Tough Talk with Jody Rowe

Sparc Technologies (ASX: SPN), is pioneering new technologies to disrupt and transform mult-billion dollar industries to deliver a more sustainable world.

Tough Talk with Jody Rowe podcast had the pleasure of Sparc Technologies Executive Chairman Stephen Hunt and General Manager Renewable Energy Nick O’Loughlin. This podcast was hosted by Jody and Richard Hockney.

Well, what a ride Sparc technologies is having, with Graphene and Renewable Energy such as green hydrogen and sodium ion batteries.

Sparc is renowned for developing early-stage technologies and aims to reach commercialization, that will transform industries through a multitude of partnerships including Fortescue Future Industries.

My suggestion is to check out Sparc Technologies, companies such as these are industry changers, prepared to find the green technologies.

In 2012 I met Shane Charles when he held the role of Chief Executive with Toowoomba Surat Basin Enterprise, an independent regional economic development organisation working in the Agriculture, Gas and Mining industries

Currently Shane Charles is the Chief Executive of Upscale Carbon, an organization looking to reset how carbon projects can benefit rural landowners. Shane is also the Managing Partner at Charles Legal Group.

Shane is also a director in a number of other organisations including Upscale Funds Management Pty Ltd, Australian Pink

Overall, Shane Charles is an influential leader whose dedication has made a significant impact on sustainable

This is such an interesting podcast, to think our supermarket chains will start insisting products must be produced at net zero sites is incredible, I just wonder how this will impact everyday consumer.

To have Shane Charles as a guest is an absolute win as a well-respected contributor to industry.

Well, what an opportunity to have Donna McDowall as a guest on Tough Talk with Jody Rowe. Not only do I count Donna as a friend and trusted colleague but admire her success professionally, the way she conducts herself and the inspiration in completing the Abbott Major Marathon series and receiving the six-star medal, one which only a 1000 people globally have completed.

Here's an overview of Donna McDowall's remarkable career:

Her journey in the energy industry started with her academic

Industry Experience: Donna gained valuable hands-on experience on pipeline projects in the field.  As she moved from project to corporate she took on her current role as Vice President Corporate Strategy and Development with Quanta Services, a US based fortune 500 company who wanted to start a base in Australia. Starting an office with 2 people, QSA now boasts over 1000 employees and a diversified portfolio of companies delivering energy infrastructure needs.

Industry Advocacy: Alongside her professional endeavours, Donna has actively contributed to the advancement of

Her expertise, leadership, and dedication are leaving an indelible mark on the field, shaping its trajectory, and paving the way for a more efficient and sustainable energy future.

Enjoy this podcast, this is an absolute example that women can succeed in Gas and Pipelines industry.

The Energy sector has some exceptionally smart people and Andrew Bills is one of them. Andrew is pivotal in solving the challenges in the Energy sector with experience and expertise, South Australia should be very happy to have attracted this talent.

Andrew held executive positions at Origin Energy, a major Australian energy company. One in particular to highlight was in the Energy Markets Division of Origin Energy in 2009 which encompasses all of the downstream businesses including trading, retail, generation, LPG, solar and emerging business representing over $1.3B EBITDA and over 75% of Origins earnings. Andrew was promoted into a diverse range of senior roles accountable for both individual P&L's and services across all businesses in the Energy Markets Division.
Andrew Bills career with CS Energy, a Queensland-based energy company. continues into the Chief Executive Officer role. CS Energy specializes in electricity generation, primarily through coal and gas-fired power stations. Andrew played a crucial role in the company's operations, ensuring reliable and efficient power generation for Queensland's energy needs.

If you are looking to transition to Board roles, listen to this podcast.

We are pleased to present Richard Hockney as a guest on Tough Talk with Jody Rowe.

Over the past 4 years I have worked with Richard on the Nitschke Energy advisory board, and it certainly has been a pleasure. Richard’s

Richard is now chair of disability organisation Bedford Group, Prince Alfred College, CIC Higher Education and Resvu Pty Ltd. He is also involved in several advisory boards for family companies in a variety of industries from energy to manufacturing to wine. 

Well respected member of the community with high integrity this podcast provides useful insights from a career perspective and one where.

Those new roles are Chairman of Alkem a Lithium Company, H2Ex a Natural Hydrogen Company, Infinite Green Energy goal is to commercialize large scale green Hydrogen production and Direct Infrastructure focusing on delivering three large-scale offshore wind generation and storage projects.

Under Coleman's leadership, Woodside Petroleum underwent a period of transformation and expansion. He played a crucial role in reshaping the company's strategic direction and implementing various initiatives to enhance its global presence and profitability. Coleman focused on strengthening Woodside's core assets while also exploring new opportunities for growth.

During his tenure, Coleman oversaw the successful development and production of several major projects. One of the notable achievements was the completion of the Pluto LNG project, a large-scale liquefied natural gas facility located in Western Australia. This project significantly contributed to Woodside's revenue and established the company as a major player in the LNG market.

Peter Coleman's success can be attributed to his strategic acumen, leadership skills, industry knowledge, operational excellence, commitment to sustainability, and ability to build strong relationships. These qualities have enabled him to steer Woodside Petroleum towards growth and navigate the complexities of the energy industry.

It was an absolute pleasure talking to Peter, the story, the learnings we can all benefit from hearing more from Peter Coleman.

Richard Hockney and Tough Talk with Jody Rowe spent time with Paul Crawford an accomplished and visionary Managing Director of the CMV Group.

Paul Crawford is a prominent player in the automotive industry. With his keen understanding of the market and unwavering commitment to excellence, Crawford has made significant contributions to the company's growth and success.

As the Managing Director, Crawford exhibits exceptional leadership skills and a profound strategic mindset, guiding the CMV Group towards innovation and sustainable development. He spearheads the implementation of cutting-edge technologies and trends in the automotive sector, positioning the company at the forefront of the industry.

Crawford's extensive industry knowledge, coupled with his strong business acumen, enables him to make informed decisions that drive profitability and strengthen the CMV Group's market position. Under Crawford's leadership, the CMV Group has embraced the transition towards sustainable mobility solutions, including electric vehicles and other environmentally friendly technologies. By championing the integration of electric vehicles into the company's product lineup, Crawford has demonstrated a commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting a greener future for the automotive industry.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Crawford is known for his dedication to fostering a positive corporate culture within the CMV Group. He values teamwork, collaboration, and the development of his employees, empowering them to reach their full potential. His inclusive leadership style and open communication channels contribute to a cohesive and motivated workforce.

Jon Davies the Chief Executive Officer of Australia Constructors Association chat to Jody Rowe from Tough Talk about the challenges in the industry.

Australian Constructors Association is a trusted partner and voice for the construction industry, bringing stakeholders together to influence and advocate for a sustainable and progressive industry.

Jon took the time to discuss ESG in the industry and the need for greater commitment, the need to attract talent by providing better rosters, working conditions that suit a younger employee demographic, the need to transfer constructors from typical industries to new and emerging technologies.

Its an interesting time for the market to find suitable contracting models that provide suitable instruments that assist managing risk not merely lump sum contracts when the market is volatile both from a labor perspective and security of supply for material.

Very interesting to have Jons insights on the podcast.

Jody Rowe sits down with Dave Johnson, the visionary CEO of EDF Renewables Australia, to delve into his remarkable journey and his unwavering commitment to the evolution and transition of the energy industry. With over 30 years of experience across the energy, power generation, resources, and infrastructure sectors, Dave has become a driving force in championing the sustainable use of natural resources and the development of renewable energy projects.

Produced at PodBooth

Listen to a fascinating discussion with Greschen Brecker the CFO of H2EX, Greschens background and wealth of experience is so interesting, it was an absolute pleasure learning about Natural Hydrogen.

Greschen Brecker CFO & Director is proficient in all things commercial and treasury, with 15 years' experience in the oil & gas sector and has held various roles at Woodside, Origin and Alinta Gas, including project lead in Mergers & Acquisitions, project lead on large-scale funding deals, senior commercial negotiator and team lead economic analysis.