As AI data centers multiply electricity needs and grid transmission challenges linger, how will the United States produce enough affordable, reliable, and clean power? Can we continue to grow the economy without forsaking critical climate objectives? In this episode, Barbara spotlights a key solution: the opportunity to innovate at the "grid edge," where technologies can be applied to rapidly scale renewables. Barbara not only makes the case for how to transform the power grid; she presents an example in Chicago's South Side neighborhood Bronzeville, which recently switched on a powerful grid edge project in the form of America's first neighborhood-scale microgrid. Get ready to hear expert commentary on how microgrids supercharge utility services. This opens up new possibilities to accelerate the energy transition while also making grids more resilient to shocks and disruption in the face of more severe weather.

Show Notes:

News coverage of microgrid launch: https://chicago.suntimes.com/real-estate/2024/05/24/comed-bronzeville-microgrid-electric-power-energy-housing-authority

ComEd press release: https://www.comed.com/news/news-releases/2024-05-24

Accelerate Carbon Reduction: https://www.siemens.com/us/en/company/sustainability.html?gclid=CjwKCAjwp4m0BhBAEiwAsdc4aDgrEeye3t9H7I8CDD-Al8KysZS8NrUdjc5uY9SVTePmEkG4exRpqRoCwhIQAvD_BwE&acz=1&gad_source=1

When Susan Nickey started her career in banking, few people saw a future in financing renewables. It wasn’t even a sector yet! Today, as EVP & Chief Client Officer for climate positive investment firm HASI and the Board Chair of the American Clean Power Association, Susan is working to advance clean energy from a stronger position: with renewables now mainstream, low cost, and competitive. Barbara opens this conversation by delving into Susan's career as they explore clean power's past and future. Key questions answered include: What needs to be done to get the clean energy transition moving faster? And what’s the role of renewables as electricity demand surges to support a data center boom driven by generative AI? This episode will get you up to speed on the last energy trends impacting the energy transition and energy security. Get ready to learn why innovation with financing is as important as technology development and R&D. You’ll also learn how permitting reform and workforce development can further catalyze the massive private sector investment in clean energy spurred by the Inflation Reduction Act.

Why would an optimist try to inspire an audience by sharing the story of the worst day in her career? In this episode, Barbara shares her commencement address at George Mason University, bringing graduates inside a tough setback that ultimately opened up new possibilities in her career journey. Listen for inspiration on why staying true to your authentic self is a superpower as the definition of what it means to lead broadens to include many different styles.

Show notes:

Remarks as prepared for delivery: https://www.gmu.edu/news/2024-05/commencement-speaker-barbara-humptons-remarks-george-masons-spring-2024-graduates#:~:text=Throughout%20your%20career%20journey%2C%20remember,enough%20to%20make%20your%20mark.

In this idea-packed episode of the Optimistic Outlook, Siemens CEO Roland Busch sits down with Barbara to explore the concept of "glocalization" and its pivotal role in shaping a sustainable and productive future. What are the trends compelling international companies to increase their manufacturing presence in the United States? This is a fascinating inside look at how Siemens is leveraging global strategies with local insights to revolutionize industry and infrastructure. This episode originally aired on May 16, 2023.

Show Notes:

• Roland on Glocalization
• Siemens Xcelerator and the Industrial Metaverse
• Roland’s Annual Shareholders Meeting Speech
• Rail Manufacturing Announcement

Across industry, infrastructure, and transportation, technology is changing rapidly, and changing everything. How do organizations reskill quickly enough and create lifelong learning cultures that embrace change to drive innovation? And how can this focus on people lead to the rise of more sustainable companies? In two words, trust and empowerment, says Judith Wiese. Barbara’s guest on this episode is Siemens’ Chief People and Sustainability Officer (CPSO) as well as Member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG and Labor Director. Get ready to understand the connection between digital upskilling and the ability to address the climate crisis and build a sustainable future.

Show notes:

DEGREE: https://www.siemens.com/global/en/company/sustainability.html?gclid=CjwKCAjw9cCyBhBzEiwAJTUWNUdgnmq-v3wNBXMfadY3iZv7e-_Md2hc0j2GF34_MWJ5aaagyNGu-xoCe9kQAvD_BwE&acz=1&gad_source=1

SiGREEN: https://www.siemens.com/global/en/company/sustainability/product-carbon-footprint.html?gclid=CjwKCAjw9cCyBhBzEiwAJTUWNQuKBRZ9Rqd4l2CEeCIyTYE1si-CRxnv89m-VvHz7m2qPxTJKWtBrxoCfr0QAvD_BwE&acz=1&gad_source=1

Barbara is joined by Dr. Connie Hadley, an organizational psychologist and founder of the Institute for Life at Work, for a fascinating look at a subject that offers insight into some of the ideas that make Siemens such a successful company - trust and psychological safety. Barbara and Connie discuss how these ideas - when practiced authentically - can enhance resilience, well-being, and willingness to take healthy risks. This episode has actionable insights on transforming work cultures to boost innovation and achieve impactful outcomes. This episode originally aired on December 20, 2022.

Show Notes:

• Psychological Safety 101

This is a very intriguing discussion with Anne Neuberger, Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technology! In this episode, you'll discover exclusive insights straight from the policymaker on the heels of the White House’s executive order establishing standards for AI. While cybercriminals might exploit AI for nefarious purposes, Anne reveals how AI is revolutionizing the security and resilience of our critical infrastructure. Learn the latest strategies for balancing AI risks with its immense potential, in an episode full of up-to-the-minute info you won't find anywhere else.

San Francisco, New York, Boston, Austin… Atlanta? Atlanta Mayor Dickens joins the podcast to discuss his vision for transforming Atlanta – already known for being the “Technology City of the South” – into a top-5 American tech hub. This episode will appeal not only to those interested in the future of Atlanta, but to listeners wondering what it means to be a tech city in 2024. Prepare to learn about strategies for building tech cities and how their development can benefit and create new opportunities for all residents and businesses.

Show notes:

Atlanta Office of Technology and Innovation: https://www.atlantaga.gov/government/mayor-s-office/executive-offices/office-of-innovation-delivery-and-performance