Episode 33: Scott Case

Cleantechers - My recent Scaling Clean guest, Scott Case, is deeply experienced in starting successful ventures. He came to cleantech by way of Priceline, as that company’s founding Chief Technology Officer. Among nearly 20 other different experiences, Scott now runs ZettaWatts, which has pioneered what it calls the “Additionality Rec Market” (AREC). It's offering fixed-price forward contracts to buy AREC from new projects under development. ZettaWatts is based in the National Capital Area, where I live and work, so it was good to have a neighbor on the show. Here are Scott’s time-stamped highlights: 6:21 – When you think you don’t need help, it’s probably the first sign that you need it. 10:15 – Leadership is a practice. You’re never done. 12:48 – Observe the traits and attributes of leaders you admire. Then, borrow what resonates the most with you. 13:53 – There are three things to come back to as a CEO: Transparency, ownership (ensuring employees have both responsibility and the authority to reach goals) and resiliency. 24:23 – Hiring is the most difficult thing you do as a founder or a leader. You’re bringing new DNA into your culture, and new employees will have a profound impact. If you get hiring right 50% of the time, you’re doing great. Scott had also shared three big lessons for founders of startups (19:26): Fall in love with the problem, not your solution. Validate that the customer problem is accurately captured. Accept the fact that the early customers aren’t necessarily the full customer base. Spend the time on messaging your value proposition.. Thank you for coming on the show, Scott.