Powering Your Career

Powering Your Career Podcast 🎙️ Bringing You Insights from Australia’s Energy Leaders Welcome to the Powering Your Career Podcast, a show dedicated to exploring the energy transition and the professionals shaping its future. Hosted by David Smith, founding partner and director of Enertia Talent and West Recruitment, this podcast delivers authentic conversations with senior leaders from Australia’s energy sector. Whether you’re an experienced energy professional or considering a career transition into the industry, this podcast will equip you with: ✅ Career development insights from top energy executives ✅ Leadership lessons in a rapidly evolving sector ✅ Perspectives on the energy transition and its challenges ✅ Mental health and wellness strategies for thriving in a high-pressure industry Why Listen to Powering Your Career? The energy transition is one of the biggest shifts in Australia’s economy, and it’s being led by people who are navigating new technologies, policies, and challeng

Powering Your Career is a business podcast hosted by David Smith, with 15 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

David Smith hosts Powering Your Career, a business show with 15 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #28

  Episode 28: Powering Your Career - Brad Hopkins - Partner AGP - 028

  Sep 10, 202652 minS1

  In Episode 028 of Powering Your Career, David Smith is joined by Brad Hopkins, Partner and Co-Head of Energy at AGP and Chairperson of AMPYR Energy. Brad shares his journey from law and investment banking into clean energy, and the experiences, risks and relationships that have shaped his career. They discuss: ⚡ Why authentic networks matter throughout your career ⚡ Taking risks and getting comfortable with being uncomfortable ⚡ Breaking into energy without traditional industry experience ⚡ What Brad looks for when hiring, from enthusiasm and resilience to values and culture ⚡ The investment and policy challenges facing Australia’s energy transition ⚡ Innovation, community and attracting more people into the sector ⚡ Leadership, mental health and creating sustainable high-performing teams A thoughtful conversation about careers, people and what Australia needs to get right as the energy transition accelerates.

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  Episode #27

  Episode 27: Powering Your Career - Agathe Gross - Executive General Manager, Energy & Renewables - Ventia - ep027

  Aug 20, 202650 minS1

  In Episode 27 of Powering Your Career, David Smith is joined by Agathe Gross, Executive General Manager, Energy & Renewables at Ventia. Agathe shares her career journey from engineering and 18 years with Bain & Company across Paris, London and Sydney, to making the leap from consulting into operational leadership in Australia’s energy sector. They discuss: ⚡ Why Agathe has built her career around “optionality” rather than a rigid plan ⚡ Making the transition from consulting to leading a large frontline workforce ⚡ Building credibility, asking for help and knowing when to rely on others’ expertise ⚡ The skills and workforce challenges facing Australia’s energy transition ⚡ The role of collaboration, innovation, AI and automation in meeting future demand ⚡ Diversity and attracting the next generation into energy careers ⚡ Leadership, family and keeping career in perspective A wide-ranging conversation about backing yourself, staying curious and building a career that leaves room for opportunity.

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  Episode #26

  Episode 26: Powering Your Career - Richard Payne - CEO - RayGen - ep026

  Jul 31, 202655 minS1

  In Episode 26 of Powering Your Career, David Smith speaks with Richard Payne, CEO of RayGen. Richard has built a career across chemical engineering, manufacturing, energy technology and climate tech, with experience spanning BHP, Ceramic Fuel Cells and now RayGen, where he leads a team developing Australian solar and long-duration energy storage technology. In this conversation, Richard shares the story behind RayGen’s technology, the challenges of taking complex hardware from development into manufacturing and deployment, and what it takes to build a business with a clear mission around climate impact. David and Richard also discuss leadership, communication, culture, resilience, health, career advice and the skills people will need to succeed in energy and climate tech. Richard’s message for the next generation of energy leaders is clear: there is no more important mission, so back yourself and go for it. A compelling conversation on renewable energy, innovation, leadership and purpose.

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  Episode #25

  Episode 25: Powering Your Career - Gordon Taylor - EGM Major Projects Transgrid - ep025

  Jul 12, 202650 minS1

  In Episode 25 of Powering Your Career , David Smith speaks with Gordon Taylor, Executive General Manager, Major Projects at Transgrid . Gordon has built a broad and non-linear career across electrical engineering, investment banking, construction, infrastructure, utilities and major projects. In this conversation, he shares how those experiences have shaped the way he leads complex teams and delivers large-scale infrastructure. David and Gordon discuss the role of transmission in Australia’s energy transition, the scale of the projects currently being delivered, the importance of safety and governance, and the workforce challenges the sector will need to solve. Gordon also shares practical advice on career pivots, leadership, resilience, mentoring and managing pressure. A grounded and insightful conversation on energy, infrastructure, purpose and building a career that continues to evolve.

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  Episode #24

  Episode 24: Powering Your Career - Kate Vidgen - Investment Committee Chair and Operating Partner - Macquarie Asset Management Green Investment - ep024

  Jun 21, 202647 minS1

  In Episode 24 of Powering Your Career, David Smith speaks with Kate Vidgen, Investment Committee Chair and Operating Partner at Macquarie Asset Management Green Investment. Kate’s career has spanned law, investment banking, private equity, asset management and board roles, with extensive experience across traditional energy, renewables, clean fuels, batteries, hydrogen and industrial energy transition. In this conversation, Kate shares her perspective on career reinvention, leadership, stakeholder engagement, governance, mentoring and resilience. She also discusses the role of AI in the future of work, the danger of binary thinking in Australia’s energy transition and why broad experience creates valuable career opportunities. A fascinating conversation about energy, leadership and building a career with breadth.

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