At The Power Table Podcast

In this episode of At The Power Table, former energy insider John McRitchie brings a grounded, no-nonsense perspective on the realities of the energy sector. From affordability and security to the gap between engineering theory and what actually happens on the ground, the conversation gets into the issues that matter. John also unpacks green hydrogen in a way that cuts through the jargon and gets to the point.

In this unapologetically honest conversation, Emma Lamont — Senior Marketing Manager at Energy Voice and certified master of turning jargon into something you actually want to read — unpacks her unexpected dive into the energy world. She makes the case for storytelling as the industry’s secret superpower and community as its beating heart. Between championing Women in New Energy and rallying the Women’s Energy Network Alliance, Emma doesn’t just talk diversity — she lives it, mascara smudges and all. Expect candid reflections on inclusion (the kind that go beyond a hashtag), reflections on International Women’s Day, and bold ideas for redesigning the energy landscape — this time, with everyone invited.

We invited the woman who usually sits behind the glass to sit at the table.Chloe, studio manager at Haven Talk Studios and full-time energy consumer, has no industry background, no policy credentials, and absolutely no interest in pretending otherwise. She just pays the bills, hears all the podcasts, and has questions that make energy people deeply uncomfortable (in the best way).In this episode, she:​ Asks the “wait, but why?” questions most consumers never get to ask out loud​ Calls out the confusing, the patronising, and the overcomplicated​ Shares what actually lands with “normal people” when they hear us talk about the energy transitionThis one’s for anyone who’s ever felt too “unqualified” to have an opinion on energy, and for every energy professional who secretly wonders what consumers really think when the mics stop recording.

Ever wondered what happens when empathy meets innovation in the energy sector? Feyi dives right in — unpacking how human-centered thinking can shape the future of energy, from communities on the ground to algorithms in the cloud. She gets candid about AI’s rising role (yes, even the “agentic” kind), reminding us that responsibility has to evolve just as fast as technology does. Along the way, she unpicks why diversity isn’t just a nice-to-have but essential, and what future-ready skills we’ll actually need. Her closing message? Stay curious, stay open — the best career paths are rarely straight lines.

In this high-energy episode, Yasmin Ali, chartered chemicalengineer, author of Power Up, and Team Lead at RWE, takes us on a whirlwind tour through the world of energy, communication and careers with a dash of fun and a lot of heart. She unpacks her unconventional journey into thesector, how storytelling can transform public perception of energy infrastructure, and why engineering education needs more creativity, curiosity and real-world chaos baked in.From making work fun without losing the plot, to tackling the skills gap and thorny challenges of the energy transition, Yasmin shares candid lessons for the next generation of engineers who want impact, not just job titles. And yes,she also spills the tea on a so-called “secret society” along the way…

In this episode, Josh Robertson — project manager at SSE, founder of Engineer-a-Career, and all-round energy evangelist — joins to talk about the industry’s talent crisis with refreshing honesty. He argues that what we call a recruitment problem is actually an engagement opportunity (because who doesn’t love a rebrand?).From building bridges between students and employers to founding a network that actually connects people, Josh shares how he’s tackling the s kills gap one conversation at a time. We talk diversity, purpose, and why the next generation of engineers deserve more than a glossy brochure. There’s also some sage advice for anyone tempted to start their own venture — and a candid look at keeping your personal life from short-circuiting along the way.

In this electrifying episode of At The Power Table, we plug into the world of energy storage with Lizzi Gold — innovator, engineer, and advocate for a more resilient clean energy future. Together, we unpack why energy storage is the unsung hero of the renewable revolution, breaking down the buzz between battery tech and long-duration storage, and tackling the big question: does the public really get energy storage?Lizzi opens up about her journey at RheEnergise, how she’s working to attract the next generation of talent, and why community engagement isn’t just a checkbox — it’s the heartbeat of successful projects. From the influence of political narratives to the fight for greater gender diversity in the sector, this episode charges up vital conversations that the energy transition desperately needs.

Ever wondered how you go from mapping the stars to powering the nation? In this electrifying episode, we sit down with Courtney Depala, who swapped astrophysics for the frontlines of the UK’s energy revolution—andshe’s got stories that are out of this world.What’s Inside This Episode? From Galaxies to Gridlines: Courtney reveals how her cosmic curiosity led her into the heart of the energy sector, proving that the sky is not the limit when it comes to career pivots.Clean Power 2030 Unplugged: Get the inside scoop on Courtney’s pivotal role in this ambitious initiative, and why it’s more than just a target—it’s a movement.UK Transmission: The Real Power Struggle: Dive into the gritty realities and unsung challenges of keeping the UK’s transmission network future-ready.Community: The Secret Ingredient: Discover why engaging local voices isn’t just nice—it’s necessary for a successful energy transition.Mentorship & Growth: Courtney shares candid insights on how mentors and personal development can supercharge your career in energy (and why you should never underestimate the power of a good guide).Building a Unified Story: Learn why a cohesive, relatable narrative is the missing link in rallying everyone—from policymakers to your next-door neighbor—around clean energy goals.Why Listen?If you’re passionate about the future of energy, curious about career invention, or just love a good story with a dash of wit and wisdom, this episode is your must-listen. Courtney’s journey is proof that the path to a greener future is paved with bold moves, big ideas, and a whole lot of collaboration.Plug in, get inspired, and join the conversation on how we can power up—together.

What does it really take to keep the lights on while building a greener future? In this episode of At The Power Table Podcast, sustainability expert Lidia Garces Marcuello for a candid conversation about the real-world challenges—and opportunities—at the intersection of sustainability and energy security.Lidia shares her inspiring journey from a student of sustainability to a leader in consulting, revealing what it’s like to navigate the fast-changing energy sector. Hear her firsthand account of Spain’s recent national blackout and discover the behind-the-scenes decisions that shape how countries respond to crises.Dive into the tough questions: How can businesses embrace sustainable practices without risking reliability? What investments are truly needed to modernize our infrastructure? And what role can each of us play in the global energy transition?Packed with practical advice for young professionals and fresh insights for anyone passionate about energy, this episode will leave you inspired, informed, and ready to take action.

The innovator’s edge: Sagar Depala, Senior Strategy Manager at National Grid, takes us on a fascinating journey through the evolving world of energy. Sagar reveals how true progress demands the bravery to break from tradition—whether it’s reimagining how we predict energy demand or challenging the status quo in a sector shaped by politics, technology, and climate.You’ll hear firsthand about the real-world challenges of balancing energy security, affordability, and sustainability, and why the future belongs to those willing to innovate. Sagar shares powerful stories of resilience, the importance of trust in leadership, and how even small acts of courage can spark industry-wide transformation.

Adhila Mayet, the leading force of Project Development at Pele Green Energy, takes us on an inspiring journey through the renewable energy landscape shedding light on the dynamic evolution of South Africa’s energy market, as it continues to unfold. We explore the sector’s challenges and opportunities, with a refreshing focus on how renewable energy can drive impactful community upliftment and socioeconomic growth through inclusion and empowerment.It’s the kind of episode you need to take notes to remember all the good stuff! 

Yujia Du, founder of the Climate Circle and a dynamic leadership and business coach, energizes every conversation with deep, real-world experience from across the energy sector. Drawing on this background, Yujia offers a candid, inside-out perspective on the industry’s most pressing challenges and emerging opportunities.Yujia’s approach is all about building genuine, human connections—believing that when we lead with authenticity and work together, we spark innovation, unlock new opportunities, and create lasting change. By championing collaboration and trust, Yujia inspires teams and leaders to move beyond business as usual and shape a more sustainable future—togetherLink to Yujia’s website: https://www.yujiadu.com/

Sourish Sinha, an accomplished energy strategy consultant, specializes in guiding clients across the energy value chain to tackle complex challenges in the energy transition. His work is driven by a deep commitment to fostering equity and empowering others as he progresses, ensuring that the energy transition benefits all stakeholders.In this episode, we delve into critical issues shaping the future of energy. Sourish offers insights into addressing the skills shortage in the industry and explores innovative approaches to financing a just energy transition on a global scale. He shares a bold perspective on implementing local content requirements to strengthen domestic capabilities and calls for collaborative action across the energy sector. Sourish’s vision highlights the importance of inclusivity, transparency, and partnerships in achieving a sustainable and equitable energy future.

Nina Seime Bot-Timothy is a trailblazer reshaping the energy industry at Student Energy with passion and purpose. Guided by a mix of determination and divine intervention, she has become a beacon for the next generation of leaders in this transformative sector. Her journey highlights the critical importance of addressing the skills gap, fostering robust training programs, and leveraging mentorship to advance professional development.In an industry grappling with rapid technological shifts and a growing demand for green energy solutions, Nina exemplifies the power of resilience and innovation. By championing mentorship and education, she is not just bridging gaps but also inspiring others to reimagine what leadership in energy can achieve.Link to Nina’s book: https://selar.com/energy-ebook

Step into the world of energy with Alex Leckie, the dynamic events manager at Energy UK! In this episode, Alex takes us on an insightful journey through top-notch training designed to boost your understanding of the energy sector. But that’s not all—Alex dives into the fascinating psychology behind energy transitions, exploring how we can shape positive public perceptions and foster widespread acceptance of renewable energy. It’s a thought-provoking and timely discussion packed with actionable insights. Don’t miss this engaging conversation that connects people, innovation, and the future of energy!

Meet Oluwadabira Abiola-Awe, the dynamic Regional Manager for Africa at World Energy Council, renowned for her unwavering passion for empowering African youth and women. With a ‘get it done’ attitude, she delivers sharp, thought-provoking insights that inspire real change. In this unmissable episode, Oluwadabira shares practical tips and advice on how to empower individuals, fostering a brighter future for all. Join us as we explore the transformative power of community-driven initiatives and discover how collective action can shape the energy industry’s future. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the movement!

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Yumann Siddiq, Policy and Innovation Manager at Smart DCC, as we dive into the transformative world of “Data for Good”. We explore how data can drive positive change and why investing in workforce development is crucial for a thriving future. Plus, we manifest future podcast guests and even plot a hypothetical acting career for Yumann! Don’t miss this engaging episode that combines innovation, talent, and a dash of creativity Learn more about: Young Energy Professionals: https://www.energy-uk.org.uk/careers/young-energy-professionals/

Testing,testing… Get ready to join the conversation at At The Power Table Podcast! Episode zero is your introduction to the journey we’re about to embark on together. Meet your host and discover what’s in store. Don’t miss out on the excitement—subscribe now, like, and leave a review to be part of this dynamic adventure!