Electric Ladies Podcast

Joan Michelson
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Electric Ladies Podcast

Engaging and enlightening interviews with women leaders on energy, climate, sustainability and corporate responsibility -- ESG, environment,social and governance issues. Business, policy and technology, money, the arts and careers. Topics include driving innovation, leadership, communications and career advice. Inspiration, trends and insights. Hosted and produced by Joan Michelson, acclaimed journalist, business leader, coach and speaker, based in Washington, DC.

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    Putting AI to Work for the Climate – Dr. Stephanie Hare, Researcher, Broadcaster and Author

    “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.

    34 min

  2. JAN 7

    Can Cities Thrive in a World of Polycrises? – Lauren Sorkin, Co-founder and Executive Director, Resilient Cities Network

    “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.

    29 min

  3. 12/31/2024

    Connecting with Curiosity – Jennifer Hough, Author & TEDx Speaker

    “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.

    1h 16m

  4. 12/17/2024

    The Future Of The Energy Transition, Grid - Joan Moderating ICWS Webinar With Energy Leaders

    “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

    1h 11m

  5. 12/10/2024

    Buying Sustainable Fashion at the UN - Joan Moderates Climate Week

    “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

    31 min

  6. 11/25/2024

    Scaling Donations – Kate Williams, 1% For The Planet

    “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

    52 min

  7. 11/19/2024

    Converting CO2 To Energy – Bjork Kristjansdottir, Carbon Recycling International

    “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

    49 min

  8. 11/14/2024

    New Research: Community Impact Of Green Manufacturing – Bethia Burke, President, The Fund For Our Economic Future

    “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

    54 min
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About

Engaging and enlightening interviews with women leaders on energy, climate, sustainability and corporate responsibility -- ESG, environment,social and governance issues. Business, policy and technology, money, the arts and careers. Topics include driving innovation, leadership, communications and career advice. Inspiration, trends and insights. Hosted and produced by Joan Michelson, acclaimed journalist, business leader, coach and speaker, based in Washington, DC.

Information

  • Creator
    Joan Michelson
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2025
  • Episodes
    458
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Green Connections Media LLC
  • Show Website
    Electric Ladies Podcast

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