Energy digital february 2013
- 1. GREEN TECHNOLOGY | FEBRUARY | www.energydigital.com INNOVATIVE LEADERS WILL CARRY THE GLOBAL ENERGY INDUSTRY FORWARD The need for progressive leaders will become increasingly important in the years ahead as the industry faces new challenges and dynamic opportunities Written by: Ted Konnerth, CEO of Egret Consulting >>> 32 FEBRUARY | 2013 | 33
- 2. GREEN TECHNOLOGY | www.energydigital.com Global Energy Industry T he energy industry is and support system that best garner the knowledge of the reliant on new technologies (smart changing rapidly enables their talents. Technological customer and channel in鍖uences meters, DC distribution, grid with governmental advances in the energy industry, that shape that industry. improvements, etc.), leaders must regulations, consumer coupled with policy changes Take for example, the tide stay abreast of changes in new demand and and environmental impacts, has of new technologies sweeping technologies and opportunities environmental impacts that will ushered in a new era of talent through the lighting sector. The to guide their companies to continue to grow. requirements and a new type of emergence of energy ef鍖cient pioneer and partner with like- To change in a more sustainable leader to move companies and LED technology ushers in the minded innovative companies and responsible manner, it is organizations involved in the global need for talented leadership to and individuals. They must also essential to both 鍖nd and mentor industry forward. guide companies through cultural be keenly aware of legislative innovative leaders who are both transitions as channel relationships and policy issues affecting their optimistic about the possibilities What makes an innovative begin to change. Those individuals industry. of alternative energies and realistic leader? who are willing to conduct about how to achieve The talent it takes to lead a business in a new way while How organizations cultivate, market success. company is not easily transferable still understanding how business develop and attract innovative The energy leaders of today from industry to industry. has traditionally been done will leaders. and the future succeed through the Successful leaders tend to succeed. In this age where the The energy sector requires company organizational structure specialize in their industry and energy industry is increasingly talented individuals with strength 35
- 3. GREEN TECHNOLOGY | www.energydigital.com Global Energy Industry in designing, implementing and Why innovative leaders are managing new technologies as crucial to the future of the energy well as research and development industry practices. The key is to identify Innovative leaders are the captains individuals who understand the steering the ships of progress. pace of technology and who also Sustainability and ef鍖ciency meld well with company culture. depends on people who think and With rapidly changing technology act with both in mind. Companies and channel partnerships, it will with new modes of thinking with be necessary to attract and retain products and services that change emerging leaders who can bridge the energy industry will advance the gap from legacy relationships it. The opportunity for substantial to new solutions all within an growth occurs in times of rapid industry that has been largely change, and the industry faces resistant to change. unprecedented changes right now. Energy companies of the Leadership must guide future will encourage a culture of companies in the energy industry innovation and reward innovative through seismic shifts in the years thinkers for their creativity and ahead. These leaders have a track contributions to future products, record of success in forward- customers and marketing thinking technology companies. energy leaders of the future will The leadership opportunities concepts. Creating a company that They are executives who see embrace change and encourage within this industry are unlimited. is a destination site for people to beyond the de鍖ned boundaries of the adoption of technology to work provides a constant stream the past. Energy-related companies become more ef鍖cient, more Ted Konnerth is the founder, of top tier talent to attract and are hiring chief technology reliable and more sustainable. president and CEO of Egret change the company culture from of鍖cers and innovation of鍖cers The energy industry is Consulting Group a retained a traditional legacy company to an who understand how important expanding with alternative energy search 鍖rm specializing exclusively Solar Hydrogen House in Hopewell, leader company. innovative, market New Jersey research and development is, yet sources, new products that can in the electrical industry. Ted was also understand the pulse of the have signi鍖cant impacts on energy the global V.P., Sales for Cooper market and end customers. C-level conservation and new approaches Lighting prior to starting Egret and to save T&D energy losses. holds a Ph.D. in psychology. 36 FEBRUARY | 2013 | 37