Episode 12: Powering Your Career - Andy McCarthy - CSO - CEP.Energy - ep012
In this episode, Dave chat with Andy McCarthy — author of Here Comes the Sun, founder and former CEO of Gippsland Solar, and a straight-talking advocate for purpose, people, and the energy transition.Andy shares a candid journey from leaving school at 15 to building a nationally recognised solar brand in coal country, selling to RACV, and rebuilding after burnout. We cover:⚡ The moment a single solar panel sparked a 25-year mission⚡ Starting up in the Latrobe Valley and winning trust as “Andy from Gippsland Solar”⚡ Scaling fast, selling to RACV, and the cost of carrying it all⚡ Mental health, vulnerability, and building your “wolf pack”⚡ Why jobs, skills and community buy-in matter more than slogans⚡ Networking as a superpower for non-linear careers
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Episode 11: Powering Your Career - Jack Curtis - CCO Neara - ep011
⚡⚡ Episode 011 – Jack Curtis ⚡⚡In this episode, David chats with Jack Curtis, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Neara, about navigating high-stakes career moves, building a global energy tech business, and the power of backing yourself. Jack shares his path from law to investment banking, scaling one of the world’s largest solar companies, and now leading an Australian tech startup that solves critical infrastructure challenges.In this episode:
From corporate law to global clean energy leadership
How to manage risk, imposter syndrome and bold career moves
The mindset behind scaling a startup in the energy space
Thoughts on the future of energy, tech, and AI
Spinning the plates—how Jack balances leadership, family, and wellness
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Episode 10: Powering Your Career - Jennifer Hughes - EGM DeliveryTransgrid - ep010
In this episode, David sits down with Jennifer Hughes, Executive General Manager of Delivery at Transgrid, to unpack her diverse career journey through the energy sector. Jen shares how she navigated non-linear career moves, why she’s passionate about leadership and diversity, and what excites her most about Australia’s energy transformation.In this episode: 🚀How a love for problem-solving led Jen into engineering 🚀The role of mentors, risk-taking and resilience in career growth 🚀Leading a 1000-strong team through change and innovation 🚀Mental health, balance, and building a culture of care 🚀Why inclusion and collaboration are essential to the energy transition
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Episode 9: Powering Your Career - Kane Thornton - Chief Executive Clean Energy Council - ep009
In this episode, David chats with Kane Thornton, CEO of the Clean Energy Council, about his career journey from IT into clean energy🍃💨, and the role of purpose in navigating career shifts. Kane shares what sparked his passion for renewables, the lessons from 15 years at the helm of Australia’s peak clean energy body, and why looking after your mental health matters - especially in leadership.🎧In this episode: ⚡Making a career shift into the energy industry ⚡Leadership lessons from 15 years at the Clean Energy Council ⚡The power of purpose and doing work that matters ⚡Thoughts on diversity, inclusion, and culture change ⚡Mental health and staying grounded as a leader
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Episode 8: Powering Your Career - Mark Branson - CDO Voyager Renewables - ep008
Episode 008 featuring Mark Branson | Chief Development Officer, Voyager Renewables:From birdwatching ecologist to leading Australia’s clean energy transformation, Mark Branson brings a refreshingly honest, grounded, and inspiring perspective to the mic in this episode of Powering Your Career.Host David Smith dives deep with Mark on:⚡ Building Voyager Renewables from the ground up🌱 His career shift from environmental science into energy💡 Lessons from the Sun Cable rollercoaster🧠 Mental health, cold water swimming, and the value of real mateship🌏 Why Newcastle is the beating heart of Australia’s energy transitionMark’s journey is proof that career pivots, purpose-led leadership, and daring to dream big can all coexist—especially in the fast-moving world of renewables.
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 West Energy 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.
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