
Smart Energy Voices
Smart Energy Voices features conversations with leaders of the energy transition. In each episode, Smart Energy Decisions' Debra Chanil digs deep with industry movers and shakers to reveal insights you can learn from in their stories, personalities and visions for the future.
Latest episodes

Sep 11, 2020 • 21min
Integrating an Offsite Renewable Purchase into Your Energy Risk Strategy with Gregory J. Kosier, Ep #006
Today two dinosaurs in the industry Peter Kelly Detweiler and Greg Kosier — former colleagues at Constellation with nearly 50 years in the industry between them — talk about how buyers manage their energy risk in terms of legacy buying, the way it used to be done, and today’s renewable power purchase agreements. There’s a wealth of knowledge to be gained when you have the chance to listen in on a conversation between people who have been in the industry as long as these gentlemen have. Make sure you tune in and consume all the wisdom they have offered up. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
How to manage risk in the legacy [2:43]
Determining a customer’s risk profile [4:02]
Paying for certainty [5:22]
The challenge of diversification [6:25]
Buying large amounts of a vulnerable commodity [9:14]
Adapting to accommodate a PPA being dropped in your lap [13:17]
Click here for detailed show notes Connect with Gregory J. KosierConstellation websiteGregory J. Kosier, Director, Commodities Management Group, ConstellationGregory Kosier is Director of the Commodities Management Group for Constellation, a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation (NASDAQ: EXC). In this role, he is primarily responsible for leading a team involved in structured power and natural gas transactions for Constellation’s industrial and large commercial customers, including structured power agreements, fundamental analysis of power and fuel market trends, and risk mitigation strategies. Over his more than 25-year career in energy, Mr. Kosier has been an electricity trader, portfolio manager, and lead for Constellation’s west retail business.Prior to joining Constellation, Mr. Kosier was the head of west electricity trading for AES and a management consultant responsible for the appraisal and valuation of utility generating stations throughout New York State. In the early days of energy deregulation, Mr. Kosier developed the models used to value a generation site’s real property assets such as generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure as well as the value of a site’s natural resources.Connect With Smart Energy Decisions
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Subscribe to Smart Energy VoicesIf you're interested in participating in the next edition of the SED Renewable Energy Sourcing Forum taking place on December 7-11, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Event Operations Director, Lisa Caroll at lisa@smartenergydecisions.com"Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

Sep 4, 2020 • 24min
Goldman Sach’s Renewable Energy Journey, Ep #5
Renewable energy is not a new conversation at Goldman Sachs as they have found a way for the last 10 years to ensure corporate profitability alongside operational sustainability. From their new LEED Gold Certified World headquarters to Sustainable Finance, Cindy shares a comprehensive synopsis of how Goldman Sachs and it’s leadership is being “front footed” in setting an example for social equity, diversity, and inclusivity. Don’t miss hearing John Failla have a high-level conversation with Cindy Quam about ESG and how renewable energy plays into their vision of sustainability at Goldman Sachs & Co. Cindy is the Chief of Staff and Head of the ESG, Corporate and Workplace Solutions Division at Goldman Sachs, and is passionate about integrating environmental, social, and corporate governance across all their resources, including buildings, people, and communities. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
Meeting Cindy Quan, Global Head of ESG, Corporate and Workplace Solutions [2:56]
Tthe “WHY” behind the ESG initiatives at Goldman Sachs? [5:38]
Two Highlights from Goldman Sachs CEO’s sustainable vision [7:53]
The Current Renewable Energy portion of ESG at Goldman Sachs [11:12]
How the US and UK energy use dominates global consumption [13:28]
Goldman Sachs’ diversity preferences for onsite or offsite wind/solar/PPA [15:11]
How RE sustainability plays into the future for Goldman Sachs? [18:03]
Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned
David Soloman, CEO Goldman Sachs & CO
Why Goldman Sachs is investing $750 Billion in ESGs
Financial Times article on GS Sustainability (subscription required)
Connect with Cindy QuanLinkedIn profileCindy Quan, Global Chief of Staff and Head of ESG, Goldman, Sachs & CoAs Global Chief of Staff and Head of ESG at Goldman, Sachs & Co, Cindy Quanoversees global sustainability and social initiatives including the green building portfolio, the firm's energy and carbon reduction strategy and the local community engagement and vendor diversity program. She was responsible for the LEED Gold Certification of the World Headquarters building at 200 West Street in Battery Park City in New York City. Cindy is currently a board member of CoreNet NY and the chair of the external relations committee. Cindy is also an active member of the U.S. Green Building Council's National Market Advisory Committee. Cindy received her executive MBA at Columbia University and London Business Schools in 2014. Prior to joining Goldman Sachs, Cindy graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Facilities Management and Policy Analysis from Cornell University.Connect With Smart Energy Decisions
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Aug 28, 2020 • 43min
The Purpose Driven Organization, Ep #4
It’s not uncommon these days to hear talk of businesses, large and small, developing a purpose statement that has to do with its societal responsibility. Consumers are coming to expect brands to take such a stance as well. Why is that and how should business leaders think about it? But a more important question is this: How does the issue of organizational purpose magnify and support what is happening in the renewable energy movement? To answer that question, Smart Energy Decisions founder, John Failla invited author and consumer expert Jeff Fromm to discuss the issue, along with David Smart, Sr. Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Biostar, a company that’s taking this issue of “purpose” very seriously with Jeff’s help. This is an enlightening and helpful conversation that you’re sure to enjoy.You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
The concept of doing well by doing good [0:56]
How Jeff became the leading researcher on younger consumer behavior [5:24]
The level of detail necessary to define a company’s purpose [12:10]
Why it was important for Biostar to establish a relationship with Jeff’s work [15:46]
Business “wins” that happened because of Biostar's commitment to renewables [24:28]
Why Jeff created a “workbook” style resource instead of a typical research-based book [28:40]
The first steps at identifying and defining your company’s purpose [31:45]
Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned
MOD Pizza - an example of a brand with a “purpose advantage”
Patagonia Group - was a purpose-driven brand that reimagined their purpose
Nike - has also focused on purpose
Seventh Generation
Bombas Socks
AtmosAir (one of Biostar’s partners)
Connect with Jeff Fromm and David SmartAbout Jeff Fromm: Partner at Barkley and 4x Author
www.JeffFromm.com
Follow Jeff on Linkedin
Jeff’s author profile on Amazon
Get a free copy of David’s book: The Purpose Advance
www.BarkleyUS.com
Jeff Fromm is a Partner at Barkley where he serves as President of FutureCast, weekly contributor at FORBES and author of four books including The Purpose Advantage (Idea Press, 2019), Marketing to Millennials (Harper Collins, 2013), Millennials with Kids (Harper Collins, 2015) and Marketing to Gen Z (Harper Collins, 2018). He published the first public research study of Millennials as Consumers with the Boston Consulting Group in 2010 & 2011. He has traveled the world sharing insights on consumer trends, youth culture as well as purpose & sustainability.In addition to Jeff’s work consulting with major brands at Barkley he serves on the Board of Directors at Three Dog Bakery.About David Smart: Biostar Renewables
Follow David on Linkedin
Biostar Renewables
David is Sr. Vice President of Sales and Marketing and oversees the strategic development of energy efficiency projects, renewable energy assets and energy financing transactions across all BioStar sectors. With an extensive understanding of state/federal policy and incentives, David spearheads complex opportunities, helping his team navigate high-level negotiations, while delivering maximum value to customers in the public and private sector.Connect With Smart Energy Decisions
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Aug 21, 2020 • 24min
Multiple Approaches To Address The Climate Challenge with James Goudreau, Ep #3
Multinational corporations have the opportunity to play a unique role in the energy transition. Health care company, Novartis is taking that opportunity seriously, moving the needle significantly when it comes to the company’s own carbon footprint and power usage as well as creating opportunities that smaller organizations may be able to utilize to move their power purchases toward renewable energy faster. James Goudreau is “Head of Climate” for Novartis and our guest on this episode. His experience in the U.S. Navy, serving as a logistics and procurement specialist enabled him to not only understand the inner workings of a large organization’s procurement operations, it also introduced him to the necessary considerations large organizations need to make regarding climate issues. Listen to hear how Novartis is making a difference in the global renewable energy transition. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
How Jim’s Navy career led him into climate-related issues and planning [05:01]
The internal corporate process of procuring power from a wind farm in Texas [11:15]
Novartis’ physical properties being considered for future energy conversion projects [15:42]
How and why Jim desires to work himself out of a job [17:33]
Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned
Guest host: Peter Kelly-Detwiler
Novartis Business Services
Beyond The Meter podcast
Connect with James GoudreauJames Goudreau on LinkedIn
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Subscribe to Smart Energy VoicesAudio Production and Show notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com

Aug 14, 2020 • 26min
10 Questions About Renewable Energy With GM’s Rob Threlkeld, Ep # 2
Few people could be considered to be at the epicenter of the renewable energy transition in big business, but this episode’s guest, Rob Threlkeld is one of whom it could be said. With over 19 years of experience in the energy side of General Motors, Rob has led the charge in transitioning the company toward its goal of 100% sourcing of operations from Renewable energy. He’s also set the pace for GM’s Global Energy Efforts in Sustainable Energy, Supply, and Reliability. Rob believes it’s not only possible but very likely that companies like GM will lead the way toward a 100% carbon-free future. Join guest host Peter Kelly-Detwiler as he leads Rob through a rapid-fire “10 questions” format on the topic of big business and renewable energy. You won’t want to miss this episode. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
Rob’s beginning of working on energy issues for GM [2:30]
The biggest challenge of greening-up GM's portfolio strategy [3:51]
Rob’s biggest surprises to date working in the sustainability sector [5:05]
The impact of COVID-19 on the renewable energy industry [6:01]
How to manage the inherent risk involved in financial contracts [7:59]
Why Rob likes to zig when others zag [9:40]
GMs strategies regarding charging of electric vehicle fleets [11:21]
The changing culture within GM regarding sustainability [13:13]
Accelerating education for smaller companies [14:28]
Cutting edge things Rob sees happening in the RE Industry[17:16]
Click here for detailed show notes Resources & People Mentioned
Peter Kelly-Detwiler
GMs RE100 Goals
The Renewable Energy Buyer’s Alliance
Connect with Rob ThrelkeldFollow Rob Threlkeld on Linkedin
Rob Threlkeld is Global Manager of Sustainable Energy, Supply and Reliability for General Motors, leading the company’s energy procurement efforts including the commitment to meet the electricity needs of its global operations with 100 percent renewable energy by 2050. Rob is responsible for leading that team that supports GM energy procurement and regulatory efforts including negotiating power purchase agreements, natural gas, green tariffs, and engineering onsite renewable solutions for GM facilities across the globe, including opportunities associated with battery storage, behind-the-meter applications and EV integration. As part of GM’s Sustainable Workplaces team, Rob shares best practices for renewable energy procurement with internal and external audiences, offering solutions for large and small businesses alike to benefit from the use of renewables. Rob began his career at GM in 2000 as manager of the powerhouse and wastewater treatment plant operations at GM’s Lordstown, Ohio Assembly Complex. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from Purdue University. He is a registered Certified Hazardous Material Manager, Certified Energy Manager, and Business Energy Professional.Connect With Smart Energy Decisions
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Aug 14, 2020 • 24min
Inspiring Diversity In Energy, Ep #1
On this episode, you are in for a treat! Rose McKinney-James is the former President and CEO for the Corporation for Solar Technology and Renewable Resources, and former Commissioner with the Nevada Public Service Commission. She has a unique and timely perspective from which to speak on the issue of diversity in the energy industry.Rose has an extensive history in public service, private sector corporate sustainability, social impact, and non-profit volunteerism. She is the Managing Principal of Energy Works LLC and McKinney-James & Associates. Her firms provide business-consulting services and advocacy in public affairs, energy policy, strategy, and economic and sustainable development. Rose began her career in Washington D.C., serving first in various internships and soon moved into positions within the private and public sectors in local, state, and federal govt levels. Join us for this inspiring and motivating conversation about how the energy industry can take positive steps forward in promoting diversity.You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
How Rose got her start in the renewable energy movement [1:59]
Pivotal events in Nevada’s implementation of renewable energy [4:02]
Why diversity is a very REAL issue in the energy industry [10:17]
What it will take to overcome the prejudice and lack of equality that exist [15:01]
Rose’s participation in The American Association of Blacks In Energy [17:55]
Click here for detailed show notesResources & People Mentioned
Get your name in the “hat” to receive a free copy of the book Rose is featured in, The Energy Within Us. Email John(at)SmartEnergyDecisions(dot)com
Nevada’s Renewable Portfolio Standard
The American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE)
Connect with Rose McKinney-James
EnergyWorks LLC
McKinney-James and Associates
Follow Rose on LinkedIn
Connect With Smart Energy Decisions
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Subscribe to Smart Energy VoicesAudio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com