Coping with the April 28th 2025 National Power Outage, with Nuno Brôco, CEO Águas do Tejo Atlântico

In this episode of the Exec Exchange podcast, host Piers Clark welcomes back Nuno Brôco, Managing Director for Águas do Tejo Atlântico, to discuss the massive power outage on April 28, 2025. The outage affected all of Portugal and parts of Spain, resulting in eight deaths and 25 injuries, and raising critical questions on emergency response for water utilities. Nuno shares his experience managing the crisis, including the success of their biogas-powered sewage treatment plants, the challenges faced due to communication blackouts, and the vital lessons learned. Key recommendations for improving resilience and emergency preparedness for similar events are also discussed.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:21 Revisiting the Power Outage Incident
01:38 Initial Reactions and Miscommunications
03:16 Operational Challenges and Solutions
05:56 Lessons Learned and Future Preparations
07:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The Asian Development Bank's utility twinning programme, with Satoshi Ishii, Director for Strategy and Partnerships, ADB and Vivek Raman, Principal, ADB

In this episode of the Exec Exchange podcast, host Piers Clark interviews Satoshi Ishii and Vivek Raman from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to discuss the bank's impactful initiatives in the water sector. The conversation covers the guests' educational and professional backgrounds, the scale and purpose of the ADB, and the significance of the upcoming Water and Urban Development Forum. A key topic is the ADB's twinning program, fostering partnerships between utilities for mutual learning and development. The podcast highlights success stories, future plans for the twinning program, and concludes with career advice for aspiring professionals in the sector.

00:00 Introduction to the Exec Exchange Podcast
00:11 Meet the Guests: Satoshi Ishii and Vivek Raman
02:08 Understanding the Asian Development Bank
03:34 The Importance of the Water Forum
05:21 Exploring the Twinning Program
08:37 Success Stories and Future of the Twinning Program
12:51 Advice for Future Leaders
14:14 Conclusion and Farewell

Nature-Based Water Solutions: Insights from United Utilities' Asset Management Director Jo Harrison

In this episode of the Exec Exchange 15 minute podcast, host Piers Clark talks with Jo Harrison from United Utilities in the UK about nature-based solutions in the water sector. Jo shares her journey into the water industry, the role of United Utilities, and their significant use of ecological methods to manage water resources. The conversation covers the history and specifics of their Sustainable Catchment Management Program (SCaMP), which focuses on restoring natural ecosystems and working with agricultural stakeholders to improve water quality and biodiversity. Jo also discusses the regulatory challenges and successes of implementing these solutions, emphasizing the importance of innovative, ecosystem-wide approaches to asset management in the water industry.

00:00 Introduction to the Exec Exchange Podcast
00:21 Joe Harrison's Journey into the Water Sector
01:51 United Utilities: An Overview
02:54 Understanding Nature-Based Solutions
04:38 United Utilities' Journey with Nature-Based Solutions
06:13 Challenges and Stakeholder Responses
08:27 Specific Examples and Success Stories
13:07 Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts
14:01 Closing Remarks

'Non-Revenue Water - An agent for change!' with Andrew Donnelly, Board Director, Águas de Portugal International

In this episode of the Exec Exchange podcast, host Piers Clark interviews Andrew Donnelly, a board member at Aguas de Portugal International. Andrew shares his unique journey from Newcastle to Portugal, discusses his extensive career in the water sector, and elaborates on his contributions to non-revenue water management both in Portugal and internationally. He also highlights various projects and the strategic role of Aguas de Portugal International in providing technical support, training, and capacity building to utilities globally. Andrew reflects on the personal and professional influences that have shaped his career and emphasizes the importance of creating a legacy by mentoring and developing future water management professionals.

00:00 Introduction to the Exec Exchange Podcast
00:26 Andrew Donnelley's Journey to Portugal
01:31 Career Milestones and Professional Growth
04:36 Role and Structure of Aguas de Portugal International
08:42 International Projects and Non-Revenue Water Management
10:15 Challenges and Achievements in Angola
11:31 Commercial and Non-Profit Ventures
13:04 Reflections and Personal Insights
13:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Even a small utility can be carbon neutral, with Pav Policar, Chairman, VAK HB Plc., Czech Republic

In this episode of the Exec Exchange podcast, host Piers Clark speaks with Pavel Policar, chairman of VAK HB Plc. in the Czech Republic. Pavel shares insights from his extensive career in the water sector, including his academic background, international experiences, and his impactful work at VAK HB Plc.. Highlights include his innovative projects in tariffs, zero politics, heat recovery systems, and photovoltaics, making VAK HB Plc. a carbon-neutral utility. Pav also reflects on his personal values, the influence of his parents, and his passion for competitive sports.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:37 Pav Policar's Background and Career Journey
02:32 Transition to VAK HB Plc. and Leadership Philosophy
05:14 Innovative Projects and Achievements at VAK HB Plc.
08:46 Sustainability and Carbon Neutrality Initiatives
10:04 Personal Reflections and Advice
11:16 Conclusion and Farewell

30 Years of Yarra Valley Water with Managing Director Pat McCafferty

In this special 25th episode of the Exec Exchange podcast, hosted by Piers Clark, we celebrate Pat McCafferty's 44-year career in the water sector, including 30 years at Yarra Valley Water in Victoria, Australia. The discussion covers significant topics such as the millennium drought, the reform of the Australian water sector in the 1990s, and Yarra Valley Water's innovative environmental initiatives. Pat shares the evolution of the water sector, his personal career journey, tackling extreme drought conditions, and groundbreaking projects like food waste digestion for renewable energy. The episode concludes with insights on the future of the water sector and Pat's advice for current and future leaders.

00:00 Introduction to the Exec Exchange Podcast
00:17 Meet Pat McCafferty: A Career Overview
01:16 The Formation and Evolution of Yarra Valley Water
03:19 Pat's Early Career and Education
05:20 Reforming the Australian Water Sector
07:42 The Millennium Drought: Challenges and Responses
11:43 Innovative Projects at Yarra Valley Water
14:56 Pat McCafferty's Future Plans and Reflections
15:45 Advice for Future Water Sector Leaders
16:54 Conclusion and Farewell

Data Centres and Water Demand - with Kristen Atha, Executive Director, City of Columbus, Ohio

In this episode of 'The Exec Exchange,' host Piers Clark speaks with Kristen Atha, Director of Public Utilities for the City of Columbus. They discuss the complexities and opportunities of providing water services to rapidly growing data centers and semiconductor fabs, focusing on issues like water demand, infrastructure planning, and public perception. Kristen shares her career journey from an intern at Yorkshire Water to her current role, and sheds light on how Columbus is adapting to the demands of significant industrial investments while maintaining service for its residents.

00:00 Introduction to the Exec Exchange Podcast
00:27 Kristen Atha's Journey in the Water Sector
03:15 Overview of Columbus Public Utilities
04:29 Challenges of Serving Data Centers
09:13 Public and Staff Reactions to Data Centers
10:40 Future Innovations and Strategies
13:14 Final Thoughts and Advice

Leadership in Volatile times, with Nuno Brôco, Executive Chair Aguas do Tejo Atlantico, Portugal

In this episode of The Exec Exchange, host Piers Clark speaks with Nuno Brôco, Chairman of Águas do Tejo Atlântico. They discuss Nuno's background in chemical engineering and his extensive career in the water sector, including his time at Suez and Águas de Portugal (ADP). Nuno explains the unique structure and challenges of the Portuguese water sector, including the role of ADP as a national, state-owned company formed to tackle fragmented and failing infrastructure. Under his leadership, Águas do Tejo Atlântico serves 2.3 million people, managing 100 wastewater treatment plants. Nuno shares insights on implementing a new strategic vision focused on efficiency, digitalization, circular economy, carbon neutrality, strategic partnerships, and resilience. They also touch on the hurdles of leading a dynamic organization with consistent three-year leadership terms and the personal values instilled in Nuno by his parents.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:30 Nuno Brôco's Background and Career Journey
01:09 Understanding the Portuguese Water Sector
02:38 Águas do Tejo Atlântico: Company Overview
03:28 Strategic Vision and Challenges
07:37 Achievements and Progress
09:05 Personal Reflections and Closing

The Unique ownership and operating model of Welsh Water, with Steve Wilson, MD, Welsh Water

In this episode of the Exec Exchange podcast, host Piers Clark interviews Steve Wilson, Managing Director for Wastewater Services at Welsh Water. Steve shares his career journey from studying environmental chemistry at Brunel University to his roles in Yorkshire Water, Kelda Water, and finally Welsh Water. The discussion highlights the unique not-for-profit model of Welsh Water, explaining its operational and social benefits, challenges, and the historical context of its establishment. Steve discusses the impact of this model on customer satisfaction, social tariffs, and environmental investments, as well as the limitations it faces due to its financial structure. The episode concludes with personal insights from Steve on resilience learned from his parents.

00:00 Introduction to the Exec Exchange
00:31 Meet Steve Wilson: Career Beginnings
01:46 Journey with Welsh Water
03:53 The Unique Welsh Water Model
06:08 Pros and Cons of the Not-for-Profit Model
09:54 Future of the Welsh Water Model
11:43 Personal Reflections and Conclusion

Delivering a World Class Lead Replacement Programme: Will Pickering, CEO at Pittsburgh Water

In this episode of the Exec Exchange podcast, host Piers Clark interviews Will Pickering, the Chief Executive of Pittsburgh Water. They discuss Will's career journey, the lead crisis in Flint, Michigan, and the challenges Pittsburgh faced with elevated lead levels in their water supply. Will highlights the actions taken, including switching to effective corrosion control treatments, implementing a comprehensive lead service line replacement program, and the importance of procuring grants from the US Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The conversation emphasizes the importance of community engagement and the proactive measures Pittsburgh Water adopted to ensure water safety and rebuild public trust. Will also reflects on the broader industry implications and the rewarding nature of his work in the water sector.

00:00 Introduction to the Exec Exchange
00:24 Will Pickering's Background and Career Path
01:02 Challenges at Pittsburgh Water
02:10 Lead Crisis and Response
04:35 Implementation of Lead Replacement Program
06:09 Community Engagement and Overcoming Obstacles
07:09 Current Status and Future Goals
10:38 Reflections and Advice
11:51 Conclusion