown? While the tag might tell you where they were made, it won't tell you where the cotton came from. And that matters. Cotton is everywhere but this vital crop is now facing serious threats from climate change. Women farmers are transforming it. One organization is working to change that. CottonConnect is training female cotton farmers in eco-friendly, climate-resilient farming practices – and tracking it.  Listen to Alison aWard, CEO of CottonConnect on Electric Ladies Podcast with Joan Michelson and learn about the significant yet under recognized role of women in cotton farming. You'll hear about: How climate change is hitting female farmers the hardest. The ways CottonConnect is bringing transparency to the cotton supply chain. Innovative solutions in cotton farming, including a role played by the European Space Agency. How CottonConnect is empowering women and transforming communities. Plus, career advice for women navigating career transitions. “If you can combine something you're passionate about with something you're good at, and you can make that into a career, that is success. Find other women that will be prepared to give back to help careers and connect. We have a Women in CottonConnect group where we are really looking at how we can advance women in our organization.   “Not everything has to be an enormous career step. When I joined CottonConnect, it was a relatively small organization that has since grown into a much larger one. But it was something I was passionate about, and I've been fortunate to have a great team and great advisors around me.”  Alison Ward on Electric Ladies Podcast Read Joan's Forbes articles here. Telle Whitney, Author and Co-Founder of AnitaB.Org Institute on building a culture of innovation. UN Climate Week discussion on how some creative women are making sustainable fashion a reality, moderated by Joan Michelson. Kerry Bannigan, Managing Director of PVBLIC Foundation, on sustainability and social responsibility on the runway. Zainab Salbi, cofounder of Daughters For Earth, on the pivotal role of women climate entrepreneurs. Rosemary Atieno of Women Climate Centers International, on how she is transforming rural communities by helping women solve daily challenges in climate-friendly ways. More from Electric Ladies Podcast! JUST LAUNCHED: Join our global community at electric-ladies.mykajabi.com! For a limited time, be a member of the Electric Ladies Founders' Circle at an exclusive special rate.  Elevate your career with expert coaching and ESG advisory with Electric Ladies Podcast. Unlock new opportunities, gain confidence, and achieve your career goals with the right guidance. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, articles, events and career advice – and special coaching offers. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio and Spotify and leaving us a review! Don't forget to follow us on our socials Twitter: @joanmichelson LinkedIn: Electric Ladies Podcast with Joan Michelson Twitter: @joanmichelson Facebook: Green Connections Radio

“Talking to people from different disciplines pushes your thinking about your assumptions, going out and listening to what other people are doing helps inform the way that you creatively solve the problem that's in front of you. Leaders often are scared by some of these ideas that are coming out of their workforce and that's why they're shutting them down. But if you can demonstrate yourself to be receptive to ideas, then you can help guide a creative future.” Telle Whitney on Electric Ladies Podcast Massive innovation is crucial to meet the scale of the climate crisis, but achieving this is increasingly challenging due to current political and social undercurrents. How can organizations innovate, and how can people within these organizations come together to brainstorm, bringing ideas of their own and improving on others? According to Telle Whitney, innovation must be an intentional, concerted effort that organizations actively adopt. Listen to Telle Whitney, Cofounder of the renowned Anita Borg Institute for Women in Technology & the Grace Hopper Conference – and one of Fast Company's most influential women in technology – on Electric Ladies Podcast. Launching her latest book, Rebooting Tech Culture: How to Ignite Innovation and Build Organizations Where Everyone Can Thrive, Telle joins Joan to discuss how organizations and leaders can cultivate the culture of innovation and creativity so critical to addressing the climate crisis. You'll hear about: The critical role culture plays in driving innovation. Why we must dispel the myth of the "lone genius". Telle's 6Cs for building a culture of innovation. How leaders can encourage courage and risk-taking. Plus, career advice specifically for women in engineering. “To take your career to the next level, learning how to tell your story and what you want is an important skill. [One thing] I probably get from mid-career women more than anything else is the belief that ‘if I do good work, it will be recognised'. That is simply not true. Being able to say, I did this great work, and to be able to tell that to your manager or to the company leader – it is as important as the product development itself.”  Telle Whitney on Electric Ladies Podcast Read Joan's Forbes articles here. Zara Summers, Chief Science Officer at LanzaTech about innovative ways that recovered carbon is making its way back into our daily lives. Autumn Huskins, Finance Director at Hitachi Zosen Inova (HZI), a waste-to-energy plant converting agricultural and food waste into electricity. Doreen Harris, President/CEO of New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA), on energy innovation for decades into the future. Sue Ozdemir, CEO of Exro Technologies, on whether big companies can innovate. Read: Insights from women about driving innovation in a purpose-led economy. More from Electric Ladies Podcast! HAPPENING NEXT WEEK! Join us at The Earth Day Women's Summit on April 22, 2025, in Dallas, Texas! Register today with the code “EDWS” for the Women's Summit and a special rate. Elevate your career with expert coaching and ESG advisory with Electric Ladies Podcast. Unlock new opportunities, gain confidence, and achieve your career goals with the right guidance. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, articles, events and career advice – and special coaching offers. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio and Spotify and leaving us a review! Don't forget to follow us on our socials Twitter: @joanmichelson LinkedIn: Electric Ladies Podcast with Joan Michelson Twitter: @joanmichelson Facebook: Green Connections Radio

“We've worked with partners like AcelorMittal… and oil and gas refineries. Emissions that would've been destined for the atmosphere are piped into our bioreactor and our magnificent microbes turn that gas into ethanol. When we pull out that ethanol, we can send it a lot of different places. You can go to On, Adidas, Athleta and buy products made by these mighty microbes from steel mill emissions. We actually flew a Virgin Atlantic flight from Orlando to London with 50 percent of the fuel in that plane made from our ethanol.” Zara Summers on Electric Ladies Podcast  Addressing the climate crisis involves confronting some enormous challenges, from decarbonizing aviation to reducing fashion's carbon footprint. Fortunately, technology and innovation provide an opportunity to make significant strides forward. Meet LanzaTech, a company turning carbon dioxide into the raw materials and energy we need for our lives. Listen to Zara Summers, Chief Science Officer at LanzaTech, as she explains how the company is harnessing the power of nature's oldest metabolism, the mighty microbe. This innovation is turning greenhouse gases into everyday materials like shoes and clothing, sustainable aviation fuel for our jets, and even fish feed! You'll hear about: How LanzaTech transforms captured industrial emissions into valuable materials and fuels. The global brands working with LanzaTech (and how you can spot fabrics made from recycled emissions). How the technology is driving a circular economy in fashion and textiles. The uses of LanzaTech's protein-rich biomass in food and feed. Plus, advice on making a career transition. “Just jump in. Because even if it crashes and burns, it's experience and you learn no matter up and down inside it. But if you keep doing the same thing you've always done, you're robbing yourself of those opportunities. Even small risks – putting your hand up for a project where you might know 20 percent of what it takes to do it. Gosh, isn't that the best way to motivate yourself to learn something new?”  Zara Summers on Electric Ladies Podcast Read Joan's Forbes articles here. You'll also like: Autumn Hustins, Finance Director at Hitachi Zosen Inova (HZI), a waste-to-energy plant converting agricultural and food waste into electricity. Björk Kristjánsdóttir, COO/CFO of Carbon Recycling International, on turning CO2 into valuable products. Doreen Harris, President and CEO of NYSERDA, a state program deploying innovative climate solutions. UN Climate Week discussion on how some creative women are making sustainable fashion a reality, moderated by Joan Michelson. Kerry Bannigan, Managing Director of PVBLIC Foundation, on sustainability and social responsibility on the runway. More from Electric Ladies Podcast! Join us at The Earth Day Women's Summit on April 22, 2025, in Dallas, Texas! Register today with the code “EDWS” for the Women's Summit and a special rate.  Elevate your career with expert coaching and ESG advisory with Electric Ladies Podcast. Unlock new opportunities, gain confidence, and achieve your career goals with the right guidance. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, articles, events and career advice – and special coaching offers. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio and leaving us a review!  Don't forget to follow us on our socials Twitter: @joanmichelson LinkedIn: Electric Ladies Podcast with Joan Michelson Twitter: @joanmichelson Facebook: Green Connections Radio

“One of the big differences between Canada and the United States on climate policy spending broadly is that unlike the United States, Canada has a national carbon pricing system. So, we have a carbon pricing system that sets a national minimum standard…. Without strategy, coordination, investment, we will be putting ourselves at a painful disadvantage in terms of not just the energy transition, but just geopolitically.”  Claire Seaborn on Electric Ladies Podcast  An independent analysis found that the renewable energy strategies in New York state may help insulate New Yorkers from the impact of the tariff crisis with Canada by the Trump administration. It turns out there's a lot the U.S. can learn from Canada's energy policies.  To find out, listen to Claire Seaborn, who was Chief of Staff to Canada's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources for several years until recently, helping to develop key climate and energy policies. In this exclusive interview on Electric Ladies Podcast with Joan Michelson, Claire offers valuable insights into how those policies were developed and their impact. You'll hear about: What exactly Canadian energy and climate policies are and how they are working. How Canada developed its carbon pricing policies and how difference provinces are implementing them. The critical role of minerals in the energy transition and climate solutions, and how to manage this complex geopolitical issue. Plus, insightful career advice. “For anyone, women especially who are interested in the energy and climate space, I would say that you shouldn't feel that you need to choose between the public sector, the private sector, and the nonprofit sector. I've been able to continue to build my expertise in the energy and climate space, but from multiple different perspectives. My advice would be to just not feel that you need to pick one of those lanes and, and to take the risk to bounce between those different segments of our economy.”  Claire Seaborn on Electric Ladies Podcast Read Joan's Forbes piece on Canada Tariff Fears: Does NY's Clean Energy Push Offer Protection? and more of her articles here. You'll also like: Doreen Harris, President and CEO of NYSERDA, on how states like New York can lead the clean energy transition. Halla Hrund Logadottir, Director-General, Iceland's National Energy Authority, on how the country has become 85% renewable energy. Rachel McCleery, former Senior Advisor, Treasury Dept. Inflation Reduction Act Program, on how to leverage the IRA to save money reducing a building or business's energy use and carbon footprint. Vanessa Chan, Ph.D., former Chief Commercialization Officer of the Department of Energy and Director of the Office of Technology Transitions, on the Inflation Reduction Act and the transition to clean energy. Julia Souder, CEO, Long Duration Energy Storage Council, on how to leverage storage to transition to and manage a clean energy economy. More from Electric Ladies Podcast! Join us at The Earth Day Women's Summit on April 22, 2025, in Dallas, Texas! Register today with the code “EDWS” for the Women's Summit and a special rate. Elevate your career with expert coaching and ESG advisory with Electric Ladies Podcast. Unlock new opportunities, gain confidence, and achieve your career goals with the right guidance. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, articles, events and career advice – and special coaching offers. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio and leaving us a review!  Don't forget to follow us on our socials Twitter: @joanmichelson LinkedIn: Electric Ladies Podcast with Joan Michelson Twitter: @joanmichelson Facebook: Green Connections Radio

"The [sub-national level] is where we can incubate and to effectuate the private sector shifts that we see happening every day. We are looking to move markets in a direction that can improve not only quality of life, but the very metrics that we're solving for. And when you look at this over years or even decades, you can see the pace accelerating and market momentum taking off." Doreen Harris on Electric Ladies Podcast As the fourth largest state in the U.S., New York consumes a staggering amount of electricity annually to power an economy that ranges from finance to manufacturing, so it's facing the reality every state faces today: how to meet its growing energy demands and mitigate climate change. Enter NYSERDA, an agency which has been at the frontlines of the clean energy transition for 50 years, and is showing how clean energy on the state level leads the way to the clean energy future we need to address the climate crisis. How are they doing it? Doreen Harris, President and CEO of NYSERDA, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority on Electric Ladies Podcast talks about it. She explains how NYSERDA is balancing acting urgently on climate change and deploying innovative solutions that drive cost efficiency, economic growth, and a higher quality of life for all New Yorkers.  You'll hear about: Why modernizing the grid and integrating new technologies are essential to New York's clean energy transition. NYSERDA's role in driving innovation in renewable energy, energy storage, advanced nuclear, and hydrogen – and what other states can learn from them. How federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is accelerating deployment. Plus, career advice from a woman who become the first president of NYSERDA who came from within the organization.  "I asked to do things that maybe others weren't bold enough to say. I identified needs, I put myself in positions of exposure, and ultimately was successful in delivering on them. In doing so, not only did I build a portfolio that is a game changer for the State of New York, but this allowed me to be exposed to areas, stakeholders and people outside of the organization. It all starts by being confident in your ability to deliver and to be able to say so." Doreen Harris on Electric Ladies Podcast Read Joan's Forbes articles here. You'll also like: ICWS Webinar, Joan Michelson moderates an enlightening webinar with top leaders on The Future of the Energy Transition and the Grid. Paula Glover, CEO of the Alliance To Save Energy, on energy efficiency savings and opportunities Vanessa Chan, former Chief Commercialization Officer of the Department of Energy, on funding the transition to clean energy. Anne Kelly, VP of Government Relations at Ceres, on the role of the business community in the clean energy transition. Jennifer Granholm, immediate past Secretary of Energy on why she's confident the clean energy transition will endure.  More from Electric Ladies Podcast!  Join us at The Earth Day Women's Summit on April 22, 2025, in Dallas, Texas! Register today with the code “EDWS” for the Women's Summit and a special rate.  Elevate your career with expert coaching and ESG advisory with Electric Ladies Podcast. Unlock new opportunities, gain confidence, and achieve your career goals with the right guidance. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, articles, events and career advice – and special coaching offers. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio and leaving us a review! Don't forget to follow us on our socials Twitter: @joanmichelson LinkedIn: Electric Ladies Podcast with Joan Michelson Twitter: @joanmichelson Facebook: Green Connections Radio

“We're giving [companies] the avenue to take something that historically has been an inconvenience and turn that into an opportunity to make them some money, whether that be selling energy to the grid, or putting energy back into the operations of their facilities. So, what could have cost them money in the past can now be a huge benefit. At the same time, you're doing something great for the world and our future.” Autumn Huskins on Electric Ladies Podcast Addressing climate change presents two big questions: How do we reduce waste and keep it out of landfills, and how can we power our electricity-dependent economy without exacerbating climate change? An innovative waste-to-energy technology in San Luis Obispo, California is diverting waste from landfills, creating exciting new revenue streams – and even helping make wine! Listen to Autumn Hustins, Finance Director at Hitachi Zosen Inova (HZI), as she explores a renewable energy source that is providing clean power to ~600,000 homes and businesses in the local economy, with plans to grow. You'll hear about: How Hitachi Zosen Inova's waste-to-energy plant is converting agricultural and food waste into electricity for the local grid. New revenue streams that waste-to-energy innovations create for business and local communities. Impact of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) on the adoption of waste-to-energy projects. How the green energy transition is creating new jobs in places previously reliant on fossil fuels. Plus, the secret to a great career is surprisingly simple. "You go to work every day in the job that you're in. You do your absolute best. You give your all to that particular position, and the positions will follow. I don't care what your role is. I don't care if you're the janitor or the CEO, I think you approach the job the same way and do the best that you can possibly do, and it'll work out.” Autumn Huskins on Electric Ladies Podcast Read Joan's Forbes articles here. You'll also like: ICWS Webinar, Joan Michelson moderates an enlightening webinar with top leaders on The Future of the Energy Transition and the Grid. Gauri Singh, Deputy Director General of the International Renewable Energy Agency, on the deployment of clean energy around the world. Björk Kristjánsdóttir, COO/CFO of Carbon Recycling International, on turning CO2 into valuable products. Bethia Burke, President of The Fund For Our Economic Future, on the impact of green jobs on local economies. Vanessa Chan, former Chief Commercialization Officer of the Department of Energy, on funding the transition to clean energy. More from Electric Ladies Podcast!  Join us at The Earth Day Women's Summit on April 22, 2025, in Dallas, Texas! Register today with the code “EDWS” for the Women's Summit and a special rate. Elevate your career with expert coaching and ESG advisory with Electric Ladies Podcast. Unlock new opportunities, gain confidence, and achieve your career goals with the right guidance. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, articles, events and career advice – and special coaching offers. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio and leaving us a review! Don't forget to follow us on our socials Twitter: @joanmichelson LinkedIn: Electric Ladies Podcast with Joan Michelson Twitter: @joanmichelson Facebook: Green Connections Radio

“I think there needs to be more women stepping up and realizing that they proudly should play the game…I hear a lot of women second guessing themselves before they step out on their own. And that is what we have to recognize. We have so much to offer, and half this battle is just us opening our mouths and letting it out.” Majora Carter on Electric Ladies Podcast This Women's History Month takes place amid significant changes to women everywhere, from political headwinds threatening progress, to rollbacks in corporate support. Women leadership has shown to be valuable in driving revenue, growth, profitability, innovation and recruitment. Just ask the 75-80% of respondents in a LinkedIn study that say support for women is a deciding factor for the companies they choose.   In our quarterly career collage, we're celebrating valuable advice from five extraordinary women who are advancing today, and in energy, climate, sustainability and ESG – environment, social, governance – careers and industries. They share actionable tips that every woman can apply to their professional development and everyday life, and a powerful message: We're not going anywhere.   This episode brings you advice from: Kate Williams, CEO of 1% For The Planet Björk Kristjánsdóttir, COO/CFO of Carbon Recycling International Gauri Singh, Deputy Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Dr. Stephanie Hare, Researcher, Broadcaster and Author Majora Carter, Urban Revitalization Expert   You'll also like: The Most Important Advice For Women In 2025 Career Advice For Times Of Great Change – From 5 Electric Ladies Unusual Career Advice – Powerful Insights From 5 Renowned Electric Ladies Guests Top Women In Energy & Climate Share Career Advice Career Advice Collage Time! Powerful Insights From 5 Extraordinary Women Changemakers in 2023 Read Joan's Forbes piece on How Women Can Boost Their Careers Despite Headwinds — Women's History Month, and more of her articles here. More from Electric Ladies Podcast! Join us at The Earth Day Women's Summit on April 22, 2025, in Dallas, Texas! Register today with the code “EDWS” for the Women's Summit and a special rate.    Elevate your career with expert coaching and ESG advisory with Electric Ladies Podcast. Unlock new opportunities, gain confidence, and achieve your career goals with the right guidance. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, articles, events and career advice – and special coaching offers.. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio and leaving us a review!  Don't forget to follow us on our socials Twitter: @joanmichelson LinkedIn: Electric Ladies Podcast with Joan Michelson Twitter: @joanmichelson Facebook: Green Connections Radio

“We're ceding ground to China, which has become everyone's favorite punching bag. Whether Democrat or Republican, both sides are beating up on China. Meanwhile, China is saying, ‘Okay, we'll make all your solar panels, electric and autonomous vehicles,' because they see the financial opportunities. It's past time for the U.S. and our politicians to step out of their corners and come together – this is the greatest crisis we will ever face.” Chelsea Henderson on Electric Ladies Podcast Political polarization may have stifled discussions on the climate, but Mother Nature doesn't ask what party you're in before wiping out your community with a hurricane, tornado or wildfire. In addition, 80% of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funding has gone to Republican districts – which also happen to have some of the highest potential for economic development through clean energy. At least 18 House Republicans even urged Speaker Mike Johnson not to cut clean energy tax credits in their districts because of the economic growth spurred by these investments. What does the conservative answer to climate change look like? Listen to Chelsea Henderson, Director of Editorial Content at RepublicEn, a non-profit organization that provides a safe space for conservatives to have open discussions about climate change and related solutions. She also has extensive experience on Capitol Hill working for Republican senators, as well as the National Wildlife Federation and The Nature Conservancy, and wrote the extraordinary best-selling book “Glacial: The inside story of climate politics.”  You'll hear about: Bridging the partisan divide on climate policy. The economic opportunities and benefits of investing in clean energy and climate resilience in Republican-led states. The longstanding history of GOP presidents and candidates who have championed climate action – and the need for courageous lawmakers who do so today. How climate-related disasters and personal experiences spur engagement on climate issues, regardless of political affiliation. The role of effective messaging and messengers in engaging the conservative community on climate change. Plus, valuable career advice, especially for considering a career pivot. "Playing into your interests and strengths is important. It's become a bit of a cliché to say, ‘Do what you love, and everything will fall into place,' because it's not that easy. I try not to say no to opportunities. Instead, I try to say yes more and engage with other women, because women are incredible at supporting one another. Leaning into that support system – hearing about the pitfalls, the challenges, what was hard, what was easy – is invaluable. “For me, writing Glacial was a turning point. I've always loved writing, and that's how I transitioned from being a lobbyist to more of a messenger. I thought, ‘I know a lot about climate change, and I'm a good writer. How can I build a career around that?' That mindset helped shape my path.” Chelsea Henderson on Electric Ladies Podcast Read Joan's Forbes articles here. You'll also like: Dr. Stephanie Hare, researcher, broadcaster and author, on harnessing AI for climate action. Jennifer Hough, on connecting through curiosity to build bridges across the divide and find constructive solutions. Daniella Ortega, Director of “Carbon: An Unauthorized Biography”, on how to communicate climate messages in stories. Jill Tidman from The Redford Center on how we can talk about the climate while ensuring a balanced narrative. Michelle Wyman, the National Council for Science and the Environment, about how to talk about science with lawmakers. (recorded under Green Connections Radio) Erin McLaughlin, Senior Economist, The Conference Board, about her new report on buildings, climate change and carbon emissions. More from Electric Ladies Podcast! Join us at The Earth Day Women's Summit on April 22, 2025, in Dallas, Texas! Register today with the code “EDWS” for a special rate.  Elevate your career with expert coaching and ESG advisory with Electric Ladies Podcast. Unlock new opportunities, gain confidence, and achieve your career goals with the right guidance. Want to hear more from us? Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, blog, events and special coaching offers. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio and leaving us a review! Follow us on Twitter @joanmichelson

“When we think about sustainable living, it's not just about electricity. Energy encompasses more than electricity. As we advocate for sustainability and net zero, let's not forget the heating and cooling of our homes, businesses, and industries - geothermal is a direct resource for that.” Dr. Marit Brommer on Electric Ladies Podcast Drilling for geothermal energy - the heat beneath our feet - promises to be one of the most sustainable sources of energy and a game changer for the clean energy transition. One of the biggest opportunities lies right here in the U.S., where we have the largest installed capacity for geothermal electricity generation. Reflecting the tremendous potential of this energy source, $31 million in funding was announced for geothermal energy projects in late-2024, subject to evolving federal funding guidelines.  Listen to Dr. Marit Brommer, CEO of the International Geothermal Association (IGA) and a geologist and expert in geothermal energy. Prior to joining the IGA, she was an exploration and production technologist at Shell and Total Energy.   You'll hear about: What geothermal energy is, its applications, and its potential to be a significant player in the transition to a net-zero emissions economy.  Role of the International Geothermal Association in guiding the proper management of geothermal energy projects.  Effective policies to support geothermal development are essential to overcome the initial financial and technical risks.  Why the connection between geothermal energy and lithium production is an interesting proposition for the sector.  Plus, career advice about claiming your space.  "Get your voice heard, claim your seat at that table and understand that you don't take no for an answer. No man has ever asked me how to land his next job, get to the next career point, or do something professionally - but women do.   “The point is, we women are ultimately raised to be nice. There's nothing wrong with being nice, but in your professional life, it's equally important to stand up, know your worth, not shy away from that, claim your seat, prepare, and network.” Dr. Marit Brommer on Electric Ladies Podcast Read Joan's Forbes piece on New IRA Funding Available For Geothermal Energy - Learning From Iceland and more articles here.  You'll also like:  Jennifer Granholm, 16th U.S. Secretary of Energy, on how the clean energy transition is driving record-breaking economic growth across the country. Gauri Singh, International Renewable Energy Agency, on the deployment of clean energy around the world. Julia Souder, Long Duration Energy Storage Council, on long sharing storage for renewable energy. Gina McCarthy, Former White House National Climate Advisor & Climate Policy Head, on why climate and energy policy are huge economic drivers. Inna Braverman, Founder/CEO of Eco Wave Power, on how wave power works and her powerful personal story that reflects today's geopolitical dynamics.  Power up with the following offers!   Join us at The Earth Day Women's Summit on April 22, 2025, in Dallas, Texas! Register today with the code “EDWS” for a special rate.   Elevate your career with expert coaching and ESG advisory with Electric Ladies Podcast. Unlock new opportunities, gain confidence, and achieve your career goals with the right guidance.  Want to hear more from us?  Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, blog, events and special coaching offers.  Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio and leaving us a review!  Follow us on Twitter @joanmichelson 

“Thinking about an opportunity to rebuild... So now what are we going to do? And, how do you rebuild in a way that actually does involve equity and equality and sustainability in ways that impact people of all different kinds. And that's, I think, the opportunity that we should be looking toward." Majora Carter on Electric Ladies Podcast  After devastating wildfires reduced entire neighborhoods in Los Angeles to ashes, the city faces the challenge of rebuilding - not just its infrastructure, but its communities. This is an opportunity to integrate climate resilience, especially for marginalized communities, while reshaping the heart and soul of urban spaces in the process. Listen to this episode of Electric Ladies Podcast, where Joan Michelson speaks with urban revitalization expert Majora Carter about transforming cities into more equitable, sustainable, and vibrant communities. Majora discusses the challenges of preventing displacement in post-disaster recovery and shares her innovative approach to community development that encourages residents to invest in and remain in their own neighborhoods. These lessons apply not just to Los Angeles, but to communities everywhere. You'll hear about: How urban design shapes socioeconomic opportunities and why it matters. The power of Third Spaces - shared community spaces that foster resilience and connection. Why “low-status” neighborhoods struggle to retain talent and how strategic investment can change that. How cities can integrate climate resilience measures without worsening inequality. The unique role of women in revitalizing communities. Plus, career advice on owning your expertise. “I think there need to be more women stepping up and realizing that they proudly should play the game…I hear a lot of women second guessing themselves before they step out on their own. And that is what we have to recognize. We have so much to offer, and half this battle is just us opening our mouths and letting it out.” Majora Carter on Electric Ladies Podcast Read Joan's Forbes articles here. You'll also like: Lauren Sorkin, Co-founder and Executive Director, Resilient Cities Network, on about how cities can evolve into thriving ecosystems that withstand the shocks and stressors of climate change Bethia Burke, President, The Fund For Our Economic Future, on the community impact of green manufacturing Rachel McCleery, former Senior Advisor, Treasury Dept. Inflation Reduction Act Program, on how to leverage the IRA to save money reducing a building or business's energy use and carbon footprint. Katie McGinty, Chief Sustainability Officer, Johnson Controls, on the power of building. Laur Hesse Fisher, MIT's Environmental Solutions Initiative, on how working with communities and organizations is key to making a difference. Want to hear more from us? Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, blog, events and special coaching offers.

“Deploy, deploy, deploy. More than half a trillion dollars has been invested in the United States since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act and the bi-partisan Infrastructure Bill. These laws have made investing in America irresistible. They have made the energy transition inevitable - and inexorable.” Speech by Jennifer Granholm Federal-level developments have delivered a series of blows, leaving many of us questioning the future of clean energy, sustainability and climate action. If you're feeling that uncertainty, this week's episode is for you.   Listen to this powerful speech by Jennifer Granholm, 16th U.S. Secretary of Energy (2021-2025), who used her final public address in office to herald the clean energy revolution underway in the U.S. Her words will leave you feeling optimistic and inspired by the opportunities this transition is creating, as it also makes communities more resilient to the ravages of climate change that we have all been witnessing.   Granholm lays out three powerful reasons to believe that the clean energy transition is built to last. She delivers a powerful reminder about how the Inflation Reduction Act, the Infrastructure Bill, and the CHIPS and Science Act have sparked investments across America, driving record-breaking economic growth (including mostly in Republican-dominated states) with an energy revolution that she says is here to stay.You'll hear about: Powerful statistics from the Department of Energy, such as how 98% of the programs have received at least one round of funding under the existing regulations. The 900 new clean energy manufacturing facilities and expansions across the country, many in communities that previously suffered from job losses. Advancements made in battery supply chains, nuclear power, and other clean energy technologies. How the baton is now handed to us, to advocate for these laws and ensure their continued support through our representatives in Congress. Plus, career advice from Rachel McCleery, former Senior Advisor, U.S. Treasury Dept., Office of the Inflation Reduction Act, featured in Joan Michelson's Forbes piece on How Women Can Look At Their Careers Differently In 2025, Especially In Climate, Energy. “You have to have a little bit of fearlessness at this stage of your career. You have the ambition, you have the drive, you know how to do it, you have the confidence. But confidence and fearlessness, to me, they are two very different things. And in order to take that step, you have to be able to take some risks and you have to assume space that you haven't before.” Rachel McCleery on Electric Ladies Podcast Read Joan's Forbes articles here. You'll also like: Gina McCarthy, Fmr. White House National Climate Advisor & Climate Policy Head, on how climate policy boosts the economy Heather Boushey, White House Council of Economic Advisors, on how federal funding is expediting the energy transition while helping to avert the worsening effects of climate change Tara Giunta, Global Co-Chair of ESG & Sustainable Finance Practice at Paul Hastings Law Firm, on climate risk disclosure rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission Lisa Jacobson & Tara Narayanan, Bloomberg New Energy Finance, on why the energy transition is in full swing despite headwinds Halla Hrund Logadottir, Director-General, Iceland's National Energy Authority, on how the country has become 85% renewable energy.  Want to hear more from us? Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, blog, events and special coaching offers.

“Renewable energy is women-friendly. It has the potential to be customised for every use case, but I don't think enough has been done. Women have always been both producers and consumers of energy, from gathering firewood to cooking. What's needed is for women to understand that this is an area where they can make a difference and adopt this energy source that is modular and customizable [for their needs].” Gauri Singh on Electric Ladies Podcast COP28 set an ambitious goal to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030. Achieving this target requires countries to deploy clean energy to billions of people around the world. With investments in regulatory frameworks and grid infrastructure, there is a critical opportunity for women around the world to be involved in - and benefit from - the transition to clean energy. Listen to Gauri Singh, Deputy Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), who is leading the way in the deployment of renewable energy in more countries. She has over 30 years of experience in renewable energy and sustainable development, including the development of India's National Solar Mission.  You'll hear about: How is IRENA working with countries to develop tailored policy and regulatory frameworks to support their renewable energy goals. The shift in focus from renewable energy costs to issues around grid integration, storage, and flexibility. The unique opportunities renewable energy presents for women's economic empowerment and food security. Plus, career advice on getting out of your comfort zone, breaking out of career stereotypes, and finding good mentors. "It's important to get out of your comfort zone. You really need to push yourself to get out of the comfort zone because that's what gives you growth. Every woman has within her the potential to break boundaries. These boundaries are there to be broken.” Gauri Singh on Electric Ladies Podcast Read Joan's Forbes articles here. You'll also like: ICWS Webinar, moderated by Joan Michelson, on the future of the energy transition and the grid. Bjork Kristjansdottir, COO/CFO of Carbon Recycling International, on how carbon recycling is accelerating the energy transition Halla Hrund Logadottir, Director-General, Iceland's National Energy Authority, on how the country has become 85% renewable energy. Inna Braverman, Founder/CEO of Eco Wave Power, on how wave power works and her powerful personal story that reflects today's geopolitical dynamics. Want to hear more from us? Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, blog, events and special coaching offers.

“This is not just an executive order. There is a point behind net zero goals, and this is to address climate change and global warming. A million and a half EVs were sold last year. Infrastructure is still being built. I'd say the train has left the station."  Joan Michelson on Full Crew Podcast The U.S. government has provided $7 billion in funding for critical minerals and $7 billion to fund 500,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. With a new administration now in place, what can this mean for the transition to EVs, as well as EV policies and regulations? Listen to Joan Michelson's discussion on the tech podcast Full Crew, with Matt Bianco, President of FedWay Consulting and Chris Treanor, Partner at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld. This podcast was recorded before the 2024 US presidential election, but the insights are more relevant than ever. This wide-ranging discussion dives into all things related to electric vehicles, from political support and policies for EVs, to global competition in the EV market, and what the development of EVs means for the workforce. You'll hear about: The critical role of government policies and regulations in driving EV adoption. Concerns about supply chain security and the dominance of China in the global EV market. The increasing focus on cybersecurity and supply chain security. The federal government's efforts to procure and deploy EV charging infrastructure. Joan provides career advice in her Forbes piece on Career Advice For This Time Of Great Change.  “All the leaders who successfully lead in times of great change embrace the ride, trust their knowledge and abilities, seek outside input, and leverage their resources, including their networks.  Now is one of those times of great change. Mother Nature, society, and our political systems remind us of that every day.” Joan Michelson in Forbes Read Joan's Forbes articles here. You'll also like: Bethia Burke, President, The Fund For Our Economic Future, on green manufacturing, green jobs and what the transition looks like for future communities. Rachel McCleery, Senior Advisor, Treasury Dept. Inflation Reduction Act Program, on how to leverage the IRA to save money reducing a building or business's energy use and carbon footprint. Gina McCarthy, fmr White House National Climate Policy Advisor, fmr EPA Administrator, on how climate investments boost the economy, locally and nationally. Vanessa Chan, Ph.D., Chief Commercialization Officer of the Department of Energy and Director of the Office of Technology Transitions, on the Inflation Reduction Act and the transition to clean energy. Lisa Jacobson of the Business Council for Sustainable Energy & Tara Narayanan, of Bloomberg NEF on their new Energy Factbook 2024, including the Inflation Reduction Act opportunities.  Want to hear more from us? Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, blog, events and special coaching offers.

“Many countries are looking to lead on AI and embed it in as many aspects of our lives as possible. But right now we do not have an electricity grid that is built for this purpose. We also need to think about the fuel needed to power up this grid.” Dr. Stephanie Hare on Electric Ladies Podcast We're putting artificial intelligence (AI) to work for a variety of our problems on a daily basis -including climate change. How? In more ways than you might think, though it's the amount of electricity, water and fuel it requires that raises tough questions. Listen to Dr. Stephanie Hare, a researcher focused on the intersection of politics, technology and history, on Electric Ladies Podcast in an in-depth conversation with host Joan Michelson. Stephanie is also the author of “Technology Is Not Neutral” and co-presents “Artificial Intelligence: Decoded” on the BBC. Join us as we explore the promise and pitfalls of AI as a tool to mitigate climate change and increase equity.  You'll hear about: The hurdles and opportunities of using AI. Why environmental, social, and governance (ESG) data needs to be treated as a valuable resource. How we can ensure that AI is fair, accessible, and inclusive for everyone. Plus, career advice for being open to great opportunities. “Look at the problems you most enjoy solving, because the world is never going to be short of it. Stay open, nimble, curious, and flexible – and people will recognize that problem solver spirit in you.” Dr. Stephanie Hare on Electric Ladies Podcast Read Joan's Forbes articles here. You'll also like: Dr. Sophie Vandebroek, CTO of Xerox, on Democratizing Energy, Innovation & STEM Careers (this episode was recorded under the previous name of our show, Green Connections Radio) Paula Glover, President of the Alliance to Save Energy, on How To Reduce Carbon Emissions And Save Money With Energy Efficiency Erin McLaughlin, Senior Economist, The Conference Board, about her new report on buildings, climate change and carbon emissions. Laura Busse Dolan, CEO, Applied Imagination, which designs and builds miniature buildings from plants and botanicals. Dr. Emma O'Brien, Founder of the Global Scrub Choir and Head of Music Therapy at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, on how music builds bridges and how they use it to communicate about the public health issues related to climate change. Want to hear more from us? Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, blog, events and special coaching offers.

“Resilience is a team sport. You cannot build resilience in insolation. I cannot emphasize how important multi sector action and teamwork is. So let's understand that and work together.” Lauren Sorkin on Electric Ladies Podcast To kick off the first interview of 2025, we're diving into a topic that affects us all: Can the cities we live in truly provide what we need to thrive? With over half of the global population now living in urban areas – a figure projected to hit 70% by 2050 – cities are at the forefront of the climate transition. Join me as I talk with Lauren Sorkin, Co-founder and Executive Director of the Resilient Cities Network, about how cities can evolve into thriving ecosystems that withstand the shocks and stressors of climate change. Lauren sheds light on the critical role of Chief Resilience Officers and their mission to break down barriers.  This episode is all about reimagining our cities – don't miss it!  You'll hear about: How the Resilient Cities Network is helping cities navigate a world facing polycrises. Why Chief Resilience Officers are instrumental to sustainable, inclusive urban futures. The importance of eco-urbanism as a solution to climate change, extreme heat, flooding, and even mental health. Why communication and inclusivity empower local communities to build resilience. Practical steps business, government, and community leaders can take. Plus, insightful career advice “Know what your non-negotiables are and go in that direction. Don't be afraid to break down silos and bring different parts of your life together, in terms of your network and your talent. Bring the best parts of you into the work that you do.” Lauren Sorkin on Electric Ladies Podcast  Read Joan's Forbes article based on this interview here and more of her articles here too.   You'll also like: Sherri Goodman, former Undersecretary of Defense for Environmental Security, on how climate change is impacting geopolitics and national security. Susan McPherson, CEO of McPherson Strategies, on corporate strategies in a time of geopolitical crisis. Michele Wucker, thought leader and author of "You Are What You Risk: The New Art & Science to Navigating an Uncertain World.". Anne Kelly, Ceres Government Relations, on business and infrastructure policy. Paula Glover, President of the Alliance to Save Energy, on how talking about energy  efficiency helps build bridges to solutions to mitigating climate change. Want to hear more from us? Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, blog, events and special coaching offers.  

“If you want to get something done in this world that transcends what's already happening, you have to be willing to listen to the people that are trying to hold dearly to how it has been. Become a master bridge builder. Be committed to asking questions such that you understand where the commonality is. Find the common points.” Jennifer Hough on Electric Ladies Podcast At the end of a year where every country and neighborhood seems more divided than ever, and many of us feel like we're walking on eggshells in every conversation, we've found ourselves in uncharted terrain. How can we prevent tightly held agendas, biases and self-interests - conscious or unconscious ones - from derailing meaningful interactions, whether at a dinner table or in the workplace? In my final episode of the year, I'm revisiting a powerful interview with Jennifer Hough, author of “Unstuck,” TEDx speaker and advisor to leaders. In this interview, Jennifer draws on the laws of physics to offer insights into “regenerative conversations” – where we walk away more informed and empowered.   One key takeaway: asking someone “What is important to you?” helps you understand their deepest values and frame conversations in ways that build bridges, not walls. Whether as a parent preparing for a new school year, a professional leading a team, or simply someone looking to strengthen your personal and professional relationships, this episode is filled with actionable wisdom to help you connect more effectively. You'll hear about: How to listen differently to the climate deniers and others afraid of (any) change. What “cognitive dissonance” is and how to transform it. How to talk about climate change in a way that builds bridges. How to incentivize people to see solutions differently. *BONUS* Set yourself up for success in the year ahead As highlighted in my latest piece in Forbes, 2025 holds tremendous potential for women. To seize these opportunities, it's essential to own the space you occupy, own your knowledge and own your expertise.  As we wrap up 2024, I'm leaving you with powerful career advice from Jennifer: Be clear about who you are and your purpose. Work with a mentor or guide to develop both personal and practical skills. Let go of the need to do everything yourself. Accept help at a deeper level than you may be used to, and never stop seeking support. “‘What's the greatest thing that you can do with the skill sets you already have that might leave you feeling fulfilled, that you went to bed that night knowing that you did what you came to the planet for and you woke up in the morning excited about getting up?” Jennifer Hough on Electric Ladies Podcast Read Joan's Forbes articles here. You'll also like: Jill Tidman, Executive Director of The Redford Center, a nonprofit that produces and support environmentally-focused documentaries and media, on how to talk about climate change. Dr. Emma O'Brien, Founder of the Global Scrub Choir and Head of Music Therapy at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, on how music builds bridges and how they use it to communicate about the public health issues related to climate change. Ann Friedman, Founder and CEO of Planet Word Museum, about the power of language and how we communicate across various media and formats. Paula Glover, President of the Alliance to Save Energy, on how talking about – increasing – energy  efficiency helps build bridges to solutions to mitigating climate change. Rachel McCleery, Senior Advisor, Treasury Dept. Inflation Reduction Act Program, on how to leverage the IRA to save money reducing a building or business's energy use and carbon footprint. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, blog, events and special coaching offers.

“Today we are talking about accelerating the clean energy transition, including government policy, lowering costs, and decarbonization...The new 2024 Energy Fact book (by BCSE & BNEF)… found that the energy transition is in full swing with ‘record breaking' public and private sector investments in clean power and renewable energies showing cost competitiveness even without government subsidies…But the two key pieces we're going to talk about today are… the grid and storage.” Joan Michelson on Electric Ladies Podcast Between market forces, government incentives and funding, and public-private partnerships, the transition to a net zero economy is in full swing and resilient, despite “headwinds” like covid, high interest rates, supply chain issues and political pressures, studies show. Where are we now? Listen to this webinar produced by ICWS and emceed/moderated by Electric Ladies host Joan Michelson, with top experts from Schneider Electric, Smart Electric Power Alliance, EcoEngineers and Long Duration Energy Storage Assn..   You'll hear about: Where we are in the energy transition and why clean energy is cost competitive now How we need to upgrade and reinvent the grid, the hub of the system The importance of energy storage, including long-duration energy storage and hydrogen What impact the Inflation Reduction Act, Infrastructure Investment Act and the CHIPS and Science Act have had – and will have going forward (or not). Plus, here's some insightful career advice, such as… “Think about your career as a business…Try to always have a mindset of kind of what I want first…What organizations do I want to work with? Where, what kind of responsibilities do I want to have? And maybe I do it through a traditional employer employee relationship, or maybe I just branch out on my own and just do it right? And I feel like women should feel empowered to do that and to be that kind of proactive thinking. And don't be afraid.” Lisa Jacobson on Electric Ladies Podcast Read Joan's Forbes article about this new report here and more of her articles here too. You'll also like: Lisa Jacobson (BCSE) & Tara Narayanan (BNEF), on their 2024 Energy Factbook, by the Business Council for Sustainable Energy and Bloomberg New Energy Finance Melissa Lott, Ph.D., Director of Research at the Center for Global Energy Policy at Columbia University, and the lead scientists in the PBS/NOVA documentary “Chasing Carbon Zero.” Vanessa Chan, Ph.D., Chief Commercialization Officer of the Department of Energy and Director of the Office of Technology Transitions, on the Inflation Reduction Act and the transition to clean energy. Inna Braverman, Founder/CEO of Eco Wave Power, on how wave power works and her powerful personal story that reflects today's geopolitical dynamics. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, blog, events and special coaching offers.. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio and leaving us a review! Follow us on Twitter @joanmichelson

“Women make up 80% or more of the garment industry workers. Women garment workers make meager wages and work excessive working hours, 14 to 16 hours a day…Fashion is ranked as the second most polluting business in the world by the UN, 7% of the landfill is garments. The garment industry emits 8 to 10% of global CO2 and 500,000 tons of micro plastics are dumped into oceans each year.” Joan Michelson at UN Climate Week SDG Media Zone The fashion industry faces the twin problems of being an environmental disaster, and treating their majority female workforce very, very badly, even dangerously badly in many places. The good news is that some creative, determined, resourceful women are working on both challenges at once. You'll meet a few of them in this episode of Electric Ladies Podcast. It's a live recording of Joan's recent conversations with a few of these creative women who are creating and teaching sustainable fashion, while helping the women in their communities. It's an event at the United Nations for Climate Week at the SDG Media Zone  sponsored by the PVBLIC Foundation and the Fashion Impact Fund. You'll hear about: How women in New York, Africa and India are finding ways to help other women learn, manufacture and sell sustainable fashion; Where they are securing the funding for their small businesses and nonprofits. How you can buy sustainable fashion and support the women working there. Plus, insightful career advice: “I think one thing that we can talk about is buying less, right? Part of the problem is there's this like rampant over production. And so, if we buy fewer things, but nicer things and take care of them for longer, that would definitely I think help women. I think buying in general, from women owned businesses, buying locally, like community based. Those are ways that people can be more sustainable. And again, thinking about how to extend the life of your garments.” Ngozi Okaro on Joan's UN Climate Week panel Read Joan's Forbes articles here. You'll also like (some of these were recorded under our previous name, Green Connections Radio): Kerry Bannigan, Managing Director, PVBLIC Foundation, Co-Founder of UN Fashion and Lifestyle Network, Founder Conscious Fashion Campaign “Performing Our Femininity” – Joan's talk at Parlay House DC on Sustainable Fashion How Fashion's Marketing Machine can promote sustainability, Joan's Forbes article Laura Jones, Celebrity stylist and Founder of Frontlash magazine, on sustainable fashion trends. Amina Razvi, CEO, Sustainable Apparel Coalition (was VP of Membership when this was recorded) 7 Career Tips For Women In Sustainable Fashion, Joan's Forbes article Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, blog, events and special coaching offers.. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio and leaving us a review! Follow us on Twitter @joanmichelson

“1% for the planet is really set up as a way to sort of break it down, and create a pathway to action that kind of gets us through the overwhelm. So, the way it works is that we have businesses who are our members, and they're actually supporting environmental partners at the level of 1% of revenues….You invest in the things that matter and the planet matters. …(The point is to) drive impact at scale. And so, in terms of that scale, last year we certified US$100million of support going from these companies to environmental partners….When a company joins, they pay a dues fee to us, but then the rest of their 1%, they will give directly to environmental partners….And then at the end of each year, we certify that giving.” Kate Williams on Electric Ladies Podcast It's a time of year when people are thinking about making donations. So we want to talk about what nonprofits can really do, especially in partnership with the private sector and the public sector. It's about coming together, leveraging each other's strengths and networks to have a much larger impact. We sure need to have a much larger impact right now. So, how do we scale donations? Listen to Kate Williams, CEO of 1% For The Planet on how they help companies of all sizes and shapes leverage their donations strategically for their goals in this fascinating discussion with Electric Ladies Podcast host Joan Michelson.  You'll hear about: How 1% For The Planet works – and why they certify their members' donations. How their Planet Impact Fund works – and the four areas they focus on. Stories of donations that made a big difference, and creative ways they did it Trends they have seen I the corporate donations over the past 10 years. Plus, insightful career advice, such as… “A couple things. One is, step forward and step up before you think you might be ready.… Becoming a CEO or C-suite can be one way that you progress, but you can also just become really deeply knowledgeable in a particular area.… Sometimes as women and just as humans, we can maybe hold ourselves back. So, I would say like, step up before you're ready.…(S)upport appears when once I've taken the step….The other thing is stay open to serendipity…We may forget that serendipity is sometimes how the opportunities that we get to step into are shown to us…. So, stay open.” Kate Williams on Electric Ladies Podcast Read Joan's Forbes article about this new report here and more of her articles here too. You'll also like: ·        Zainab Salbi, Cofounder of Daughters for Earth, one of the partners in One Earth – and Founder of Women to Women International and its former CEO ·        Rosemary Atieno, Women Climate Centers International – on how they are helping women in rural Kenya grow their economies and address climate change at the same time. ·       Justin Winter, Cofounder, One Earth, on “philanthro-activism”. ·       Heather Grady, Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors on making donations for the good of the planet as well as people and communities. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, blog, events and special coaching offers.. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio and leaving us a review! Follow us on Twitter @joanmichelson #philanthropy #donations #year-end #ESG @1PercentFTP @JoanMichelson @ElectricLadiesPodcast @ElectricGalsPod #climatechange

“Carbon Recycling International was founded around the idea of taking something which was waste, like CO2 and turning it into some valuable product…(Today they are) converting CO2 into sustainable methanol…(W)e have technology, which takes CO2 as a waste, and it takes hydrogen and turns it into methanol…and it is used today both like into chemicals. So, the chemical sector is a big consumer of methanol, which is a very large known product in the world today. …(and into) a sustainable fuel...playing a pretty big role in the energy transition.” Bjork Kristjansdottir on Electric Ladies Podcast One of the creative technologies developed today to both address the climate crisis and accelerate the energy transition is carbon recycling. What is it? Essentially, it's converting CO2 into energy or chemicals. Listen to Bjork Kristjansdottir, COO/CFO of Carbon Recycling International in Iceland explain how it works and how it's used in this fascinating discussion with Electric Ladies host Joan Michelson.  You'll hear about: How they “recycle carbon” – from capture to converting it to how it's used. How the chemicals made from carbon recycling are used. Why methanol is so important in the energy transition and how they make it How they are making sustainable aviation fuel from carbon recycling Plus, insightful career advice, such as… “My advice is first, like it's around decisions. So, we need to make decisions. Postponing making decisions puts you at the risk things will just happen to you.…And remember that, when we do make those decision in our career, it is always based on the best information available at the time. Things may change, it doesn't make it a wrong decision.. (and) You don't need to learn and be the best at everything yourself. What you need to do is to learn how to listen and harvest all of the potential, all of the talent around you… get comfortable with asking the right questions.” Bjork Kristjansdottir on Electric Ladies Podcast Read Joan's Forbes articles here too. You'll also like: Inna Braverman, Founder/CEO of Eco Wave Power, on how wave power works and her powerful personal story that reflects today's geopolitical dynamics. Lisa Jacobson (BCSE) & Tara Narayanan (BNEF), on their 2024 Energy Factbook, by the Business Council for Sustainable Energy and Bloomberg New Energy Finance Melissa Lott, Ph.D., Director of Research at the Center for Global Energy Policy at Columbia University, and the lead scientists in the PBS/NOVA documentary “Chasing Carbon Zero.” Vanessa Chan, Ph.D., Chief Commercialization Officer of the Department of Energy and Director of the Office of Technology Transitions, on the Inflation Reduction Act and the transition to clean energy. Paula Glover, President, The Alliance to Save Energy, focused on energy efficiency Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, blog, events and special coaching offers.. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio and leaving us a review! Follow us on Twitter @joanmichelson

“It's really that investment to transition from a legacy industry into a future industry…that is aiming to drive more sustainability and manufacturing processes and products overall…One of the things that we fundamentally see as being important in this economic shift, and we say it in this Practical Guide to the Green Economy, is that this transition we believe will favor places that make things.… and we want to make them better and more sustainable.” Bethia Burke on Electric Ladies Podcast Green jobs, economic development from growing these new energy and sustainability sectors. We talk a lot about these, but what are the real facts? What are the green jobs and energy jobs? Where are they really being created and what impact are these “green jobs” having on their local economies? Today we're going to get the facts from a brand new study on these issues, fresh from the Heartland in Ohio. Listen to Bethia Burke, President, The Fund For Our Economic Future, share their findings and lessons for other communities in this “new” economy in this fascinating discussion with Electric Ladies host Joan Michelson. She also shares insightful career advice. You'll hear about: What their study found about “green jobs” and local economies, including job (re)training. What lessons other communities can take from Ohio's experience – including in their Practical Guide to the Green Economy. Why manufacturing based on sustainable business attracts more workers, enhances communities and helps people stay where they are. How the Infrastructure Investment Act, Inflation Reduction Act and CHIPS Act have been huge boosts to Ohio – and how other communities can tap them too. Plus, insightful career advice, such as… “Often we put women in these do-gooder roles, and, these socially beneficial roles, and they take significantly lower salaries because part of what they want to achieve is service and positive societal benefits forward.…(but) ask for a higher salary, even if it is in a social service oriented sector.… I think any woman in any job, whatever she is trying to achieve…take whatever you think your level is, and add at least 20% because you're definitely underselling yourself.” Betha Burke on Electric Ladies Podcast Read Joan's Forbes articles here. You'll also like: Rachel McCleery, Senior Advisor, Treasury Dept. Inflation Reduction Act Program, on how to leverage the IRA to save money reducing a building or business's energy use and carbon footprint. Rachel Frazin, The Hill Climate & Energy Reporter, on the climate policies in Project 2025, former President Trump's agenda as he seeks re-election. Gina McCarthy, fmr White House National Climate Policy Advisor, fmr EPA Administrator, on how climate investments boost the economy, locally and nationally. Vanessa Chan, Ph.D., Chief Commercialization Officer of the Department of Energy and Director of the Office of Technology Transitions, on the Inflation Reduction Act and the transition to clean energy. Lisa Jacobson of the Business Council for Sustainable Energy & Tara Narayanan, of Bloomberg NEF on their new Energy Factbook 2024, including the Inflation Reduction Act opportunities. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, blog, events and special coaching offers.. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio and leaving us a review! Follow us on Twitter @joanmichelson

“You need to be looking 360 in terms of industry, what's developing, what's coming down the pike from a technology standpoint, from a risk standpoint. You should be educating yourself constantly and stretching yourself to go into a new area. Don't just be content to sit and do the same thing….Push yourself to do something a little different, stretch…because that broadens you as a professional, first of all. It's just so much more interesting than doing the same thing every day. But, it also makes you a better professional… because you are seeing things that the other people who are just doing the same old, same old, aren't necessarily seeing.” Tara Giunta on Electric Ladies Podcast The air is electric with the range of changes swirling around us. From the down-to-the-wire U.S. election that will literally determine the future of the country and the world, to the massive and ferocious climate events in unexpected places, to the wars raging, and every industry in flux. The U.S. economy is the strongest in a generation according to economists, and yet many people and families feel pressured by the costs of groceries that some businesses are keeping high. How do we manage our careers amidst these potentially massive changes? Listen to this career collage advice from five extraordinary women making the world a better place through their leadership: Gina McCarthy, Fmr White House Climate Advisor, head of the WH Climate Policy Officer and fmr EPA Administrator. Tara Giunta, Global Co-Chair of the ESG & Sustainable Finance Practice at Paul Hastings law firm. Sherri Goodman, Fmr Undersecretary of Defense for Environmental Security and author of “Threat Multiplier: Climate, Military Leadership & Global Security” Paula Glover,, President of the Alliance to Save Energy Jennifer Hough, TEDx “Movement of One” speaker, and innovative leadership consultant. Read Joan's Forbes article about them here and here too – which also include career advice, as well as ways to stay abreast of the clean, green economy. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, blog, events and special coaching offers.. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio and leaving us a review! Follow us on Twitter @joanmichelson

How Climate Policies Boost Economic Opportunities – Gina McCarthy, Fmr. White House National Climate Advisor & Head of the Climate Policy Office (Biden Admin.), Fmr. EPA Administrator (Obama Admin.) “(People) just have to work with their own local communities….We are talking about $400 billion of investment in the Inflation Reduction Act already captured. That's just two years. This is a 10-year bill…To me, what's most exciting is that the opportunities are real, and you can grab them.…Already 3.4 million families have grabbed Inflation Reduction Act tax breaks, and put solar on their roofs, made their homes more energy efficient, which considerably lowers energy bills for those families. And, when you get into families and communities and people can see and feel the benefits, that's when it's going to take off. And so I'm seeing that happening already, but we're also recognizing that we just have a, a wealth of broader opportunities available.” Gina McCarthy on Electric Ladies Podcast In this year's historic election, many people may be confused about how climate policy relates to the economy – or they may think it's only an economic drain. But it turns out that climate and energy policy are huge economic drivers. How? Listen to Gina McCarthy, fmr. White House National Climate Advisor & Head of the Climate Policy Office and fmr. EPA Administrator in this enlightening conversation with Electric Ladies Podcast host Joan Michelson live from the Democratic National Convention. They also share insightful career advice. You'll hear about: How do the Inflation Reduction Act & Infrastructure Investment Act create economic growth? How can regular people, homeowners and small businesses seize opportunities in the IRA, no matter what state they're in? (McCarthy offers tips & explains where the money is going so far.) How will Vice President Kamala Harris address climate change and clean energy? Why doesn't she talk about it more? Where the funding and incentives are for training in these new climate- and clean energy-related industries and fields. Plus, insightful career advice, such as… “My advice would be to look for a career path that makes you happy. One that makes you feel like when you got home, you did something….and I would be open to many different things…I don't think women should pigeonhole themselves. I think they should look for stretch goals. Go into something you didn't do before, and it will excite you to learn….I just want women to consider something new and different. I want them to have the courage to say, ‘I can do this.'” Gina McCarthy on Electric Ladies Podcast Read Joan's Forbes articles here. You'll also like these episodes: (some may be recorded under our previous name, Green Connections Radio) Rachel McCleery, Senior Advisor, Treasury Dept. Inflation Reduction Act Program, on how to leverage the IRA to save money reducing a building or business's energy use and carbon footprint. Vanessa Chan, Ph.D., Chief Commercialization Officer of the Department of Energy and Director of the Office of Technology Transitions, on the Inflation Reduction Act and the transition to clean energy. Polly Trottenberg, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Transportation, on the transportation revolution taking place. Heather Boushey, Member National Council of Economic Advisors and Chief Economic of the Invest in America Cabinet, in the Biden Administration, on climate and energy policy and the economy, and the Inflation Reduction Act & Infrastructure Investment Act. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, blog, events and special coaching offers.. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio and leaving us a review! Follow us on Twitter @joanmichelson

“If you're sitting on a board, you're a member of the executive leadership team…You need to make sure you're stepping back and understanding geopolitical risk, social, cultural risk, legal, regulatory, risk, activism. What are the activists looking at?... Who are the key stakeholders that you need to be aware of so that you can make sure that you are tracking those risk areas and, and their relevance to your company and how you need to be responding to those…You want to be proactive. “  Tara Giunta on Electric Ladies Podcast You might have heard about the Securities and Exchange Commission's final climate risk disclosure rules. All that destruction you see in the news from hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, floods and droughts has real financial implications – that's why investors have been demanding the SEC require better reporting on climate risk. What do they really mean? Listen to Tara Giunta, Global Co-Chair of ESG & Sustainable Finance Practice at mega law firm Paul Hastings to find out, in simple English, in this fascinating discussion with Electric Ladies Podcast host Joan Michelson. They also share insightful career advice. You'll hear about: What exactly do the SEC climate risk disclosure rules require companies to disclose? What companies nationally are affected by the new California climate risk disclosure laws? What impact will the legal challenges really have on the SEC rules and California laws? How should senior management teams and boards of directors prepare and respond to them? Plus, insightful career advice, such as… “You need to be looking 360 in terms of industry, what's developing, what's coming down the pike from a technology standpoint, from a risk standpoint. You should be educating yourself constantly and stretching yourself to go into a new area. Don't just be content to sit and do the same thing….Push yourself to do something a little different, stretch…because that broadens you as a professional, first of all. It's just so much more interesting than doing the same thing every day. But, it also makes you a better professional… because you are seeing things that the other people who are just doing the same old, same old, aren't necessarily seeing.” Tara Giunta on Electric Ladies Podcast Read Joan's Forbes articles here. You'll also like these episodes: (some may be recorded under our previous name, Green Connections Radio) Kristen Sullivan, Deloitte Audit Partner leading their Sustainability Practice, on the SEC climate risk disclosure rules. Kristina Wyatt, who led the SEC Task Force developing its climate risk disclosure rules, now Chief Sustainability Officer and Deputy General Counsel at Persefoni software firm. Jean Case, Co-Founder of the Case Foundation and Chair of the board of the National Geographic Society, on impact investing and SEC climate risk disclosure rules. Julie Gorte, SVP of Impax Asset Management and veteran ESG investment advisor, on the SEC climate rules. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, blog, events and special coaching offers.. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio and leaving us a review! Follow us on Twitter @joanmichelson

“I coined the phrase ‘threat multiplier,' which has come to really stand for the connection between climate change and national security….Threat multiplier conveys that climate acts on every other threat we face, whether it's strategic competition with Russia and China, or terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, biological threats, and other threats around the world…because it's destabilizing our natural systems, and the whole goal of security is stability.” Sherri Goodman on Electric Ladies Podcast Just as climate change is causing extreme weather at home, it's also causing floods, heat waves, droughts, typhoons etc. across the globe, and threatening water and food supplies and destabilizing societies in many ways. It's also stressing servicemembers in theatre, putting more demands on the military's time, and threatening military installations. To name a few. Listen to Sherri Goodman to find out how, who is the author of the new book, “Threat Multiplier: Climate, Military Leadership and the Fight for Global Security.” She has been working in the highest levels of the defense industry for 30 years, including serving as the first Undersecretary of Defense for Environmental Security. She also shares insightful career advice. You'll hear about: What exactly a “threat multiplier” is and why she says climate change is one. How exactly climate change stresses national security, including in ways you probably have not thought about. The impact of climate change on geopolitics – from destabilizing societies to weaponizing resources How the U.S. Defense Department is also a model for how to decarbonize and drive innovation that improves the military and saves lives – military lives and across society   Plus, insightful career advice, such as… “It helps to diversify what you do in your career. And also, I find sometimes women undersell themselves. They think they have to have all sorts of competencies in order to be qualified for that next level of career advancement….You have to be willing to sort of put yourself out there a little bit, and you know, don't be afraid for people to tell you no…Also, I'd say that the network really matters. So, even if you do take time off….from your professional life at a certain stage, and then you think you want to get back in, don't let your network, your relationship network atrophy, because that always is vitally important.” Sherri Goodman on Electric Ladies Podcast Read Joan's Forbes articles here. You'll also like these episodes: (some may be recorded under our previous name, Green Connections Radio) Judith Pryor, Vice Chair and First Vice President of the Export Import Bank of the U.S., which facilitates business deals in furtherance of U.S. national economic and political security. Natalie Jaresko, former finance minister of Ukraine, on war, energy and global security – and ESG Vanessa Chan, Ph.D., Chief Commercialization Officer of the Department of Energy and Director of the Office of Technology Transitions, on the Inflation Reduction Act and the transition to clean energy. Secretary Katherine Hammack, former Assistant Secretary of the Army for Energy, Environment and Installations, on the Army's Net Zero program Secretary Deborah Lee James, 23rd Secretary of the Air Force, under President Obama and author of “Aim High” Susan McPherson, CEO of McPherson Strategies, on corporate strategies in a time of geopolitical crisis. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, blog, events and special coaching offers.. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio and leaving us a review! Follow us on Twitter @joanmichelson

“If you want to get something done in this world that transcends what's already happening, if you want to be a pioneer or a leader and make something new out of what has been…then you have to be willing to listen to the people that are trying to hold dearly to how it has been and who are afraid of how it has been going away. And one has to become a master bridge builder. In order to become a master bridge builder, one has to be so committed to asking questions to drop into a place of understanding such that you understand where the commonality is….Find the common points.” Jennifer Hough on Electric Ladies Podcast Historically devastating hurricanes are wiping communities off the map, courtesy of climate change, and historic private sector and government investments show that clean energy and climate resilience technologies are economic engines. Yet there are still climate deniers and those battling to reverse those investment – even as they praise the jobs created by those investments in their areas. How do we bridge the gap?   Listen to Jennifer Hough, author of “Unstuck,” TEDx speaker and advisor to leaders, explain how to listen differently and talk about these issues differently in this enlightening conversation with Electric Ladies host Joan Michelson. They also share insightful career advice. You'll hear about: How to listen differently to the climate deniers and others afraid of (any) change. What “cognitive dissonance” is and how to transform it. How to talk about climate change in a way that builds bridges. How to incentivize people to see solutions differently. Plus, insightful career advice, such as… “The first piece of advice that I would give is that…(you want to ask yourself or the Universe) ‘What's the greatest thing that you can do with the skill sets you already have that might leave you feeling satisfied, fulfilled, and like you had a life of meaning and that you went to bed that night knowing that you did what you came to the planet for and you woke up in the morning excited about getting up?' Answering that question sometimes takes six months, two weeks. It, it's not something that most people can answer right off the bat. They can answer it sometimes generally, but not specifically. So that would be number one….The second thing is, in order for your glass ceilings to become your floors,…you want to work with someone consistently that's guiding you, 'cause doing it alone is for the birds,….finding someone to work with, man, that's so important.” Jennifer Hough on Electric Ladies Podcast Read Joan's Forbes articles here. You'll also like: Jill Tidman, Executive Director of The Redford Center, a nonprofit that produces and support environmentally-focused documentaries and media, on how to talk about climate change. Dr. Emma O'Brien, Founder of the Global Scrub Choir and Head of Music Therapy at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, on how music builds bridges and how they use it to communicate about the public health issues related to climate change. Ann Friedman, Founder and CEO of Planet Word Museum, about the power of language and how we communicate across various media and formats. Paula Glover, President of the Alliance to Save Energy, on how talking about – increasing – energy  efficiency helps build bridges to solutions to mitigating climate change. Rachel McCleery, Senior Advisor, Treasury Dept. Inflation Reduction Act Program, on how to leverage the IRA to save money reducing a building or business's energy use and carbon footprint. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, blog, events and special coaching offers.. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio and leaving us a review! Follow us on Twitter @joanmichelson

“Our job is to recycle so that we can recover all of that scrap and goods that you and I are recycling in our garbage bins every week or recycling as we get new cars. And our job is to recover that because we make steel in a very clean and efficient process through what's called an electric arc furnace. So, we take all of that scrap, we melt it down, and we make new steel. It does not degrade. It has a continuous reusable life.…Depending on the different products of steel, that actually determines the recycled content that goes into them for the finishes and the quality of the steel that's needed.”  Tabitha Stine on Electric Ladies Podcast The UN Environmental Programme stated last year that, “The buildings and construction sector is by far largest emitter of greenhouse gases, accounting for a staggering 37% of global emissions. The production and use of materials such as cement, steel, and aluminum have a significant carbon footprint.” So, how do we reduce the severe impact of those building materials? Listen to Tabitha Stine, General Manager of Energy Solutions and Services at Nucor Corporation, “North America's largest steel manufacturer and recycler,” according to its website.  She'll explain how recycled steel is made and more in this fascinating conversation with Electric Ladies host Joan Michelson. They also share insightful career advice. You'll hear about: How recycled steel is made and where the steel comes from that is recycled. How structurally sound recycled steel is and how it's tested to make sure and meet building codes. Which industries use recycled steel, why, and how the demand and supply line up.   How the steel industry is adapting to ensure automobiles and buildings are resilient to the ravages of climate change, including innovations in the works. Plus, insightful career advice, such as… “Usually what holds people back is, people are not willing to raise their hand. And then you go 10 years and you haven't had guidance because maybe you have a manager that doesn't give you feedback. You have to advocate for yourself. You are your advocate. There are no others. You've got to assume nobody else will except for yourself and you go for it. And I would also stress that if you're also not mentoring others at every stage along your career, you're missing out on a big opportunity,” Tabitha Stine on Electric Ladies Podcast Read Joan's Forbes articles here. You'll also like: Erin McLaughlin, Senior Economist, The Conference Board, about her new report on buildings, climate change and carbon emissions. Katie McGinty, Chief Sustainability Officer, Johnson Controls, on the power of buildings. Anna Siefken, Deputy Director, Federal Energy Management Program, Dept. of Energy, on how the federal government reduces the energy use and carbon footprint of its 350,000 buildings. Rachel McCleery, Senior Advisor, Treasury Dept. Inflation Reduction Act Program, on how to leverage the IRA to save money reducing a building or business's energy use and carbon footprint. Laura Busse Dolan, CEO, Applied Imagination, which designs and builds miniature buildings from plants and botanicals. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, blog, events and special coaching offers.. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio and leaving us a review! Follow us on Twitter @joanmichelson

“Energy efficiency…is doing more, using less. The megawatt not used is the cheapest megawatt and there's so many things, either by using technology, old technology like insulation or digitalization, that allows us to really stretch what we can get out every single megawatt ,a kilowatt electron that we use. And so that's what we're talking about. If we had the kind of massive adoption that we need, we could get to a big 40% reduction.” Paula Glover on Electric Ladies Podcast The International Energy Agency and the U.S. Energy Star Program say that energy efficiency should be the foundation of reducing our carbon emissions to address global warming. The Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment Act provide billions of dollars in incentives and funding opportunities to help us make our homes, businesses, and infrastructure more energy efficient. But what are those incentives? How do we tap them? How much money and emissions will energy efficiency really save us? Listen to Paula Glover, CEO of the Alliance To Save Energy, explain the opportunities and how to tap them in this fascinating discussion with Electric Ladies host Joan Michelson. She also shares insightful career advice. You'll hear about: What the Alliance To Save Energy is and who its members are, the impact they have. What energy efficiency really is – and is not. How you can identify and tap the savings to increase the energy efficiency of your home, business, school or community. What the Roadmap for a Just Energy Transition is and how it works. Plus, insightful career advice, such as… “One would be, relationships matter, and you should be feeding into them as much as you want to get out of it. So, it's not about who….Number two, which is that as much as you're looking for a mentor, you should also be a mentor. And that mentorship is not just, I'm at 15 years and so I mentor someone who's at five. But if you really nurture relationship, you could be at 15 years mentoring someone who's at 25 years, right? You have something to contribute….There is so much that we have to contribute at every stage of our career. I think taking the opportunity to do that leads to other opportunities that you may never have known about.” Paula Glover on Electric Ladies Podcast Read Joan's Forbes articles here. You'll also like: Rachel McCleery, Senior Advisor, Treasury Dept. Inflation Reduction Act Program, on how to leverage the IRA to save money reducing a building or business's energy use and carbon footprint. Rachel Frazin, The Hill Climate & Energy Reporter, on the climate policies in Project 2025, former President Trump's agenda as he seeks re-election. Vanessa Chan, Ph.D., Chief Commercialization Officer of the Department of Energy and Director of the Office of Technology Transitions, on the Inflation Reduction Act and the transition to clean energy. Lisa Jacobson of the Business Council for Sustainable Energy & Tara Narayanan, of Bloomberg NEF on their new Energy Factbook 2024, including the Inflation Reduction Act opportunities. Anna Siefken, Deputy Director, Federal Energy Management Program, Dept. of Energy, on how the federal government reduces the energy use and carbon footprint of its 350,000 buildings. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, blog, events and special coaching offers.. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio and leaving us a review! Follow us on Twitter @joanmichelson

“One of the big differences between Canada and the United States on climate policy spending broadly is that unlike the United States, Canada has a national carbon pricing system. So, we have a carbon pricing system that sets a national minimum standard. There's a retail price for retail fuels, including gasoline for cars. And there's also an industrial price that applies directly to industry. In some provinces, Quebec has its own cap and trade system that's actually linked with California's, and that is a system that meets Canada's minimum standard for carbon pricing.” Claire Seaborn on Electric Ladies Podcast Canada has been ahead of the U.S. on some climate and energy policies, including having a price on carbon, which many U.S. politicians have resisted for years. What can we learn from Canada's experience? A lot. Listen to Claire Seaborn, who until a few months ago was the Chief of Staff to Canada's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, explain Canada's energy and climate policies and what the U.S. – and other countries – can learn from their experience, in this fascinating discussion with Electric Ladies host Joan Michelson. She also shares insightful career advice. You'll hear about: What exactly Canadian energy and climate policies are and how they are working. How Canada developed its carbon pricing policies and how difference provinces are implementing them. The critical role of minerals in the energy transition and climate solutions, and how to manage this complex geopolitical issue. Plus, insightful career advice, such as… “For anyone, women especially who are interested in the energy and climate space, I would say that you shouldn't feel that you need to choose between the public sector, the private sector, and the nonprofit sector…. If you want to, and I've done it, you can just bounce between them. And that seems to be increasingly more acceptable and it's also really, really useful…. I've been able to continue to build my expertise in the energy and climate space, but from multiple different perspectives.…So my advice would be to just not feel that you need to pick one of those lanes and, and to take the risk to bounce between those different segments of our economy.” Claire Seaborn on Electric Ladies Podcast Read Joan's Forbes articles here. You'll also like: Anna Siefken, Deputy Director, Federal Energy Management Program, Dept. of Energy, on how the federal government reduces the energy use and carbon footprint of its 350,000 buildings. Rachel McCleery, Senior Advisor, Treasury Dept. Inflation Reduction Act Program, on how to leverage the IRA to save money reducing a building or business's energy use and carbon footprint. Vanessa Chan, Ph.D., Chief Commercialization Officer of the Department of Energy and Director of the Office of Technology Transitions, on the Inflation Reduction Act and the transition to clean energy. Julia Souder, CEO, Long Duration Energy Storage Council, on how to leverage storage to transition to and manage a clean energy economy Lisa Jacobson of the Business Council for Sustainable Energy & Tara Narayanan, of Bloomberg NEF on their new Energy Factbook 2024, including the Inflation Reduction Act opportunities. Inna Braverman, CEO & Founder, Eco Wave Power, on how they are bringing wave power to scale – and her powerful personal story. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, blog, events and special coaching offers.. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio and leaving us a review! Follow us on Twitter @joanmichelson

“Much of our infrastructure isn't built to withstand certain kinds of flooding or certain levels of heat. And yet, as the climate changes, so many of the things… that we did know in a world with a stable climate, those are now being upended. And all of that affects costs fundamentally… So, we need to transition to net zero…The three pieces of (federal) legislation are all about investing in America and making sure that from the innovation to commercialization pipeline, we are helping those goods get to market at scale, at prices consumers can afford.” Heather Boushey on Electric Ladies Podcast New research finds that 52% of voters in this 2024 election want "historic investments in 21st century sustainable infrastructure projects," according to Data For Progress, presented at the Democratic National Convention this week.  The Biden-Harris administration has made historic investments already and homeowners, communities and businesses can seize them to increase their resilience to climate change and reduce their energy costs. How? Listen to Heather Boushey, Member of the White House Council of Economic Advisors and Chief Economist of the Invest in America Cabinet, in this exclusive and rare interview by Joan Michelson on Electric Ladies Podcast explain how we can economically do this transition and how this federal funding reduces our risks and costs to do, while also expediting this transition to help avert even far worse effects of climate change. (This episode aired originally in September 2023.)   You'll hear: How climate change affects the economy, and key sectors specifically. Resources in the Inflation Reduction  Act, Infrastructure Investment Act & CHIPS & Science Act to help homeowners, businesses and investors make these changes at reduced risks and lower costs. Where the opportunities – and jobs – are in this transition, including for women. The impact on women specifically and resources available Plus, insightful career advice, such as… “For me, the key to my career was being clear on what my mission is….I feel so enormously fortunate that I found a president to be able to work for who shares that goal….So I think the lesson in that is either be the leader that you want to believe in, or find that leader and attach yourself to them and see what amazing things you can do together. But, for me, it's been about being clear on what it is that I wanted to achieve.” Heather Boushey on Electric Ladies Podcast Read Joan's Forbes articles here too. You'll also like (some may have been recorded under our previous name, Green Connections Radio): Erin McLaughlin, The Conference Board on new economic research on buildings, energy and climate and the federal and state incentives Anna Siefken, Deputy Director, Federal Energy Management Program, Dept. of Energy, on how the federal government reduces the energy use and carbon footprint of its 350,000 buildings. Rachel McCleery, Senior Advisor, Treasury Dept. Inflation Reduction Act Program, on how to leverage the IRA to save money reducing a building or business's energy use and carbon footprint. Rachel Frazin, Environment & Energy Reporter at The Hill, on Project 2025 and climate change. Anne Kelly, VP of Government Relations, Ceres, on business supporting the Inflation Reduction Act Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, blog, events and special coaching offers.. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio and leaving us a review! Follow us on Twitter @joanmichelson  

“I think some of the biggest themes throughout (Project 2025) are a sort of reorganization or dismantling of some of our environment agencies. They literally use the word ‘dismantled' for what they would like to do to NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The others are a little bit more subtle, but they talk about shifting senior career staffers out of the EPAs office of water. So, it's all sorts of, you know, reorganizing and rearranging these agencies and doing so in a way that might make them, or that is going to make them, less protective of the climate.” Rachel Frazin on Electric Ladies Podcast You may have heard about Project 2025, the 900-page far-right conservative blueprint for a potential Trump 2.0 administration developed by the Heritage Foundation and about 140 former Trump officials. But what's in it that could affect the country's ability to address climate change and how we power our economy?   Listen to Rachel Frazin, Energy and Environment Reporter at The Hill explain what specific provisions will affect climate and energy in this insightful discussion with Electric Ladies host Joan Michelson. You'll want to know this before you vote. You'll hear: What exactly is in Project 2025 related to water, air, weather management, and the environment. How Project 2025 proposes about our energy system and energy efficiency and what the impact would be on climate change, greenhouse gases and our air. Who Project 2025 prioritizes in the economy…and so much more. How candidate choice really matters this election – and how to do your research. Plus, insightful career advice, such as… “Being open-minded to new opportunities, I very much lucked into the energy environment and climate world…and I have fallen in love with it. So I think, you know, just being open to opportunities is huge. Generally, having a positive attitude, but also thinking critically, being skeptical, especially as a journalist. I like to be open-minded and believe that good ideas and good policies and can come from anyone and anywhere. But I also…don't take anything for granted… I encourage everybody to do their research.” Rachel Frazin on Electric Ladies Podcast Read Joan's Forbes articles here. You'll also like: Celinda Lake, CEO, Lake Research Partners, opinion research firm on women voters and climate. Anna Siefken, Deputy Director, Federal Energy Management Program, Dept. of Energy, on how the federal government reduces the energy use and carbon footprint of its 350,000 buildings. Rachel McCleery, Senior Advisor, Treasury Dept. Inflation Reduction Act Program, on how to leverage the IRA to save money reducing a building or business's energy use and carbon footprint. Vanessa Chan, Ph.D., Chief Commercialization Officer of the Department of Energy and Director of the Office of Technology Transitions, on the Inflation Reduction Act and the transition to clean energy. Lisa Jacobson of the Business Council for Sustainable Energy & Tara Narayanan, of Bloomberg NEF on their new Energy Factbook 2024, including the Inflation Reduction Act opportunities. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, blog, events and special coaching offers.. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio and leaving us a review! Follow us on Twitter @joanmichelson

“I think we are really at an inflection point for a couple different reasons, the first being climate change and the fact that buildings are the cause of so much carbon emissions…(T)he second one, as you sort of referred to is the pandemic, and our intersection with how we use our residential and commercial buildings is different…(and) we also have to acknowledge the expense and the financing costs around some of the changes that we are seeing underway and what that may mean.” Erin McLaughlin on Electric Ladies Podcast Multiple forces are transforming our buildings at once: how and where we work, climate change, reporting and financing structures, and even the materials we use to build those homes and commercial buildings. So, where are we? Listen to Erin McLaughlin, Senior Economist at The Conference Board, explain the trends from their recent research in this fascinating discussion with Electric Ladies host Joan Michelson. She also shares insightful career advice. You'll hear about: The inflection point that our buildings and homes face today, and why it's unique in history. What is changing as a result of these dynamics, in every aspect of buildings, from materials, to processes, to financing, to who uses them and how. The key role that mitigating climate change plays in where we live, play and work. Plus, insightful career advice, such as… “Careers don't always go up, right? You shouldn't necessarily think of your career as, oh, I got promoted to the next position up and now I manage more people, or I manage a bigger budget. You should think of them like climbing a, a rock wall. Like sometimes you have to go sideways in order to go up… and to deepen your skillset and, also watch the trends and watch the policies and…thinking about how they'll impact your career.” Erin McLaughlin on Electric Ladies Podcast Read Joan's Forbes articles here. You'll also like: Katie McGinty, Chief Sustainability Officer, Johnson Controls, on the power of building. Anna Siefken, Deputy Director, Federal Energy Management Program, Dept. of Energy, on how the federal government reduces the energy use and carbon footprint of its 350,000 buildings. Rachel McCleery, Senior Advisor, Treasury Dept. Inflation Reduction Act Program, on how to leverage the IRA to save money reducing a building or business's energy use and carbon footprint. Rachel Frazin, Environment & Energy Reporter at The Hill, on Project 2025 and climate change. Laura Busse Dolan, CEO, Applied Imagination, which designs and builds miniature buildings from plants and botanicals. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, blog, events and special coaching offers.. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio and leaving us a review! Follow us on Twitter @joanmichelson

 “Sustainable fashion has … given us more permission to wear our values, to choose what reflects our personalities and our values…We have a lot more choices. We have a lot more agency, we have a lot more resources and authority and influence…We can choose to make our impressions the way that we want to…Think about it, because you're sending a message. You're reflecting who you are with how you put yourself together that day….We make a statement with what we wear. So what statement do you want to make?” Joan Michelson at Parlay House DC Delia Ephron, sister and collaborator of the late-great screenwriter Nora Ephron, talked about how women “perform their femininity” with what they wear. But because the fashion industry has an enormously detrimental impact on the environment today, more and more women are demanding lower impact clothing to reflect their values. Designers are responding. What does what you wear say about who you are? Listen to my recent talk at Parlay House DC on women, clothing, values and identity on how what we wear reflects much more than we think – and how we can choose deliberately – in this episode of Electric Ladies Podcast.  You'll hear about: Statistics on the environmental impact of the fashion industry Celebrities and designers who are deliberately making clothing with the environment in mind. What else your clothing says about you. Plus, insightful career advice, such as four questions you can ask yourself: “What do your clothing choices now reflect about who you are today?...What statement are you making with your clothing choices currently? How do you want your clothing to make you feel? And... What message are you sending?...Self-image, self-confidence or values, creative expression. Let what you wear reflect who you are today and what you value, deliberately, proudly, creatively, but make it a choice of how you want to perform your femininity.” Joan Michelson at Parlay House DC Read Joan's Forbes articles here. You'll also like (some of these were recorded under our previous name, Green Connections Radio): Kerry Bannigan, Managing Director, PVBLIC Foundation, Co-Founder of UN Fashion and Lifestyle Network, Founder Conscious Fashion Campaign How Fashion's Marketing Machine can promote sustainability, Joan's Forbes article Laura Jones, Celebrity stylist and Founder of Frontlash magazine, on sustainable fashion trends. Amina Razvi, CEO, Sustainable Apparel Coalition (was VP of Membership when this was recorded) 7 Career Tips For Women In Sustainable Fashion, Joan's Forbes article Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, blog, events and special coaching offers.. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio and leaving us a review! Follow us on Twitter @joanmichelson

“We look at how long sharing storage can really fill in the gaps when you don't have wind and solar 24 /7. ….(There are) four families of long sharing storage.….different ways you can store for multiple hours, days, and seasons. This diversity is really important, because whether you're an island nation, and you maybe have floating solar or offshore wind and you want to bring it in and hold it for when you (need it), every week you want to repurpose it for your ports or your infrastructure, your urban centers.” Julia Souder on Electric Ladies Podcast The waves of extreme heat, wildfires, hurricanes and tornadoes remind us daily of the need to make sure we can power our lives, communities and economy over long durations – and with energy that is net zero carbon emissions so that we reduce global warming. Renewables are great, but how do we store it for when the sun doesn't shine and the wind doesn't blow – or when hydropower plants run dry? Enter long duration energy storage. Listen to Julia Souder, CEO of the Long Duration Energy Storage Energy Council, explain how it works and where it comes from, and shares insightful career advice, in this fascinating discussion with Electric Ladies host Joan Michelson.  You'll hear about: What exactly long duration energy storage is and how the four types of it work. When long duration energy storage can be tapped and what parts of our economy and communities it can serve, giving us peace of mind. How long duration energy storage can service disaster areas, rural communities and remote areas. Plus, insightful career advice, such as… “I would offer three things of advice. One would be, start looking at boards, even like a local community board, a nonprofit. Just start getting your name out there because you want to build your experience. It doesn't have to be anything big… My next second point is, it doesn't hurt to ask, and I have to remind myself to do this too. You can ask questions. It's not just curiosity, but there's just a joint learning there…. And the last point I'd say is, when you're negotiating your review processes or your next promotion, or even a new job, ask for a coach, an executive coach. I think that's really important. Having executive coaches are phenomenal.” Julia Souder on Electric Ladies Podcast Read Joan's Forbes articles here. You'll also like: Anna Siefken, Deputy Director, Federal Energy Management Program, Dept. of Energy, on how the federal government reduces the energy use and carbon footprint of its 350,000 buildings. Rachel McCleery, Senior Advisor, Treasury Dept. Inflation Reduction Act Program, on how to leverage the IRA to save money reducing a building or business's energy use and carbon footprint. Vanessa Chan, Ph.D., Chief Commercialization Officer of the Department of Energy and Director of the Office of Technology Transitions, on the Inflation Reduction Act and the transition to clean energy. Lisa Jacobson of the Business Council for Sustainable Energy & Tara Narayanan, of Bloomberg NEF on their new Energy Factbook 2024, including the Inflation Reduction Act opportunities. Inna Braverman, CEO & Founder, Eco Wave Power, on how they are bringing wave power to scale – and her powerful personal story. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, blog, events and special coaching offers.. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio and leaving us a review! Follow us on Twitter @joanmichelson

“We work with this entire portfolio of buildings of the federal government, as you mentioned, about 350,000 buildings, also including 600,000 cars and trucks in the fleet, all of them looking towards decarbonization…We do it through policy and planning. So, we analyze the management mandates, the energy management mandates that come out, and we help agencies understand what they need to do to meet those legislative goals. We do analysis and strategy, so we help work alongside the agencies to identify the short and long-term opportunities and how they can…save money and to meet these higher goals. We do it through execution and funding.” Anna Siefken on Electric Ladies Podcast The federal government has 350,000 buildings across the country and internationally, which are all looking to decarbonize, just as the government suggests we all do. How do you reduce the carbon footprint of such a massive and varied collection of buildings? Listen to Anna Siefken, Deputy Director at the Federal Energy Management Program at the U.S. Department of Energy, explain how they do and maybe discover some opportunities for your company to help them, as well as some insightful career advice, in this fascinating discussion with Electric Ladies host Joan Michelson.  You'll hear about: What exactly the Federal Energy Management Program does and how they do it. The impact of these buildings and initiatives on their local economies – including how and when they use subcontractors, including women-owned businesses and helping disadvantaged communities. How FEMP trains leaders across the government to make decisions that reduce their energy and water use, and CO2 emissions, as well as tools they provide to help. Plus, insightful career advice, such as… “There are spaces for everyone in this clean energy transition…A way for a person to get more involved is, I've got to say DOE website has a lot of postings….(Or) Find someone (on LinkedIn) who's in a position that is exactly what you think you want to be doing. And then first map your own skills to what that person is saying they're doing… Or you can also do this with like open positions, you go and you look for open positions that you think you might qualify for and then back in your skills…Figure out how your skills map to either what that person is doing or what that position is asking for, because you'll find that the similarities are there.” Anna Siefken on Electric Ladies Podcast Read Joan's Forbes articles here. You'll also like: Rachel McCleery, Senior Advisor, Treasury Dept. Inflation Reduction Act Program, on how exactly to leverage the IRA to reduce a building or business's carbon footprint and save money. Vanessa Chan, Ph.D., Chief Commercialization Officer of the Department of Energy and Director of the Office of Technology Transitions, on the Inflation Reduction Act and the transition to clean energy. Polly Trottenberg, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Transportation, on the transportation revolution taking place. Judith Pryor, Vice Chair & First Vice President, Export Import Bank of the U.S., on leveraging exporting and trade for energy, climate and sustainability, as well as economic development. Lisa Jacobson of the Business Council for Sustainable Energy & Tara Narayanan, of Bloomberg NEF on their new Energy Factbook 2024, including the Inflation Reduction Act opportunities. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, blog, events and special coaching offers.. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio and leaving us a review! Follow us on Twitter @joanmichelson

“Women often have far more skills than their resumes translate into. And actually we're going into a good period now where I think employers and organizations are looking for the skillset that you have more than the job titles that you have. And that's good for women because we have a lot of skills that we will have acquired in different arenas. Bring in your all… It's tough out there. It requires resilience, but just remember that you have a tremendous amount to offer and, um, you know it, and sooner or later somebody's going to figure that out too.” Celinda Lake on Electric Ladies podcast  The highly-accomplished women who appear on Electric Ladies Podcast give powerful and insightful career advice in every episode. Since listeners have asked us to air collages of some of that advice now and then, here is our next one. This episode brings you advice from: ·       Celinda Lake, Founder/CEO of Lake Research Partners, renowned 30-year old opinion research firm ·       Mary Morrissey, Renowned Leadership Coach & Author of several books including, “Brave Thinking” ·       Michele Mueller, head of Automation, Connectivity and Electrification at Michigan Dept. of Transportation ·       Evelyne Saelens, UL Solutions ESG Advisory Lead ·       Katie McGinty, Chief Sustainability Officer of Johnson Controls Read Joan's Forbes articles here too – which also include career advice, as well as ways to stay abreast of the clean, green economy. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, blog, events and special coaching offers.. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio and leaving us a review! Follow us on Twitter @joanmichelson

“There are those individual actions that we can take. But if I can work with my community or work inside of my company, or if I can work inside of my house of worship and we can build some community and some action that way, it will have a much bigger impact than anything that I can do as an individual… The communities that they're already a part of, whether they're residential, like in their neighborhoods, or it's the nonprofits that they're a part of, or the places where they have other kinds of communities like religious communities, and start conversations there. What could we do as a community? What could we do as an organization?” Laur Hesse Fisher on Electric Ladies Podcast There are steps each of us can take individually to help avert climate change, but if we can leverage the larger entities we are a part of, then we can have a much larger impact. How? Listen to Laur Hesse Fisher of MIT's Environmental Solutions Initiative and TIL Climate podcast, in discussion with Electric Ladies host Joan Michelson, explain ways you can leverage the places you already go and people you currently encounter to reach people who might not get the climate message elsewhere.  You'll hear about: Why reaching people outside the climate-tuned bubble is critical. How important the Inflation Reduction Act, Infrastructure Investment Act & CHIPS and Science Act are to addressing the climate crisis and in an equitable way. How we can leverage the relationships we already have, the local media, and local events to make a bigger difference than we can make on our own. Why voting is so crucial this year – and not for the reasons you might have heard Plus, insightful career advice, such as… “My advice would be, as you're thinking about where you want to go, talk to people about that. So you might not know where you want to go, in which case I recommend informational interviews. Those are great for learning about other people's career paths, what it took for them to get there, what did they learn along the way? I mean, people are really open to having a half an hour conversation.” Laur Hesse Fisher on Electric Ladies Podcast Read Joan's Forbes articles here too. You'll also like: Rachel McCleery, Treasury Dept. Senior Advisor, Inflation Reduction Act Program, on how to benefit from the IRA, including where to find out what it covers Vanessa Chan, Ph.D., Chief Commercialization Officer of the Department of Energy and Director of the Office of Technology Transitions, on the Inflation Reduction Act and the transition to clean energy. Jill Tidman, Executive Director of The Redford Center, environmental storytelling through media, film, series and documentaries. Polly Trottenberg, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Transportation, on the transportation revolution taking place. Judith Pryor, Vice Chair & First Vice President, Export Import Bank of the U.S., on leveraging exporting and trade for energy, climate and sustainability, as well as economic development. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, blog, events and special coaching offers.. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio and leaving us a review! Follow us on Twitter @joanmichelson

“We like to break (the tax credits) down by industries and audiences...On the industry side, we have energy efficiency, energy generation, manufacturing, vehicles, fuels, and carbon capture. Now, overlaying all of those are a handful of cross crosscutting bonuses and requirements that can greatly affect, in many cases, increase the amount of the underlying tax credit within those industry driven tax credits. And then we have the audiences who are applicable to these tax credits. Now, the beauty of the IRA is that it is so wide sweeping that almost everybody is eligible for some type of tax credit within the law.” Rachel McLeery on Electric Ladies Podcast There are so many ways to benefit from the Inflation Reduction Act, Infrastructure Investment Act and the CHIPS & Science Act, but it can be kind of confusing to know which elements are best for you. How do you find which ones can benefit you? Listen to Rachel McLeery, Senior Advisor at the Department of Treasury, explain where and how to access the benefits of these ground-breaking pieces of legislation in this fascinating discussion with Electric Ladies host Joan Michelson.  You'll hear about: How and where to access the benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act, Infrastructure Investment Act & CHIPS and Science Act – no matter what industry or taxpayer you are, including examples. The impact of these bills on the economy – in energy, climate, sustainability, infrastructure, electric vehicles. The ground-breaking collaboration between Treasury and the Dept. of Energy & Dept of Transportation & the Dept. of the Interior, and the White House. Plus, insightful career advice, such as… “You have to have a little bit of fearlessness at this stage of your career. I think at this point, you know, like Joanie mentioned, you're in the space of your career where you know what you want. You have the ambition, you have the drive, you know how to do it, you have the confidence. But confidence and fearlessness, to me they are two very different things. And in order to take that step, you have to be able to take some risks and you have to assume space that you haven't before.” Rachel McLeery on Electric Ladies Podcast Read Joan's Forbes article about this new report here and more of her articles here too. You'll also like: Vanessa Chan, Ph.D., Chief Commercialization Officer of the Department of Energy and Director of the Office of Technology Transitions, on the Inflation Reduction Act and the transition to clean energy. Polly Trottenberg, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Transportation, on the transportation revolution taking place. Judith Pryor, Vice Chair & First Vice President, Export Import Bank of the U.S., on leveraging exporting and trade for energy, climate and sustainability, as well as economic development. Lisa Jacobson of the Business Council for Sustainable Energy & Tara Narayanan, of Bloomberg NEF on their new Energy Factbook 2024, including the Inflation Reduction Act opportunities. Kristen Sullivan, Deloitte Audit Partner & Head of the firm's Sustainability practice, on the final SEC climate rules Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, blog, events and special coaching offers.. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio and leaving us a review! Follow us on Twitter @joanmichelson

“The economic information on clean energy is amazing…We're decades deep in it now, where you're seeing the cost competitiveness of renewable technologies on an unsubsidized basis…We can do this. We can grow the economy and we can use more clean energy.” Lisa Jacobson on Electric Ladies Podcast The facts in the new Sustainable Energy 2024 Factbook, by the Business Council for Sustainable Energy and Bloomberg New Energy Finance, show that the transition to a clean energy economy is well underway, and resilient, despite “headwinds” like covid, high interest rates, supply chain issues and political pressures. How? Listen to Lisa Jacobson, President of the Business Council for Sustainable Energy and Tara Narayanan, Lead Analyst at Bloomberg New Energy Finance, explain where we are in this transition in this fascinating discussion with Electric Ladies host Joan Michelson.  You'll hear about: Where we're at in the energy transition and what the trends are The impact of the new trifecta of federal legislation – the Inflation Reduction Act, the Infrastructure Investment Act and the CHIPS and Science Act. The energy mix we need, including renewables, to power our complex economy Dispelling myths about the energy transition and energy sources Plus, insightful career advice, such as… “Think about your career as a business…Try to always have a mindset of kind of what I want first…What organizations do I want to work with? Where, what kind of responsibilities do I want to have? And maybe I do it through a traditional employer employee relationship, or maybe I just branch out on my own and just do it right? And I feel like women should feel empowered to do that and to be that kind of proactive thinking. And don't be afraid.” Lisa Jacobson on Electric Ladies Podcast Read Joan's Forbes article about this new report here and more of her articles here too. You'll also like: Inna Braverman, Founder/CEO of Eco Wave Power, on how wave power works and her powerful personal story that reflects today's geopolitical dynamics. Melissa Lott, Ph.D., Director of Research at the Center for Global Energy Policy at Columbia University, and the lead scientists in the PBS/NOVA documentary “Chasing Carbon Zero.” Vanessa Chan, Ph.D., Chief Commercialization Officer of the Department of Energy and Director of the Office of Technology Transitions, on the Inflation Reduction Act and the transition to clean energy. Halla Hrund Logadottir, Director-General, Iceland's National Energy Authority, on how the country has become 85% renewable energy. Sarah Golden, VP of Energy, Greenbiz, on geothermal, how it works and why it's growing exponentially Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, blog, events and special coaching offers.. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio and leaving us a review! Follow us on Twitter @joanmichelson

"I went for wave energy just because I saw a field that has huge demand, that has huge potential for positive impact on the world, and that nobody's succeeding in. So, that kind of was for me, I don't know, maybe a feeling of destiny here. I got a second chance in life and maybe I can make something for the first time in the world, so maybe my second chance will be kind of, you know, worthwhile.”  Inna Braverman on Electric Ladies Podcast Harnessing wave power has been a challenge for smart engineers and innovators for years, and now a Ukrainian-born, Israeli woman has found a way that is surprisingly simple. It's early yet, but her technology seems promising and is and earning accolades. Listen to Inna Braverman, Founder/CEO of Eco Wave Power, explain her innovative wave energy technology in this fascinating discussion with Electric Ladies host Joan Michelson. She also shares her poignant personal story that resonates with today's geopolitical tensions, as well as with our energy transition. You'll hear about: How wave energy works, and what makes her system unique. How she got a “second chance” at life – and how her life has come full circle. The five challenges that have stumped other wave energy innovators and how Eco Wave overcomes them. Plus, insightful career advice, such as… “I think that she has to kind of have two factors. One is passion and two is persistence. Because if you're truly passionate about something, if you really feel that you have this amazing opportunity to change the world, then you would also persist. Because you won't give up your dream that easily. And, you know, being in wave energy, I always say that passion is the greatest renewable energy source, even stronger than the power of the waves.” Inna Braverman on Electric Ladies Podcast Read Joan's Forbes articles here too. You'll also like: Halla Hrund Logadottir, Director-General, Iceland's National Energy Authority, on how the country has become 85% renewable energy. (now leading the race for President of Iceland) Melissa Lott, Ph.D., Director of Research at the Center for Global Energy Policy at Columbia University, and the lead scientists in the PBS/NOVA documentary “Chasing Carbon Zero.” Vanessa Chan, Ph.D., Chief Commercialization Officer of the Department of Energy and Director of the Office of Technology Transitions, on the Inflation Reduction Act and the transition to clean energy. Janet Gail Besser, of Smart Power Alliance, on their 5-point plan to get the U.S. energy system to net zero. Michele Wucker, thought leaders and author of “You Are What You Risk: The New Art & Science to Navigating an Uncertain World.” Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, blog, events and special coaching offers.. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio and leaving us a review! Follow us on Twitter @joanmichelson

Financial Support For Exporting, Trade – Judith Pryor, Export Import Bank of U.S. “We help anyone in the United States who wants to sell their good or service overseas through short, medium, and long-term financing tools for international buyers. It's usually medium term and long term. We provide foreign buyers with the ability to purchase U.S. goods and services. So we're debt financiers to buyers of American goods and services. On the flip side of that, and more often with small businesses than not, we provide export credit insurance, which is short term, 30, 60, 90 days to ensure payment of goods received.” Judith Pryor on Electric Ladies Podcast One of the most important lessons from the pandemic economy is that we can collaborate across borders and industries, even with competitors, when it's for mutual benefit. Addressing climate change takes that kind of collaboration too. These deals are risky and complicated, but there's a small government agency that most businesses and entrepreneurs don't know is there to help structure and secure the deal, reducing the risk. It's called the Export Import Bank of the U.S. (EXIM Bank). Listen to this fascinating interview with Vice Chair and First Vice President of the EXIM Bank, Judith Pryor, on Electric Ladies Podcast with host Joan Michelson (live at the EXIM Bank office). You'll hear: How the EXIM Bank works, deals it can help with and how it can secure financing across borders. How EXIM Bank helps bring electricity to rural areas, and helps U.S. manufacturers secure their supply chains. How EXIM Bank earns billions of dollars in revenue on its deals that goes toward paying down the national debt. Particular support EXIM Bank provides for women- and minority-owned businesses doing trade deals. How economic security and international trade support national security. Plus, insightful career advice “I have a couple of quotes that I have written on my blackboard that I use often when I'm speaking publicly. And one of them is, ‘whatever you are, be a good one.' That was Abraham Lincoln said that. So it's, if this is what you've chosen to do, be good at it. Do give your best, give your all.…You're going to have bad days, but try to make them good days ….I have a fortune cookie phrase that ca literally came out of a cookie that I have taped my monitor upstairs that says, listen to yourself more often. I think as a woman, yes, we tend to question ourselves more.” Judith Pryor on Electric Ladies podcast   You'll also want to listen to: (some might be recorded under our previous name, Green Connections Radio) Kristen Sullivan, Deloitte Audit Partner & Head of the firm's Sustainability practice, on the final SEC climate rules Polly Trottenberg, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Transportation, on the transportation revolution taking place. Celinda Lake, Founder/CEO of Lake Research Partners, on women voters, climate and the 2024 election. Suzy Deering, (then) Chief Marketing Officer, Ford – on bringing change to a legacy industry as an outsider. Isabelle Grosmaitre, Founder/CEO of Goodness & Co. climate resilience and ESG consulting firm. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, blog, events and special coaching offers. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio and leaving us a review! Follow us on Twitter @joanmichelson

“Regulation can really be a catalyst for transformation, for business transformation, because this is so much more than a disclosure and compliance exercise. “When you think about the mechanisms, the infrastructure, the data that will emerge from instituting more discipline and rigor around these disclosure objectives, (it) is absolutely critical to surface more timely where risk disruption can emerge. They give insight into choices that can be made.” Kristen Sullivan on Electric Ladies Podcast   The SEC released its final climate risk disclosure rules after a two year process of collecting thousands of public comments, hearing from investors and conducting analysis. These rules have the potential to be transformative because they require companies to disclose verified data about the climate impact on their bottom line, and on how their company affects climate change risk as well. What does it mean? Listen to Kristen Sullivan, Deloitte Audit Partner, who leads the firm's sustainability practice, and Electric Ladies Podcast host Joan Michelson as they decipher these new rules – and the opportunities they reveal. You'll hear: What the SEC is asking companies to disclose verified data on, and why. How companies could benefit from identifying this data and seeing its impact on their business. Where this climate disclosure data might reveal opportunities that could be transformative for them. How to prepare, when to start (now), and how to structure your preparation. Plus, insightful career advice “Whether you're a marketing leader, whether you're a talent leader, a human resources leader, supply chain, finance, investor relations, legal, pick your favorite area of the business, really introducing a climate lens to what you do in your day job and really becoming a champion across your part of the organization. It opens up windows. We participate in meetings with clients all the time where parts of the organization come together that have never really had an opportunity or a remit to collaborate in certain areas. And so I think there's just a tremendous opportunity to bring sort of a tested set of skills, education, activities …to really become a change maker within your organization, a champion within your organization to drive this integration.” Kristen Sullivan on Electric Ladies podcast   Read Joan's Forbes article about the SEC climate risk disclosure rules and finding hidden business value here.   You'll also want to listen to: (some might be recorded under our previous name, Green Connections Radio) Kristen Sullivan, Deloitte, previous appearance on ELP about ESG tracking and its value Kristina Wyatt, Chief Sustainability Officer and Deputy General Counsel, Persefoni, and former head of the SEC Task Force developing the proposed climate risk disclosure rules. Joan on “Doing Sustainability” podcast about sustainability and ESG, including the SEC rules Jean Case, Case Foundation, on the proposed SEC climate rules and investing Polly Trottenberg, Deputy Secretary of Transportation, on the transformation of the transportation sector and Infrastructure Investment Act and Inflation Reduction Act Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, blog, events and special coaching offers.. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio and leaving us a review! Follow us on Twitter @joanmichelson SOCIAL POSTS:

  “We have on our website what's called the DOT Navigator. Sounds wonky, but go take a look. It is a wealth of information about all our grant programs, and you can answer a series of questions and it can help point you in the right direction. We also have a team of folks here who are dedicated to technical assistance and capacity building. So,  if you go to our website, you can find a lot of resources and, I would recommend potentially for firms, one nice thing we have is we have a division administration, federal Highways division administration office in all 50 states in the state capitals a great place, I think, to start for local guidance.” Secretary Polly Trottenberg on Electric Ladies Podcast   We are in the midst of a transportation revolution – a transformation of our transportation systems, in the U.S. and across the globe. It's part technology, part addressing climate change because transportation is top source of CO2, and part changing mobility needs. The Inflation Reduction Act & Infrastructure Investment Act provided nearly $1 trillion toward this transportation upgrade. Where are the opportunities? Listen to this exclusive interview with Polly Trottenberg, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation on Electric Ladies Podcast with host Joan Michelson (live at the DOT offices). You'll hear: How the transportation sector is being transformed – in large part by the smartphone. Where and how the US DOT is spending those hundreds of billions of dollars in new federal funding – and where you can access the opportunities. How to make sure your community gets its voice heard and transportation needs met. Where EV chargers are going in the huge buildout of them across the country. Plus, insightful career advice “Women don't always know what they're good at. I think that they're not actually always encouraged to sort of realize their own value and, you know, all the talents they have…. That is, I think a socialization thing that I still see. So, I give this advice from personal experience, you know more than you think, you have incredible value. Seek out those opportunities, take some risks.” Secretary Polly Trottenberg on Electric Ladies podcast You'll also want to listen to: (some might be recorded under our previous name, Green Connections Radio) Michele Mueller, Manager, Automated, Connected and Electrification, Michigan Dept. of Transportation Julie White, Deputy Secretary of the North Carolina Dept. of Transportation Suzy Deering, (then) Chief Marketing Officer, Ford – on bringing change to a legacy industry as an outsider. Genevieve Cullen, President, Electric Drive Transportation Assn. – on financial benefits for buying EVs in the new legislation, and EVs coming to market soon. Telva McGruder, Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, General Motors (now head of Global Manufacturing Engineering) – on the changing auto workforce and industry. Kristen Siemen, Chief Sustainability Officer, General Motors   Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, blog, events and special coaching offers.. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio and leaving us a review! Follow us on Twitter @joanmichelson

“Women are very worried about these (extreme weather) events, and they're the ones that really worry about the impact on communities.…They want to leave a better country for their children...They will say that climate change is something that really is on my agenda more because my children talk to me about it and they listen to their children and grandchildren. That said, the urgency around climate change ebbs and flows a little bit. Many of the single issue climate change voters are also single issue war and Gaza voters. So that's pushed this issue out a little bit. But in the long run, women are very worried about the climate.”   Celinda Lake on Electric Ladies Podcast We are in the midst of the most consequential election in modern history, when democracy is literally on the ballot, as is protecting the planet. President Biden passed the largest climate mitigation legislation in history, with $3 trillion in investment and financial incentives in clean energy, communities, etc.  The Republican nominee, “former guy” is in the pocket of fossil fuels and promises to reverse all that funding. What do women voters want? Listen to master opinion researcher Celinda Lake, Founder/CEO of Lake Research Partners for the unvarnished truth, with Electric Ladies podcast host Joan Michelson.   You'll hear: How women voters today feel about climate change and how it influences their voting. How opinion research really works in today's polarized electorate with layers of technology and unconscious messaging to penetrate. How to talk about climate change to women voters so they listen and respond with urgency. How her being raised in Montana has made her a better opinion researcher. Plus, insightful career advice …. “Women often have far more skills than their resumes translate into. And actually we're going into a good period now where I think employers and organizations are looking for the skillset that you have more than the job titles that you have. And that's good for women because we have a lot of skills that we will have acquired in different arenas. Bring in your all… It's tough out there. It requires resilience, but just remember that you have a tremendous amount to offer and, um, you know it, and sooner or later somebody's going to figure that out too.” Celinda Lake on Electric Ladies podcast You'll also want to listen to: Joan Michelson hosts a Forum at The Newseum on the Constitutional Amendment that certified women's right to vote, the 19th Amendment. Marcia Chatelain, Ph.D., Professor of American History at Georgetown University on the power of black women voters. Brooke Kroeger, author of “The Suffragents,” about the men who supported women's right to vote. Vanessa Chan, Ph.D, Chief Commercialization Officer of the Department of Energy on transforming our energy systems (and the Inflation Reduction Act funding) Heather Boushey, Member of the National Council of Economic Advisors in the White House and Chief Economist of the Invest in America Cabinet “The Power of Women Voters,” Joan Michelson's Forbes article on the anniversary of the certification of women's right to vote. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, blog, events and special coaching offers.. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio and leaving us a review! Follow us on Twitter @joanmichelson

“During the pandemic, a lot of companies underwent digital transformations…At the same time that that was happening, sustainability was really catching wind, particularly in places like Europe.… (I)f you are a non-manufacturing company, your largest source of operational emissions is probably your IT. So…CIOs now have these mandates trickling down from their CEO or whomever that they need to reduce their energy consumption and their emissions. And they're saying, how do I do that while also meeting these business imperatives?”  Monica Batchelder on Electric Ladies Podcast Information technologies have a huge carbon footprint, about 1.5% of total global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which equals about all of what the UK emits. It's about all the electricity those units use, including in their manufacturing process. But, they also reduce the impact of other systems and are critical to our lifestyles, economy and business goals. How we reduce the impact of IT? Listen to Monica Batchelder, Chief Sustainability Officer of HPE (Hewlett Packard Enterprises) in this fascinating conversation with Electric Ladies podcast host Joan Michelson to find out.   You'll hear: How the pandemic accelerated IT carbon management programs. What “radical collaboration” is and how HPE is using it to help startups access technologies The challenges CIOs are facing today to both reduce IT's carbon footprint while it's also the backbone of the system for reducing the impact of the rest of the organization. Addressing the conflict minerals challenge, global standards and frameworks, and much more Plus, insightful career advice …. “Leadership isn't a title. It's not about having decision making power. It's not about being around the table in the boardroom. If you have the right idea, it is a pragmatic idea, you have built trust in that your peers know that if you bring them an idea, it is going to be thought through and it is going to be sound, and it might be transformative, (then) you will get the buy-in, you need to make change happen… It's about building trust with stakeholders from the start to get your ideas across. And that's how you can create the change you want.” Monica Batchelder on Electric Ladies podcast You'll also want to listen to: Michele Mueller, Michele Mueller, Manager of Connected, Automated and Electrification at the Michigan Department of Transportation Vanessa Chan, Ph.D, Chief Commercialization Officer of the Department of Energy on transforming our energy systems (and the Inflation Reduction Act funding) Joan Michelson on “Doing Sustainability” with Gary Baker, on the balancing act between carbon impact and business and social goals Katie McGInty, Chief Sustainability Officer of Johnson Controls, on how to reduce the carbon impact of buildings Heather Boushey, Member of the National Council of Economic Advisors in the White House and Chief Economist of the Invest in America Cabinet Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, blog, events and special coaching offers.. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio and leaving us a review! Follow us on Twitter @joanmichelson

“The link for us with (the WHO) is about universal health coverage and the sustainable development goal number three, which obviously the WHO places in the middle of the wheel of all the sustainable development goals. But on top and behind and with each other is climate action. We cannot have one without the other. And our role is to remind a lot of people that when they're making policies, they're talking about human beings.”  Emma O'Brien on Electric Ladies Podcast Climate change has a real impact on public health, from asthma and other respiratory illnesses due to CO2 and pollutants, to biodiversity-related risks like viruses, to heart disease, malnutrition and injuries and deaths from extreme weather events and extreme heat. Not to mention the stresses of displacement and trauma of these events. Listen to Emma O'Brien, Ph.D., the founder of the Global Scrub Choir and Head of Music Therapy at the Royal Melbourne Hospital talk about music + public health + climate change in this truly inspiring interview on Electric Ladies podcast with host Joan Michelson.   You'll hear: The impact of music on the brain – and the impact of creativity on health. The connection between the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Scrub Choir and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals – and why the Choir was at the UN's Climate Week 2023. Risks to public health from climate change Plus, insightful career advice …. “if you're within a system, I think you need to spend a lot of time understanding that system, but also,  never being afraid to question it.… not be afraid to ask questions. Because I found across my career that often I'll ask a question in a meeting and everyone will go, oh, thank goodness someone asked that question.” Emma O'Brien on Electric Ladies podcast You'll also want to listen to: Sandra Bargman & Chantal Bilodeau, about their Climate Cabaret Jill Tidman, Executive Director of The Redford Center, on how we talk about the climate and documentaries Daniella Ortega, writer and director of “Carbon: The Unauthorized Biography.” Deborah Rutter, President of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on managing creative people and the Reach center's sustainability features. (Note: This was recorded under the previous name of the show, Green Connections Radio.) Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, blog, events and special coaching offers.. Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio and leaving us a review! Follow us on Twitter @joanmichelson