In this special Christmas episode of the Exec Exchange podcast, Dr. Jo Burgess talks with Professor Don Cowan from the University of Pretoria. Don shares his experiences and insights as a polar explorer and scientist in the dry valleys of Antarctica. The discussion covers various aspects of life and work in the polar regions, including the unique challenges of water use, waste management, and environmental conservation in one of the world's most pristine environments.

00:00 Introductions

00:13 Meet Professor Don Cowan

00:47 Journey to Antarctica

01:26 Life in the Antarctic Dry Valleys

02:40 Water and Waste Management in Antarctica

03:45 Conservation Efforts and Environmental Protocols

06:54 Reflections on Conservation Practices

09:02 Conclusion and Holiday Wishes

In this episode of the Exec Exchange podcast, host Piers Clark talks with Alessandro Reginato, General Manager of CAP Evolution at Gruppo CAP in Milan, Italy. Alessandro shares his extensive experience in water and waste management across various countries, including Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Peru, and Mexico, before returning to Italy. The discussion covers the diverse challenges and focuses of water management in Latin America and Europe, emphasizing innovative solutions in Italy such as resource recovery and circular economy practices. Alessandro also highlights the importance of flexibility and innovation in managing water resources effectively.

00:00 Introductions

00:24 Alessandro's Career Journey

02:03 Overview of Gruppo CAP

03:07 Water Management Challenges in Latin America

06:15 Innovative Solutions in Wastewater Management

08:45 Biochar and Pigment Extraction

10:50 Lessons from Latin America

11:39 Advice to Young Professionals

12:11 Conclusion

In this Christmas special episode of Exec Exchange, host Piers Clark converses with Ed Mitchell, Chief Executive of Water and Sanitation for Urban Populations (WSUP). They discuss the profound impact of shared sanitation on child health, focusing on a notable study conducted in Maputo, Mozambique. The conversation delves into Ed's career in water and sustainable development, the mission and achievements of WSUP, and the challenges faced in providing sanitation in densely populated urban areas. Key insights include the significant 31% reduction in stunting among children due to access to shared sanitation, the efficiency and funding of WSUP, and the broader implications for global sanitation and child development goals.

00:00 Introduction to the Exec Exchange Podcast

00:37 Meet Ed Mitchell: Journey to Chief Executive of WSUP

02:07 Understanding WSUP: Mission and Achievements

03:22 Funding Efficiency in Non-Profits

04:18 The Impact of Shared Sanitation on Child Health

09:26 Research Findings: MAP-San Project in Mozambique

12:51 Global Implications and Funding Challenges

15:13 Personal Resilience in Leadership

16:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Exec Exchange podcast, host Piers Clark interviews Claus Homann, the Chief Strategy Officer at Aarhus Vand Water Utility in Denmark. Claus shares his journey from consulting engineering to strategic roles at Aarhus Vand, where he has worked for 15 years. The discussion focuses on Aarhus Vand's innovative 'Teal Initiative,' a radical approach to organizational structure that emphasizes value-based leadership, team empowerment, and flexible decision-making. Claus elaborates on the benefits of this approach, including increased motivation, organizational resilience, and adaptability. Despite initial skepticism and challenges, the initiative aims to create a forward-thinking organization capable of responding quickly to various external and internal pressures.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:26 Claus Homann's Background

01:14 Overview of Aarhus Vand

03:24 The Teal Initiative Introduction

05:18 Implementing the Teal Initiative

08:44 Challenges and Responses

11:45 Benefits of the Teal Approach

13:53 Final Thoughts and Advice

In this episode of the Exec Exchange podcast, host Piers Clark welcomes Rob Thompson, General Manager at OC San in California, for his third appearance. The discussion centers around innovative approaches to biosolid management in the water sector. Rob introduces the challenges faced in Southern California regarding biosolids including transportation issues and regulatory pressures concerning PFAS, microplastics, and methane. The conversation delves into the technology of Supercritical Water Oxidation (SCWO) and OC San's collaboration with 374Water to implement the world's largest full-scale installation. Additionally, Rob discusses the concept of deep well injection as an alternative strategy for biosolid disposal.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:10 Balancing Home Life and Work

02:36 Biosolids Management Challenges

04:28 Supercritical Water Oxidation Technology

11:08 Deep Well Injection Strategy

14:17 Personal Reflections and Closing

In this episode of the Exec Exchange podcast, host Piers Clark interviews Reinhard Hübner, the Chief Executive of SKion Water, about his remarkable journey in the water sector. Reinhard shares his background in various industries and how an unexpected opportunity led him to SKion Water. He details the company's transformation from an idea on paper in 2010 to a global treatment solution provider with 5,000 employees and a turnover of 1.5 billion Euros. Reinhard discusses the challenges faced by startups in the fragmented water industry, the importance of strategic partnerships, and the value of retaining talented people. He also reflects on the successes and failures along the way, emphasizing the significance of acting promptly when things aren't going as planned and continuously adapting the strategy. The episode showcases Reinhard's entrepreneurial spirit, operational focus, and willingness to get hands-on, which have been instrumental in SKion Water's growth and success.

00:00 Introductions

00:45 Reinhard Hübner's Journey to SKion Water

02:15 Building SKion Water from Scratch

05:12 Challenges and Strategies in the Water Sector

09:22 Successes and Regrets

14:27 Final Thoughts and Advice

In this episode of the Exec Exchange, host Piers Clark welcomes back Rob Thompson, General Manager at OC San, to discuss OC San's Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS). The conversation begins with a look at Rob's management style, which emphasizes a firm but fair approach and the importance of details. They then delve into the history and development of the GWRS, detailing the partnership between OC San and the Orange County Water District, the challenges faced, such as public perception and media misconceptions, and the intricate treatment processes involved. The episode also explores the project's budget, timelines, and key learnings, offering valuable advice for other water sector leaders considering similar initiatives.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:51 Rob Thompson's Management Style

02:51 OC San's Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS)

05:19 Public Response and Education

07:11 Technical Details of Water Treatment

10:55 Project Budget and Timelines

12:29 Advice and Reflections

13:25 Fun Questions and Conclusion

In this episode of the Exec Exchange podcast, host Piers Clark interviews Engineer Rafael Zarate, President of the Center for Innovation at SAPAL in Mexico. Rafael shares his extensive background in water engineering and discusses his innovative work in water reuse, particularly focusing on indirect potable reuse using nano filtration technology. The conversation covers the challenges and successes of implementing this groundbreaking technology in León, Mexico, highlighting its environmental impact, cost-efficiency, and public acceptance. The episode concludes with Rafael's advice to his younger self about the importance of addressing climate change and water conservation.

00:00 Introductions

00:11 Meet Engineer Rafael Zarate

00:33 Rafael's Background and Experience

02:03 The Water Crisis in León

03:18 Innovative Water Reuse Solutions

04:10 Technological Collaborations and Pilots

05:59 Challenges and Achievements

09:31 Public Acceptance and Future Plans

11:08 Final Thoughts and Advice

In this special episode of the Exec Exchange, Jo Burgess interviews Valerie Jenkinson, Founder and Chair of Operators Without Borders (OWB), about their efforts to respond to Hurricane Melissa's devastation in the Caribbean. They discuss the major hidden threats beyond wind and flood damage, the technical missions of their skilled volunteer teams, and the critical need for funding to support their work in restoring water utilities. Jenkinson emphasizes the importance of coordinated efforts and the logistics involved, while appealing for donations to ensure successful deployment and aid.

To support the volunteer operators restoring safe water across the Caribbean, please donate now at operatorswithoutborders.org/donate.

00:00 Introductions

00:35 Hurricane Melissa's Devastation

01:36 Operators Without Borders: Mission and Volunteers

02:22 Challenges and Coordination in Disaster Response

03:07 Restoring Water Utilities: Immediate and Long-term Efforts

04:15 Logistics and Volunteer Preparation

06:00 Funding and Donations Appeal

10:11 Call to Action: Supporting the Mission

In this episode of the Exec Exchange podcast, host Piers Clark interviews Hanneke van de Ven, the Sector Director for Distribution at Brabant Water in the Netherlands. Hanneke shares her career transition from consultancy to the drinking water sector and highlights the innovative projects Brabant Water is undertaking, particularly in asset management and non-invasive pipeline inspections. The conversation delves into the importance of innovation and agility in the water sector, the challenges posed by an aging workforce, and the successful implementation of technologies like KenWave for pipeline monitoring. The episode wraps up with Hanneke’s advice for her younger self, emphasizing curiosity and seizing opportunities.

00:00 Introductions

00:30 Hanneke's Background and Role

01:46 Overview of Brabant Water

02:23 The Need for Innovation in the Water Sector

04:16 KenWave Project and Non-Invasive Technology

06:17 Trial Process and Results

08:54 Importance of Innovation at Brabant Water

09:44 Final Thoughts and Advice