Episode 180 | Michael McGowan – Leading Sustainability Through People

In this episode of Energy Speaks Back, we meet Michael McGowan, former Sustainability Manager at Ibstock, who has built a remarkable career by combining technical insight with a people-first approach to energy and sustainability.

Our conversation explores how Michael has inspired large-scale reductions in energy consumption across complex industrial operations — not through technology alone, but by empowering people, building culture, and turning passion into performance.

From his early steps in manufacturing to leading sustainability strategies for one of the UK’s largest brick producers, Michael shares valuable lessons on leadership, collaboration, and driving measurable change in high-energy environments.

🎙️ Episode Title: Investing in the Future: A Conversation with Ted Konyi

In this episode of Energy Speaks Back, we sit down with Ted Konyi, a visionary entrepreneur and investor dedicated to accelerating the clean technology revolution. With a deep understanding of how innovation and investment intersect, Ted shares his insights on building a sustainable energy future through strategic funding and forward-thinking business models.

Our conversation explores his journey — from early ventures to his current leadership in clean tech investments — and how financial innovation can unlock real progress in the global energy transition.

Whether you’re an energy professional, sustainability advocate, or aspiring investor, this episode offers inspiration and actionable wisdom for driving meaningful change.

🎧 Tune in, learn, and get energised by the conversation with Ted Konyi.

Episode 178 – Generation Restoration with Tim Christophersen, Salesforce

In this inspiring episode of Energy Speaks Back, Paul sits down with Tim Christophersen, Vice President of Climate Action at Salesforce, to explore how global businesses can move beyond sustainability toward true regeneration.

Tim shares insights from his new book, Generation Restoration, a call to action for companies and individuals to help restore nature at scale. From his early days growing up close to nature, through his influential work with the United Nations, to his leadership at Salesforce, Tim’s journey demonstrates how corporate innovation and environmental stewardship can work hand in hand.

Together, Paul and Tim unpack what it means to make regeneration tangible for business leaders, discussing practical steps organisations can take today to build resilience, restore ecosystems, and embed purpose into their operations.

If you’re passionate about sustainability, circular thinking, and creating a lasting impact — this episode will recharge your energy for change.

#generationrestoration

This episode with Energy Speaks Back Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing Carlo Fernández — a man whose passion for batteries truly charges the room!

Carlo shared how his curiosity started at home, taking his children out at the weekends to go “battery hunting” — collecting, dissecting, and learning together how they work, and more importantly, how we can recycle and return them responsibly.

What really struck me was that his passion isn’t just technical… it’s generational. Carlo is inspiring the next generation to understand energy storage, sustainability, and circular design from the ground up.

⚡ We spoke about:

• The future of battery technology

• How innovation meets education at home

• Why passion is the most powerful form of energy

This is one of those episodes that reminds us — energy isn’t just in the grid, it’s in people.

🎧 Tune in to this inspiring conversation with Carlo Fernández on Energy Speaks Back

🎙️ Episode 176 – Energy Speaks Back

In this episode, I sit down with Mun Ching Yap, Chief Sustainability & Energy Officer at AirAsia, to explore how one of Asia’s largest airlines is driving sustainability across the aviation industry.

Mun Ching shares her journey into sustainability leadership and explains how her team is tackling some of aviation’s biggest challenges—from cutting carbon emissions and integrating renewable energy to building a culture of responsibility and innovation.

Listeners will hear about:

• AirAsia’s approach to energy management and renewable projects

• The real challenges and successes of embedding sustainability in a global airline

• Why teamwork and leadership are critical in shaping a greener future

This conversation is packed with insights for anyone passionate about sustainability, energy, and the future of aviation.

B2B Energy Speaks Back - Episode 175 🎙️

In this very special episode, I sit down with Aarfeen Saad someone I’ve had the privilege of watching grow over the years from education through to shaping his own ambitions and outlook on the world.

This conversation isn’t just about energy and sustainability, it’s about family, opportunity, and personal journeys. Meeting him and his family recently in Kuala Lumpur #malaysia was a proud moment for me, and I’m delighted to now share his story with our community.

Episode 174 Gareth Hughes – From Accounting to Energy Innovation

In this episode, we speak with Gareth Hughes, an energy professional whose journey began in accountancy before making a bold transition into the sustainability and energy sector.

Gareth shares how his early career in finance gave him a solid foundation, but it was his passion for meaningful impact that led him to retrain and reimagine his future. Now fully embedded in the energy world, Gareth is helping businesses navigate the complexities of carbon reduction, energy strategy, and net-zero ambitions.

We discuss:

• What inspired Gareth to change careers

• The value of upskilling in a shifting energy landscape

• Practical steps organisations can take to manage energy more effectively

• Why purpose-driven careers matter more than ever

A fascinating conversation with someone who’s living proof that it’s never too late to change direction and make a real difference.

Episode 173 – Making Perfect Sense with Gary Brandwood - Perfect Sense Energy

In this enlightening episode of Energy Speaks Back, we’re joined by Gary Brandwood, Managing Director of Perfect Sense Energy—a company leading the way in sustainable energy solutions for commercial and industrial buildings.

Gary shares his journey from founding Perfect Sense Energy to scaling it into a trusted provider of LED lighting, solar PV, and smart controls that truly make a difference. We explore real-world examples of energy efficiency in action, and how businesses are leveraging intelligent technologies to reduce consumption, cut costs, and improve sustainability.

Whether you’re an energy manager, facilities professional, or just passionate about net-zero, this episode will leave you thinking: this really does make perfect sense.

🔋 Topics we cover:

• The evolution of Perfect Sense Energy

• Practical ways to reduce energy in commercial spaces

• The role of LED, solar, and smart tech

• Lessons learned from large-scale installations

• Why simplicity often drives the best results