Join us for our final episode of season one of Next Time Around as Susan Robson MBE, CEO of the Women’s Engineering Society takes us through the changes happening at one of the UK’s most iconic energy organisations, National Grid.

From the rise of home electrification and local energy communities to the concept of 'unthinking energy', where sustainable choices become second nature, this conversation explores the key changes driving the future of the energy sector. Susan shares why embedding ESG into business strategy isn’t just a corporate buzzword, but a core component of creating lasting change in the energy landscape.

Plus, we hear about her experience speaking at the UN Global Compact Summit and what it was like appearing as an expert panellist on The Apprentice final! 

What does it take to win Olympic gold, and how can those lessons translate to building a more sustainable future? This week, we're joined by Rowley Douglas MBE, a gold medalist in rowing at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, who shares his incredible journey to the top. Rowley takes us behind the scenes of his Olympic experience, revealing how the team learned from failures, overcame intense pressure, and ultimately achieved victory.

But Rowley's story doesn't end with gold medals. He also offers a perspective on sustainability, drawing on his experience with the London 2012 Olympics. We explore the innovative strategies used to deliver long-term sustainable infrastructure and how we can use transitional solutions to deliver business efficiency more quickly. 

Plus, we explore how former athletes are now playing a crucial role in driving sustainability within the sports industry.

This week, we’re joined by Michelle Little, an energy industry expert with over 20 years of experience. Michelle shares her insights on the transition to electric homes, emphasising the growing importance of consumer choice and convenience. 

She delves into how energy suppliers can support this transition by leveraging smart metering data to understand consumer needs and deliver tailored solutions. Michelle also addresses the challenges energy suppliers face in adapting to the new energy landscape and offers innovative strategies to overcome them.

She highlights the benefits of home EV charging, from cost savings to improved safety, and the importance of thorough research when choosing an electric vehicle. Michelle advocates for intelligent EV charging tariffs and the integration of software and AI to seamlessly manage home energy devices.

We explore the role of energy suppliers in delivering cost-effective, user-friendly solutions and the need for timely installation of EV charging infrastructure to support a greener, more sustainable future.

In this episode, Raj Lyons Chohan, founder and CEO of Affinity EV, takes us on his journey from washing cars to founding a pioneering platform that’s reshaping both the automotive and energy sectors.

He discusses the critical disconnect between selling an electric vehicle (EV) and the onward buying journey, highlighting the urgent need for a seamless, customer-centric approach.

Raj explores the current challenges facing the automotive industry while highlighting exciting new opportunities that are emerging. He discusses how data and AI can empower dealerships to evolve beyond traditional car sales, transforming into energy network businesses. By viewing an EV as a "battery on wheels," dealerships can tap into innovative revenue streams and introduce home energy management to their services.

This shift is massive, and Raj emphasises the importance of proactive leadership. To stay ahead, industry leaders must leverage AI and data to enhance profitability and customer loyalty through personalised experiences. 

Plus, Raj shares key insights on what to avoid to prevent missed revenue opportunities in the current sales process!

Alex Baggallay, Growth Partnerships Lead UK & Ireland at Salesforce, joins us this week to explore how AI and data are transforming industries and creating new opportunities for businesses to stay ahead in the electric future.

As competition intensifies, companies need more than just great products—they need to deliver personalised, AI-driven experiences that build trust and loyalty. Alex shares how this shift is already happening in the energy sector, where companies are evolving from traditional suppliers to energy lifestyle brands. By using AI, businesses can create deeper connections with customers and stay ahead in the race.

Data is driving innovation, and those who harness the power of AI are set to lead the way in their industries. If you're looking to future-proof your business and create customer experiences that really stand out, this episode is for you.

This week, we talk with Scarlett Allen-Horton, founder of Harper Fox Partners, about the evolving world of recruitment in the energy sector. Scarlett shares how fostering partnerships and diversity isn’t just about ticking boxes, it’s the key to driving real innovation and meeting ambitious green emission targets by 2050.

From cross-business collaboration to the role of intrapreneurship, Scarlett breaks down how sustainable hiring practices and cultural shifts can attract top talent. She also highlights the impact of flexible and hybrid working in increasing women’s representation at the highest levels.

But before founding Harper Fox Partners, Scarlett’s journey was one of resilience, vision, and entrepreneurial grit. She gained national recognition on The Apprentice, where she impressed Lord Sugar and secured investment to scale her business. Now, she’s leading the charge in redefining recruitment strategies for a more inclusive, forward-thinking industry.

Join us as we explore how diverse perspectives, bold leadership, and strategic hiring can shape the future of energy.

Join hosts Lauren Forster and Richard Britton as they dive into the challenges of the energy crisis. From the impact of the energy price cap to the shift toward electric vehicles and heat pumps, this podcast unpacks the trends shaping our energy landscape.

Discover practical strategies for consumers to take control of their energy bills through insulation, solar panels, and smart meters. Plus, meet Raya, Powerverse’s smart energy assistant, and learn how she is helping households to manage energy usage and cut costs.

Whether you’re looking to lower your bills or better understand the future of energy, this episode offers expert insights, real-world solutions, and a roadmap for reducing energy dependence.