How this Swedish Chemist Founded Not One But Two Battery Startups

It's become increasingly clear that lithium-ion batteries are key to a sustainable future. Is it too late for the U.S. to become a power player in this industry? That's the question Leadership Next host Alan Murray has for today's guest, a woman he calls "The Battery Queen" because she is one of the pre-eminent experts on batteries in the world. Currently founder and CEO of battery technology company Cadenza Innovation, Christina Lampe-Onnerud previously founded and led Boston-Power. That company was sold to Chinese investors in 2011. Now, Lampe-Onnerud is part of Li-Bridge, a public-private partnership working to create a robust manufacturing base and supply chain for lithium-ion batteries in the United States. Recorded in front of a live audience at Deloitte's Next Generation CEO event (Deloitte is also a sponsor of this podcast), Lampe-Onnerud details the rise of the global battery industry, explains why her first company wound up going to the Chinese, and lays out what needs to happen in order for the U.S. to compete in this space. She also talks about growing up in Sweden and how she became interested in a career that revolves around batteries. Leadership Next is powered by Deloitte.