Energy.
While it represents the greatest challenge for Hampton Roads – with the energy demands of today expected to double in the next 15 years – it also represents some of the region’s greatest opportunity for economic development.
“We are remilitarizing, reindustrializing and decarbonizing all at once,” said Hampton Roads Alliance CEO Doug Smith. “The winners in the new economic order are going to be military metros, tech hubs, trading powerhouse and climate first movers.”
Hampton Roads Alliance investor Lee Group Search sees that, too.
Lee Group Search announced this week the launch of its 24th episode in its groundbreaking new podcast dedicated to exploring the most innovative advancements and influential leaders in the renewable energy sector.
“Green Giants: Titans of Renewable Energy” provides listeners with insightful conversations and expert perspectives on the rapidly evolving world of sustainable energy.
Hosted by Wes Ashworth, Vice President of Executive Search for Lee Group Search, a Hampton Roads-based international recruitment firm specializing in renewable energy, the podcast features in-depth interviews with key figures in the renewable energy industry, including entrepreneurs, policymakers, researchers and activists. Of note, Smith is scheduled to be a guest on an upcoming episode.
“We were put here to be good stewards of the earth,” Ashworth said. “I really do care at a deep level about the environment and creating a sustainable planet my daughter can grow up in – leaving a legacy of making the world a better place.”
Ashworth is inspired by the work renewable energy companies right here in Hampton Roads and around the world are doing to help make that happen.
Each episode delves into the challenges and triumphs of transitioning to a greener, more sustainable future, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of the technologies and policies shaping our world.
“The guests that we’re bringing on the pod are really moving the needle,” Ashworth said.
Bringing these influential guests onto the podcast, Ashworth said, is part of his effort to make a difference by sharing their stories, spreading awareness and addressing misconceptions about renewable energy.
“Look at the landscape of where we are, it’s very complex and very complicated,” Ashworth said. “There’s not going to be one solution to solving our climate crisis. Sometimes there are 10, 20, 30 different possibilities for addressing one small piece of that. We need the world’s most talented people working on these solutions and collaborating.”
Ashworth specializes in recruiting for renewable energy companies. But that’s not why he started the podcast.
“I didn’t want to be just another vendor in the industry,” Ashworth said. “I wanted to align my passion for the environment with my skills. I excel at interviewing, engaging with people, and uncovering stories. Together, we at Lee Group Search have a vast reach, with hundreds of thousands of followers on LinkedIn and other social networks. We can leverage this community for good, using the power of communication to drive the renewable energy industry forward.”
Green Giants is looking for future guests on new episodes. Suggest future guests to Ashworth online at greengiantspodcast.com.