Powering Your Career

David Smith
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Powering Your Career Podcast 🎙️ Bringing You Insights from Australia’s Energy Leaders Welcome to the Powering Your Career Podcast, a show dedicated to exploring the energy transition and the professionals shaping its future. Hosted by David Smith, founding partner and director of Enertia Talent and West Recruitment, this podcast delivers authentic conversations with senior leaders from Australia’s energy sector. Whether you’re an experienced energy professional or considering a career transition into the industry, this podcast will equip you with: ✅ Career development insights from top energy executives ✅ Leadership lessons in a rapidly evolving sector ✅ Perspectives on the energy transition and its challenges ✅ Mental health and wellness strategies for thriving in a high-pressure industry Why Listen to Powering Your Career? The energy transition is one of the biggest shifts in Australia’s economy, and it’s being led by people who are navigating new technologies, policies, and challenges. Our goal is to bring you real stories and actionable advice from energy leaders who have built successful careers and are shaping the future of the sector. Meet Your Host: David Smith David Smith has over 20 years of experience in executive recruitment and leads a team specializing in placing professionals across the entire energy supply chain. His passion for connecting great talent with transformative opportunities makes him the perfect host to guide you through these conversations.

  1. Jun 21

    Powering Your Career - Kate Vidgen - Investment Committee Chair and Operating Partner - Macquarie Asset Management Green Investment - ep024

    In Episode 24 of Powering Your Career, David Smith speaks with Kate Vidgen, Investment Committee Chair and Operating Partner at Macquarie Asset Management Green Investment. Kate’s career has spanned law, investment banking, private equity, asset management and board roles, with extensive experience across traditional energy, renewables, clean fuels, batteries, hydrogen and industrial energy transition. In this conversation, Kate shares her perspective on career reinvention, leadership, stakeholder engagement, governance, mentoring and resilience. She also discusses the role of AI in the future of work, the danger of binary thinking in Australia’s energy transition and why broad experience creates valuable career opportunities. A fascinating conversation about energy, leadership and building a career with breadth.

    47 min

  2. May 24

    Powering Your Career - Anthony Headlam - CEO - NewVolt - ep023

    In Episode 023 of Powering Your Career, David Smith sits down with Anthony Headlam, CEO & Founder of NewVolt, for a deep dive into the future of electrified freight, entrepreneurship, leadership, and the realities of building in an emerging market. Anthony shares the story behind NewVolt and the seven-year journey of developing fast charging infrastructure for electric trucks across Australia. From navigating uncertainty and convincing industries to embrace new technology, through to building momentum in a rapidly evolving energy landscape, this episode offers a fascinating insight into one of the next major frontiers of the energy transition. This conversation goes beyond technology. It explores the human side of innovation, including leadership, storytelling, resilience, mental health, and what it really takes to build something from the ground up. If you are interested in energy, infrastructure, transport, leadership, startups, or the future of electrification in Australia, this episode is well worth a listen. In this episode: • The future of electric trucks and freight infrastructure in Australia• Why electrification of transport is accelerating• Building NewVolt from concept to reality• Leadership lessons from startup life• The importance of storytelling and winning hearts and minds• Resilience, mental health, and identity outside of work• Advice for founders and professionals considering starting something of their own Subscribe for more conversations with leaders shaping Australia’s energy future.

    55 min

  3. May 3

    Powering Your Career - Amalie Smith - Chief Operations, People, and Safety Officer - Essential Energy - ep022

    In Episode 022 of Powering Your Career, David Smith sits down with Amalie Smith for a candid and insightful conversation on leadership, career growth, and navigating the realities of Australia’s rapidly evolving energy sector. As the industry continues to accelerate through large-scale transformation, the expectations placed on professionals are shifting. Technical capability alone is no longer enough. Organisations are looking for individuals who can adapt quickly, think clearly under pressure, and step confidently into new challenges. Amalie shares her career journey and reflects on the experiences that have shaped her approach to leadership and growth. From navigating uncertainty to building confidence in high-performance environments, this episode explores what it truly takes to back yourself and continue progressing in a complex and demanding industry. This conversation goes beyond surface-level career advice. It focuses on mindset, decision-making, and the practical realities of stepping into bigger roles, managing expectations, and leading through change. Whether you are early in your career, progressing into leadership, or already leading teams, the themes in this episode are highly relevant in today’s market. In this episode, we explore: • Building confidence and backing yourself in your career • Navigating career progression in a fast-moving sector • Leadership lessons from real-world experience • Managing pressure, expectations, and uncertainty • The importance of resilience, adaptability, and mindset • Creating meaningful impact in complex environments Powering Your Career is a podcast featuring real conversations with leaders across Australia’s energy sector, sharing practical insights, career stories, and lessons learned along the way.

    54 min

  4. Apr 19

    Powering Your Career - Mike Duffy - CEO Elexia Communications - ep021

    In this episode of Powering Your Career, David Smith sits down with Mike Duffy, CEO at Elexia Communications, to unpack one of the most misunderstood capabilities in leadership, communication. With a career spanning journalism, television, government advisory and senior roles across the energy sector, Mike brings a unique perspective on how leaders and organisations position themselves in an increasingly complex and scrutinised environment.  This episode dives into: • What real thought leadership actually means and why most leaders miss the mark • The biggest mistakes executives make when building their personal brand • Why “safe” messaging doesn’t cut through • How storytelling shapes public perception and drives change • Why energy companies struggle to differentiate themselves • The importance of simple, human communication in complex industries • How poor community engagement is slowing down projects • Why leaders need to show up, not just delegate communication • The growing importance of EVP and employer branding in a competitive talent market This is a must-listen for executives, leaders, and professionals across energy, infrastructure and corporate environments looking to sharpen how they communicate, influence and lead. If you want to stand out, cut through the noise, and build a leadership profile that actually matters, this episode will challenge how you think about communication.

    59 min

  5. Apr 6

    Powering Your Career - Sally Torgoman - CEO Ascera Energy - ep020

    In Episode 020 of Powering Your Career, David Smith sits down with Sally Torgoman, CEO of Ascera Energy, to unpack a career shaped by curiosity, courage and continuous learning. From starting in electrical engineering to adding law, moving across corporate development and stepping into CEO leadership, Sally’s journey is a powerful example of backing yourself and evolving with the industry. In this episode, we cover: ⚡ Why following what you enjoy is often the best career strategy ⚡ The value of curiosity and learning quickly across different roles ⚡ Why engineering and law together create a powerful leadership skillset ⚡ The importance of mentors and backing yourself, even when others disagree ⚡ Navigating imposter syndrome and stepping into executive leadership ⚡ How to build high-performing teams through collaboration, not hierarchy ⚡ The biggest challenges in the energy transition and where we need to improve productivity ⚡ Why communication is not just about speaking, but listening and understanding ⚡ Balancing career, leadership, family and personal wellbeing Sally also shares her perspective on culture, leadership, and the responsibility leaders have to create environments where people can thrive. This is a must-listen for anyone building a career in energy, leadership or navigating their next move. 🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more conversations with leaders shaping Australia’s energy transition. #PoweringYourCareer #EnergyLeadership #CareersInEnergy #Leadership #EnergyTransition

    49 min

  6. Mar 20

    Powering Your Career - Mitch Wallis - Author, Speaker, Educator, Consultant, Founder - ep019

    In this episode of Powering Your Career, David Smith is joined by Mitch Wallis, founder of Heart On My Sleeve and one of Australia’s leading voices on mental health, psychology, and human performance. This episode takes a different lens on leadership, focusing on the capability that will define the future of work, connection. As the energy sector faces unprecedented pressure and transformation, the ability to lead people, not just projects, has never been more critical. Mitch shares his personal journey from Microsoft to a global mental health movement, and the moment that changed everything.  In this conversation, we cover: • The difference between mental health and mental illness • Why regulation, not happiness, is the real goal • The two core skills every human needs, resilience and connection • Why most leaders get communication wrong • The biggest mistakes people make in difficult conversations • How to build genuine connection in teams, not surface-level check-ins • Why technical experts often struggle when stepping into leadership • The future of leadership in an AI-driven world • The power of saying “I’m not okay” This is a must-listen for leaders, managers, and professionals across energy, infrastructure, and high-performance environments. If you want to build stronger teams, have better conversations, and lead with impact, this episode will challenge how you think about leadership.

    40 min

  7. Mar 6

    Powering Your Career - Rakhesh Martyn - Founder & CEO Hachiko - ep018

    Episode 018 | Rakhesh Martyn | Founder & CEO of HachikoIn this episode of Powering Your Career, Dave sits down with Rakhesh Martyn, engineer, startup founder and former stand up comedian turned energy tech CEO.Born in Sri Lanka and trained in the UK, Rakhesh shares his journey from chemical engineering into Australia’s energy sector, and the leap into building a venture backed startup from scratch.This is a candid conversation about risk, rejection, reinvention and the mindset required to lead in the energy transition.They cover:⚡ The sliding door moment that changed his life at university⚡ Moving from engineering into renewables and energy software⚡ Spotting a market gap and founding Hachiko⚡ Surviving more than 90 investor rejections before raising capital⚡ Why most people should not start a business⚡ What stand up comedy taught him about pitching and leadership⚡ The fragmentation in Australia’s energy market⚡ Burnout, therapy and building real self awareness as a founderHonest, sharp and practical.If you are navigating the energy industry or thinking about building something of your own, this episode is worth your time.

    52 min

  8. Feb 23

    Powering Your Career- Guy Chalkley - CEO Endeavour Energy - ep017

    🎙️ Episode 017 – Guy Chalkley Returns In this special returning guest episode of Powering Your Career, David Smith sits down again with Guy Chalkley, outgoing CEO of Endeavour Energy, for an honest conversation about leadership, timing, succession and what comes next. After six years leading one of Australia’s largest electricity distribution networks, Guy shares why now was the right time to step away from the CEO role and what a good handover really looks like. This conversation goes far beyond career milestones. It explores: ⚡ The difference between being a boss and being a leader ⚡ Why attitude often beats aptitude ⚡ Knowing when it’s time to move on ⚡ Building culture people genuinely feel, not just talk about ⚡ The reality of board roles and governance ⚡ What the Australian energy sector must get right in the years ahead One of the most powerful reflections from the episode: “Attitude has taken me further than aptitude. Listening more than talking. Humility and honesty over big ego.” For leaders, aspiring executives, board directors, and anyone navigating the energy transition, this is a conversation grounded in real experience. If you’re thinking about succession, career longevity, executive leadership or the future of Australia’s energy ecosystem, this one is worth your time. 🎧 Episode 017 is live now.

    1h 4m
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About

Powering Your Career Podcast 🎙️ Bringing You Insights from Australia’s Energy Leaders Welcome to the Powering Your Career Podcast, a show dedicated to exploring the energy transition and the professionals shaping its future. Hosted by David Smith, founding partner and director of Enertia Talent and West Recruitment, this podcast delivers authentic conversations with senior leaders from Australia’s energy sector. Whether you’re an experienced energy professional or considering a career transition into the industry, this podcast will equip you with: ✅ Career development insights from top energy executives ✅ Leadership lessons in a rapidly evolving sector ✅ Perspectives on the energy transition and its challenges ✅ Mental health and wellness strategies for thriving in a high-pressure industry Why Listen to Powering Your Career? The energy transition is one of the biggest shifts in Australia’s economy, and it’s being led by people who are navigating new technologies, policies, and challenges. Our goal is to bring you real stories and actionable advice from energy leaders who have built successful careers and are shaping the future of the sector. Meet Your Host: David Smith David Smith has over 20 years of experience in executive recruitment and leads a team specializing in placing professionals across the entire energy supply chain. His passion for connecting great talent with transformative opportunities makes him the perfect host to guide you through these conversations.

Information

  • Creator
    David Smith
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 David Smith
  • Show Website
    Powering Your Career