Could populist sentiment actually accelerate clean energy adoption by fueling energy independence desires?

Jigar Shah, widely considered a pioneer of the modern clean energy revolution, joins the Age of Adoption podcast to share his remarkable journey from mechanical engineer to industry transformer. As the former Director of the DOE's Loan Programs Office, Shah expanded loan authority from $40 billion to $400 billion, announcing 53 deals totaling $107 billion in committed project investment. His leadership helped boost US clean energy investment from $111 billion in 2020 to $236 billion in 2023. "I think it's deployment, right? And I think innovation actually follows deployment," Shah explains, outlining his deploy-first philosophy that has guided his career from revolutionizing solar financing at SunEdison to his current work at Multiplier.

In this compelling conversation, Shah addresses the intersection of populism and clean energy adoption, arguing that market forces will ultimately prevail over political headwinds. He reveals seeing unprecedented rooftop solar adoption and notes that "the folks who are closing financings are solar, not natural gas plants." Now focused on ensuring clean energy entrepreneurs "get paid" through his advisory firm Multiplier, Shah tackles the critical challenge of retention in the industry. Why does this matter? As Shah puts it: "I want them to stay in our industry because I think it's essential to tackling the climate problem." What obstacles are preventing companies from scaling successful pilots into fleet-wide deployments? How can the clean energy movement maintain momentum despite political uncertainty?

Jigar Shah is widely considered one of the pioneers of the modern clean energy revolution. As the founder of SunEdison, he revolutionized the solar industry by inventing the power purchase agreement model, allowing customers to adopt solar without upfront costs. Shah most recently served as Director of the Department of Energy's Loan Programs Office, where he expanded loan authority from $40 billion to $400 billion and announced 53 deals totaling $107 billion in committed project investment. His leadership helped boost US clean energy investment from $111 billion in 2020 to $236 billion in 2023. Now founder of Multiplier, an advisory firm focused on helping clean energy entrepreneurs achieve successful exits, Shah continues his mission to deploy clean energy solutions at scale while ensuring the industry retains its top talent.

In This Episode: 

(00:00) Introduction and Jigar Shah's revolutionary clean energy journey

(04:25) Career origins from wind turbines to BP Solar foundation

(08:16) SunEdison power purchase agreements and Carbon War Room years

(10:57) DOE Loan Programs Office expansion and current Multiplier work

(17:47) Deploy first philosophy and ensuring entrepreneurs get paid

(21:01) Closing thoughts on industry collaboration and future focus

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About the show: 

The Age of Adoption podcast explores the monumental transition from a period of climate tech research and innovation – an Age of Innovation – to today's world in which companies across the economy are furiously adopting climate solutions - the Age of Adoption. Listen as our host, Keith Zakheim, CEO of Antenna Group, talks with experts from across the climate, energy, health, and real estate sectors to discuss what the transition means for business and society, and how corporates and startups can rise above competitors to lead in this new age. Access more curated content on the subject by visiting, www.ageofadoption.com.

This podcast is brought to you by Antenna Group, an award-winning integrated marketing, public relations, public affairs and digital agency that partners with the world’s most exciting and disruptive companies across cleantech, mobility, real estate, healthcare, and emerging B2B tech sectors. Our clients are transformational and distinguished corporations, startups, investors, and nonprofits that are at the bleeding edge of the Age of Adoption. Visit antennagroup.com to learn more.

Resources:
Jigar Shah LinkedIn
Watt it Takes Podcast
Antenna Group
Age of Adoption Website
Keith Zakheim LinkedIn

In our post-truth era, how does an 85-year-old publication maintain trust while testing tomorrow's technology today?

Phil Radford, President and CEO of Consumer Reports, brings a unique perspective to consumer advocacy, combining decades of environmental activism with rigorous product testing. From his early days fighting waste incinerators in Chicago to leading Greenpeace and increasing their revenue by 233%, Phil has consistently worked to create market conditions that favor sustainable products. At Consumer Reports, he's pioneering new testing methodologies for electric vehicles, battery safety, and charging infrastructure to help consumers make informed decisions about green technology.

Under Phil's leadership, Consumer Reports is evolving beyond traditional product reviews to become a catalyst for sustainable innovation. The organization's independence—funded entirely by 5 million subscribers without advertising revenue—allows them to maintain objectivity while pushing manufacturers to create better, more durable products. Phil emphasizes that successful green technology adoption happens when products excel on the fundamentals consumers care about most: saving money, ensuring safety, lasting longer, and providing genuine utility rather than relying solely on environmental virtue.

Phil Radford serves as President and CEO of Consumer Reports, bringing over two decades of environmental advocacy and organizational leadership to the role. Previously, he led Greenpeace USA as CEO, where he increased organizational revenue by 233% while working with nearly 100 major corporations to improve their environmental practices, including convincing tech giants like Google, Facebook, and Apple to commit to 100% clean energy. Phil's career began as a high school environmental justice activist in Chicago, fighting toxic waste incinerators in underserved communities. He founded Power Shift in 2001, pioneering clean energy financing solutions that helped scale solar adoption when global manufacturing was just 200 megawatts annually. Phil studied political science and business, combining his passion for environmental protection with strategic business acumen to drive systemic change in both policy and market adoption of sustainable technologies.
 

In This Episode: 

(00:00) Introduction of guest Phil Radford

(03:47) Phil's career journey from high school environmental activism

(06:23) Shift to solar energy advocacy and Power Shift organization

(10:28) Consumer Reports' age of adoption story and testing innovations

(13:44) Building trust in a post-truth era through objective testing

(17:13) Consumer priorities beyond environmental concerns and future outlook

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About the show: 

The Age of Adoption podcast explores the monumental transition from a period of climate tech research and innovation – an Age of Innovation – to today's world in which companies across the economy are furiously adopting climate solutions - the Age of Adoption. Listen as our host, Keith Zakheim, CEO of Antenna Group, talks with experts from across the climate, energy, health, and real estate sectors to discuss what the transition means for business and society, and how corporates and startups can rise above competitors to lead in this new age. Access more curated content on the subject by visiting, www.ageofadoption.com.

This podcast is brought to you by Antenna Group, an award-winning integrated marketing, public relations, public affairs and digital agency that partners with the world’s most exciting and disruptive companies across cleantech, mobility, real estate, healthcare, and emerging B2B tech sectors. Our clients are transformational and distinguished corporations, startups, investors, and nonprofits that are at the bleeding edge of the Age of Adoption. Visit antennagroup.com to learn more.

Resources:
Phil Radford LinkedIn

Antenna Group

Age of Adoption Website

Keith Zakheim LinkedIn
 

Ever wonder what happens when a PR matchmaker draws a hard line against fossil fuel clients? Meet Steven Shimek.

In this eye-opening conversation, Keith Zakheim welcomes the owner and CMO of Shimek Strategic—an influential voice who helps determine which agencies win multi-million dollar RFPs. Steven pulls back the curtain on agency practices most clients never see. "What I try to do is educate our world of marketers about what's not in the deck, what's not on the logo slides," he explains, revealing how his network of 5,000+ marketing professionals gives him insider knowledge about which agencies secretly represent oil and gas interests.

But this isn't just business—it's personal. After watching Greta Thunberg stand up to "mean, aggressive, angry, belittling people," Steven reconnected with his environmental science roots. He traded his Yukon Denali for a hybrid. He made tough choices. Despite the financial hit, he vowed never to work with agencies representing oil, gas, tobacco or firearms. The conversation takes a fascinating turn when discussing today's political climate, where companies are "green hushing" their sustainability efforts. Yet Steven remains optimistic. "Even if it is hushed, I truly believe companies are still going to do the right thing," he insists, noting that abandoning sustainability triggers "a continuous low roar" of customer discontent. For communications professionals navigating this shifting landscape, this episode offers both practical wisdom and moral clarity from someone who's seen it all—and chosen which side of history he wants to stand on.

Steven Shimek is the Owner and CMO of Shimek Strategic, an influential agency matchmaker who has helped over 1,600 companies across 46 countries find their ideal marketing partners. With a Master's in Environmental Science from the University of Colorado at Boulder, Steven combines his deep environmental knowledge with extensive industry experience gained at PR Newswire, Ruder Finn, and Fleishman Hillard. What sets him apart is his principled stance against representing agencies that work with fossil fuel, tobacco, firearms, or private prison companies, despite potential revenue loss. Inspired by climate activists like Greta Thunberg and his own children, Steven has transformed his business into a vehicle for positive change, educating marketing leaders about agency transparency while helping brands find partners whose values align with their sustainability goals.

In This Episode:

(00:00) Steven's career journey from PR Newswire to Shimek Strategic

(08:14) Agencies adopting climate values and sustainability practices

(10:39) Steven's environmental science background and personal awakening

(14:08) How Steven brings transparency to agency selection process

(16:08) Discussion of "green hushing" in the current political climate

(19:08) Forecast for sustainability in corporate communications

(21:21) Conclusion and information about Antenna Group

Share with someone who would enjoy this topic, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes, send us your comments and guest suggestions!

About the show: 
The Age of Adoption podcast explores the monumental transition from a period of climate tech research and innovation – an Age of Innovation – to today's world in which companies across the economy are furiously adopting climate solutions - the Age of Adoption. Listen as our host, Keith Zakheim, CEO of Antenna Group, talks with experts from across the climate, energy, health, and real estate sectors to discuss what the transition means for business and society, and how corporates and startups can rise above competitors to lead in this new age. Access more curated content on the subject by visiting, www.ageofadoption.com.

This podcast is brought to you by Antenna Group, an award-winning integrated marketing, public relations, public affairs and digital agency that partners with the world’s most exciting and disruptive companies across cleantech, mobility, real estate, healthcare, and emerging B2B tech sectors. Our clients are transformational and distinguished corporations, startups, investors, and nonprofits that are at the bleeding edge of the Age of Adoption. Visit antennagroup.com to learn more.

Resources:
Steven Shimek LInkedIn

Shimek Strategic

Antenna Group

Age of Adoption Website

Keith Zakheim LinkedIn

If buildings contribute 40% of global carbon emissions, what's stopping us from transforming the built environment?

In this episode of Age of Adoption, recorded on Earth Day 2025, host Keith Zakheim speaks with Breana Wheeler, Director of Operations for BREEAM USA, about the critical role of certification in decarbonizing the built environment. Wheeler shares how BREEAM, the world's first science-based validation standard for sustainable building performance, has evolved since its 1990 inception to address not only carbon mitigation but also climate resilience and adaptation. With buildings contributing nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, Wheeler explains how BREEAM's standards help asset owners manage climate risk while maintaining building value.

The conversation explores parallels between pandemic response and climate action, highlighting the importance of international cooperation and science-based approaches to global challenges. Wheeler, whose environmental passion led her from receptionist to sustainability leader, outlines the opportunities and challenges in retrofitting existing buildings. With over 750,000 certificates issued worldwide yet 70% of existing building stock still needing certification, Wheeler emphasizes the critical role of finance, regulation, and long-term investment strategies in transforming real estate for a sustainable future.

Breana Wheeler serves as Director of Operations for BREEAM USA, where she leads the organization's efforts to validate and improve sustainability performance in the built environment. With a career spanning nearly a decade at BREEAM and extensive experience in the UK, Wheeler brings a unique international perspective to climate resilience and building science. Her environmental passion began early, leading her to pursue degrees in geography, political science, and environment, politics and globalization. Before joining BREEAM, Wheeler worked at Skanska Infrastructure Development, where she transitioned from administration to sustainability leadership, focusing on environmental management as both a risk and opportunity for business. Based in San Francisco, Wheeler is a respected voice in building certification, advocating for science-based approaches to decarbonization and climate adaptation in real estate.

In This Episode: 

(00:00) Breana Wheeler and San Francisco Climate Week

(03:20) Breana's career journey and environmental background

(10:46) BREEAM's evolution in response to climate science changes

(14:13) The importance of resilience standards in building certification

(21:37) Discussion on retrofitting existing building stock globally

Share with someone who would enjoy this topic, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes, send us your comments and guest suggestions!

About the show: 

The Age of Adoption podcast explores the monumental transition from a period of climate tech research and innovation – an Age of Innovation – to today's world in which companies across the economy are furiously adopting climate solutions - the Age of Adoption. Listen as our host, Keith Zakheim, CEO of Antenna Group, talks with experts from across the climate, energy, health, and real estate sectors to discuss what the transition means for business and society, and how corporates and startups can rise above competitors to lead in this new age. Access more curated content on the subject by visiting, www.ageofadoption.com.

This podcast is brought to you by Antenna Group, an award-winning integrated marketing, public relations, public affairs and digital agency that partners with the world’s most exciting and disruptive companies across cleantech, mobility, real estate, healthcare, and emerging B2B tech sectors. Our clients are transformational and distinguished corporations, startups, investors, and nonprofits that are at the bleeding edge of the Age of Adoption. Visit antennagroup.com to learn more.

Resources:
Breana Wheeler LinkedIn
Website: https://breeam.com/breeam-usa
Antenna Group
Age of Adoption Website
Keith Zakheim LinkedIn

"It's important that we share the knowledge that we create. We won't get where we need to go unless all ships rise." - Anica Landreneau

As Global Director of Sustainability at HOK, Anica leads the firm that designed Mercedes-Benz Stadium—the NFL's first LEED Platinum-certified venue. From a Texas architecture student told she'd "never find a job" in sustainability to becoming one of the industry's most influential voices, her journey reflects the evolution of green building itself. "It's not sustainable if it's not for everyone," she insists, explaining how voluntary certifications eventually create cost parity that allows practices to be codified, bringing equity to all.

The conversation delves into HOK's meticulous approach to carbon reduction—examining everything from concrete mix designs to nursery trays for landscaping. Anica reveals the economic logic behind sustainability choices: "If I optimize the design and use less material, that costs less." This practical mindset helps explain how HOK has been carbon neutral since 2022 while working toward net-zero emissions in its designs by 2030. With refreshing candor, she connects today's cutting-edge practices to the firm's 1955 Midwestern roots, where resource efficiency and durability weren't trendy—they were just good business. For anyone interested in how buildings shape our climate future, this Earth Day conversation offers both technical depth and surprising accessibility.

Anica Landreneau is the Global Director of Sustainability at HOK, the international design firm behind the LEED Platinum-certified Mercedes-Benz Stadium and countless other landmark sustainable projects. With a background in architecture and a career spanning policy think tanks and design consulting, Anica has become one of the building industry's most influential voices on decarbonization. Beyond her leadership at HOK, she chairs the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Steering Committee overseeing the rollout of LEED version 5, serves on the board of the New Buildings Institute, and contributes to the ULI Net Zero Imperative Steering Committee. Anica's approach combines technical expertise with entrepreneurial advocacy, working to transform building codes and policies while ensuring HOK's projects meet the highest sustainability standards. Under her guidance, HOK has been carbon neutral since 2022 and is committed to achieving net-zero emissions in all its designs by 2030—embodying her philosophy that "sustainability isn't sustainable if it's not for everyone."

In This Episode:

(00:00) Anica's journey from architecture student to sustainability leader

(06:00) Entrepreneurial spirit and policy advocacy in sustainability

(08:17) How voluntary certifications drive market transformation

(10:07) HOK's leadership in sharing sustainability tools and knowledge

(11:13) HOK's sustainability evolution from Midwestern values to global impact

(15:05) Deep dive into embodied carbon across building elements

(17:48) Making the economic case for sustainable design solutions

Share with someone who would enjoy this topic, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes, send us your comments and guest suggestions!

About the show: 

The Age of Adoption podcast explores the monumental transition from a period of climate tech research and innovation – an Age of Innovation – to today's world in which companies across the economy are furiously adopting climate solutions - the Age of Adoption. Listen as our host, Keith Zakheim, CEO of Antenna Group, talks with experts from across the climate, energy, health, and real estate sectors to discuss what the transition means for business and society, and how corporates and startups can rise above competitors to lead in this new age. Access more curated content on the subject by visiting, www.ageofadoption.com.

This podcast is brought to you by Antenna Group, an award-winning integrated marketing, public relations, public affairs and digital agency that partners with the world’s most exciting and disruptive companies across cleantech, mobility, real estate, healthcare, and emerging B2B tech sectors. Our clients are transformational and distinguished corporations, startups, investors, and nonprofits that are at the bleeding edge of the Age of Adoption. Visit antennagroup.com to learn more.

Resources:
Anica Landreneau LInkedIn
HOK
Antenna Group
Age of Adoption Website
Keith Zakheim LinkedIn

If buildings contribute 40% of global carbon emissions, what's stopping us from transforming the built environment?

In this episode of Age of Adoption, recorded on Earth Day 2025, host Keith Zackheim speaks with Breana Wheeler, Director of Operations for BREEAM USA, about the critical role of certification in decarbonizing the built environment. Wheeler shares how BREEAM, the world's first science-based validation standard for sustainable building performance, has evolved since its 1990 inception to address not only carbon mitigation but also climate resilience and adaptation. With buildings contributing nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, Wheeler explains how BREEAM's standards help asset owners manage climate risk while maintaining building value.

The conversation explores parallels between pandemic response and climate action, highlighting the importance of international cooperation and science-based approaches to global challenges. Wheeler, whose environmental passion led her from receptionist to sustainability leader, outlines the opportunities and challenges in retrofitting existing buildings. With over 750,000 certificates issued worldwide yet 70% of existing building stock still needing certification, Wheeler emphasizes the critical role of finance, regulation, and long-term investment strategies in transforming real estate for a sustainable future.

Breana Wheeler serves as Director of Operations for BREEAM USA, where she leads the organization's efforts to validate and improve sustainability performance in the built environment. With a career spanning nearly a decade at BREEAM and extensive experience in the UK, Wheeler brings a unique international perspective to climate resilience and building science. Her environmental passion began early, leading her to pursue degrees in geography, political science, and environment, politics and globalization. Before joining BREEAM, Wheeler worked at Skanska Infrastructure Development, where she transitioned from administration to sustainability leadership, focusing on environmental management as both a risk and opportunity for business. Based in San Francisco, Wheeler is a respected voice in building certification, advocating for science-based approaches to decarbonization and climate adaptation in real estate.

In This Episode: 

(00:00) Breana Wheeler and San Francisco Climate Week

(03:20) Breana's career journey and environmental background

(10:46) BREEAM's evolution in response to climate science changes

(14:13) The importance of resilience standards in building certification

(21:37) Discussion on retrofitting existing building stock globally

Share with someone who would enjoy this topic, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes, send us your comments and guest suggestions!

About the show: 
The Age of Adoption podcast explores the monumental transition from a period of climate tech research and innovation – an Age of Innovation – to today's world in which companies across the economy are furiously adopting climate solutions - the Age of Adoption. Listen as our host, Keith Zakheim, CEO of Antenna Group, talks with experts from across the climate, energy, health, and real estate sectors to discuss what the transition means for business and society, and how corporates and startups can rise above competitors to lead in this new age. Access more curated content on the subject by visiting, www.ageofadoption.com.

This podcast is brought to you by Antenna Group, an award-winning integrated marketing, public relations, public affairs and digital agency that partners with the world’s most exciting and disruptive companies across cleantech, mobility, real estate, healthcare, and emerging B2B tech sectors. Our clients are transformational and distinguished corporations, startups, investors, and nonprofits that are at the bleeding edge of the Age of Adoption. Visit antennagroup.com to learn more.

Resources:
Breana Wheeler LinkedIn
Website: https://breeam.com/breeam-usa
Antenna Group
Age of Adoption Website
Keith Zakheim LinkedIn

In this episode of the Age of Adoption podcast, host Keith Zakheim welcomes Duncan Meisel, Executive Director of Clean Creatives, an organization challenging PR and advertising agencies to reject fossil fuel clients. Drawing from his background in climate NGO communications, Duncan has pioneered a global movement to eliminate ties between creative agencies and fossil fuel companies. The conversation explores how Clean Creatives provides a pledge for agencies and brands, targets those working with polluters, and confronts the conflicts of interest that arise when agencies serve both sustainability-focused clients and fossil fuel companies simultaneously.

Despite current political headwinds facing climate initiatives, Duncan maintains an optimistic outlook grounded in planetary urgency and market fundamentals. He highlights how twice as much capital now flows into renewable energy compared to fossil fuels, and emphasizes that engagement typically increases during challenging political climates. For businesses navigating the climate transition, Duncan stresses the importance of focusing on material climate impacts that directly affect bottom lines—like insurance companies losing advertising revenue due to climate disaster—and building strategic plans that position organizations for success when the pendulum inevitably swings back toward climate action.

Duncan Meisel, Executive Director of Clean Creatives, leads a global movement challenging advertising and PR agencies to cut ties with fossil fuel companies through their industry pledge system. Drawing from his background in climate NGO communications at organizations like 350.org, Duncan identifies how agencies serve conflicting interests when representing both sustainability-focused brands and fossil fuel clients. In this episode, he reveals the concerning "climate doomer" mentality among many agency professionals working with polluters and explains how Clean Creatives connects the dots between climate impacts and business consequences—like State Farm's $8 million Super Bowl ad cancellation due to climate disasters while their agency also represented Exxon. Despite current political headwinds, Duncan maintains that planetary urgency and strong market fundamentals, including twice as much capital flowing to renewables versus fossil fuels, provide reasons for optimism in the climate transition. Based in Austin, Texas, Duncan has been recognized as one of Adweek's Young Influentials and PRovoke Media's Innovator 25.

In This Episode: 

(00:00) Introduction - Duncan Meisel of Clean Creatives

(03:39) Duncan explains Clean Creatives' mission and fossil fuel pledge

(07:44) Discussion of agency conversations and rationalizations for fossil fuel work

(11:06) Brand perspective on agencies with fossil fuel clients

(14:42) Duncan shares his Age of Adoption story amid political challenges

(18:07) Clean Creatives' tactical focus on materiality and real impacts

Share with someone who would enjoy this topic, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes, send us your comments and guest suggestions!

About the show:  

The Age of Adoption podcast explores the monumental transition from a period of climate tech research and innovation – an Age of Innovation – to today's world in which companies across the economy are furiously adopting climate solutions - the Age of Adoption. Listen as our host, Keith Zakheim, CEO of Antenna Group, talks with experts from across the climate, energy, health, and real estate sectors to discuss what the transition means for business and society, and how corporates and startups can rise above competitors to lead in this new age. Access more curated content on the subject by visiting, www.ageofadoption.com.

This podcast is brought to you by Antenna Group, an award-winning integrated marketing, public relations, public affairs and digital agency that partners with the world’s most exciting and disruptive companies across cleantech, mobility, real estate, healthcare, and emerging B2B tech sectors. Our clients are transformational and distinguished corporations, startups, investors, and nonprofits that are at the bleeding edge of the Age of Adoption. Visit antennagroup.com to learn more.

Resources:

Duncan Meisel LinkedIn

Clean Creatives Website

Antenna Group

Age of Adoption Website

Keith Zakheim LinkedIn

In this episode of Age of Adoption, host Keith Zakheim welcomes Neal Rickner, CEO of Airloom Energy, about reimagining wind turbine technology. Neal, a former F-18 pilot with the Marines who later worked at Google X on the Makani project, explains how Airloom Energy is developing revolutionary wind turbines that can be mass-manufactured, easily transported, and deployed without specialized equipment—all while significantly reducing costs. Instead of pursuing marginal improvements through larger turbines, Airloom creates adaptable systems that can be installed in locations where traditional wind turbines aren't feasible.

Airloom's innovative approach addresses key industry challenges by using standardized materials and simplified supply chains. Neil highlights partnerships with the Air Force Research Laboratory to develop resilient energy solutions for military installations and discusses how their technology can help reduce fuel dependency for forward operating bases. This episode demonstrates how rethinking fundamental technologies can create competitive advantages while expanding access to renewable energy globally.

Neal Rickner is a technology entrepreneur and investor specializing in energy and aerospace. Before Airloom, Neal served as the CEO of BridgeTek Energy and the Managing Partner of Elevation Ventures. Prior to these roles, Neal spent nearly a decade at Google and Google[x] leading teams and developing energy projects. Before working in tech, Neal served 12 years on active duty in the US Marine Corps as an F/A-18 pilot and forward air controller. He completed three tours in Iraq between 2003 and 2007, earning the Bronze Star and (13) Air Medals. He transitioned from active duty in 2009, earning dual master's degrees (business and international affairs) from Columbia University. Neal is a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a Tillman Scholar. He serves on the Advisory boards of Vets in Tech and the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP).

In This Episode:

(00:00) Introduction - Neal Rickner's clean energy career journey

(07:38) Neal's age of adoption story: reimagining wind turbines, revolutionizing wind energy deployment

(14:17) Military applications, Defense Department innovation for fighter jets and partnerships with Airloom Energy

(19:44) Conclusion and closing thoughts

Share with someone who would enjoy this topic, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes, send us your comments and guest suggestions!

About the show: 

The Age of Adoption podcast explores the monumental transition from a period of climate tech research and innovation – an Age of Innovation – to today's world in which companies across the economy are furiously adopting climate solutions - the Age of Adoption. Listen as our host, Keith Zakheim, CEO of Antenna Group, talks with experts from across the climate, energy, health, and real estate sectors to discuss what the transition means for business and society, and how corporates and startups can rise above competitors to lead in this new age. Access more curated content on the subject by visiting, www.ageofadoption.com.

This podcast is brought to you by Antenna Group, an award-winning integrated marketing, public relations, public affairs and digital agency that partners with the world’s most exciting and disruptive companies across cleantech, mobility, real estate, healthcare, and emerging B2B tech sectors. Our clients are transformational and distinguished corporations, startups, investors, and nonprofits that are at the bleeding edge of the Age of Adoption. Visit antennagroup.com to learn more.

Resources:
Neal Rickner LinkedIn
Airloom Energy
Antenna Group
Age of Adoption Website
Keith Zakheim LinkedIn

How does a transit-dependent child from Los Angeles become the Chief Mobility Officer for America's automotive heartland?

In this episode of Age of Adoption, host Keith Zakheim welcomes Justine Johnson, Chief Mobility Officer for the State of Michigan. Drawing from her extensive background spanning from the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission to Ford Smart Mobility, Johnson provides unique insights into how Michigan is pioneering mobility solutions beyond traditional electric and autonomous vehicles. She discusses the state's expansive approach to mobility—including micromobility, smart roads, and innovations like the multi-state $100 million Mach H2 hydrogen initiative—while emphasizing accessibility and climate resilience.

Johnson's fascinating journey from transit-dependent child to mobility leader offers a compelling perspective on transportation's evolution. She articulates how Michigan leverages its automotive heritage to pioneer clean energy transportation solutions, including the Toyota Mobility Foundation's $3 million Sustainable Cities Challenge award. For businesses navigating the climate transition, Johnson's insights illuminate how integrating multiple technologies—from hydrogen infrastructure to drone systems—creates resilient, accessible transportation ecosystems that benefit both industry and communities.

Justine Johnson serves as Michigan's Chief Mobility Officer, where she leads the state's advanced mobility initiatives and clean energy transportation strategies. With a robust background spanning from the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission to Ford Motor Company's Mobility division, Johnson brings unique expertise in transportation policy, innovation, and accessibility. Her experience includes launching NYC's Ferry Service, advising the Los Angeles County Aviation Commission, and teaching at USC. Johnson's approach combines her personal understanding of transit dependency with strategic vision, making her a transformative leader in Michigan's mobility ecosystem.

In This Episode: 

(00:02) Introduction of guest Justine Johnson, Michigan's Chief Mobility Officer

(02:29) Justine's personal journey with mobility began in childhood

(05:22) Experience at NYC Taxi Commission during rideshare disruption

(07:12) Transition through various mobility roles to Michigan position

(11:03) Justine's Age of Adoption story focusing on individual impact

(15:44) Exploring Michigan's hydrogen initiatives and the Mach H2 alliance

(18:43) Closing thoughts

Share with someone who would enjoy this topic, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes, send us your comments and guest suggestions!

About the show: 

The Age of Adoption podcast explores the monumental transition from a period of climate tech research and innovation – an Age of Innovation – to today's world in which companies across the economy are furiously adopting climate solutions - the Age of Adoption. Listen as our host, Keith Zakheim, CEO of Antenna Group, talks with experts from across the climate, energy, health, and real estate sectors to discuss what the transition means for business and society, and how corporates and startups can rise above competitors to lead in this new age. Access more curated content on the subject by visiting, www.ageofadoption.com.

This podcast is brought to you by Antenna Group, an award-winning integrated marketing, public relations, public affairs and digital agency that partners with the world’s most exciting and disruptive companies across cleantech, mobility, real estate, healthcare, and emerging B2B tech sectors. Our clients are transformational and distinguished corporations, startups, investors, and nonprofits that are at the bleeding edge of the Age of Adoption. Visit antennagroup.com to learn more.

Resources:
Justine Johnson LinkedIn
Michigan Economic Development Corp
Antenna Group
Age of Adoption Website
Keith Zakheim LinkedIn
 

What innovative strategies is SunOpta implementing to transform food waste into valuable resources, and how is their new Texas facility contributing to sustainability goals?

In this episode of the Age of Adoption podcast, host Keith Zakheim sits down with Stacy Seidel, Senior Director of ESG at SunOpta, to explore how the plant-based food and beverage company is revolutionizing sustainable food production. Seidel shares her fascinating journey from communications and law to becoming a sustainability leader, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and courage in driving corporate change.

The conversation delves into SunOpta's comprehensive approach to sustainability, from innovative food upcycling practices to their strategically designed facility in Midlothian, Texas. Seidel details how the company has embedded sustainability into its corporate culture, working across departments to gather data, meet stakeholder needs, and implement meaningful environmental initiatives. Their efforts showcase how food manufacturers can successfully transform their operations while maintaining business growth and environmental responsibility.

Stacy Seidel, Senior Director of ESG at SunOpta, oversees the organization’s sustainability efforts, conducts materiality assessments to inform strategy, and coordinates cross-functional teams to define and achieve measurable goals. She also drafts SunOpta’s annual ESG report.

In This Episode:

(00:00) Welcome to Stacy Seidel, Senior Director of ESG at SunOpta

(02:42) Stacy's Career Journey: From Communications to Sustainability Leadership

(06:58) SunOpta's Sustainability Evolution and Internal Engagement Story

(15:30) Innovation in Action: Food Upcycling and Sustainable Facility Design in Midlothian TX

Share with someone who would enjoy this topic, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes, send us your comments and guest suggestions!

About the show: 

The Age of Adoption podcast explores the monumental transition from a period of climate tech research and innovation – an Age of Innovation – to today's world in which companies across the economy are furiously adopting climate solutions - the Age of Adoption. Listen as our host, Keith Zakheim, CEO of Antenna Group, talks with experts from across the climate, energy, health, and real estate sectors to discuss what the transition means for business and society, and how corporates and startups can rise above competitors to lead in this new age. Access more curated content on the subject by visiting, www.ageofadoption.com.

This podcast is brought to you by Antenna Group, an award-winning integrated marketing, public relations, public affairs and digital agency that partners with the world’s most exciting and disruptive companies across cleantech, mobility, real estate, healthcare, and emerging B2B tech sectors. Our clients are transformational and distinguished corporations, startups, investors, and nonprofits that are at the bleeding edge of the Age of Adoption. Visit antennagroup.com to learn more.

Resources:
Stacy Seidel LinkedIn

SunOpta

Antenna Group

Age of Adoption Website

Keith Zakheim LinkedIn