How can you use thought leadership to make the energy system more resilient?

There’s little doubt that the statement above makes sense. It is however the amalgamation of everything that should be put together for the energy system to be perfect. And it just happens that reality hits us like an eighteen wheels truck straight in our face. If one could understand the future trends, challenges and opportunities that shape the energy landscape, then the world wouldn’t be where it is now, namely heading to a deep crisis in terms of climate change. Being realistic and thinking positively, nonetheless, is still an option for those who want to make a difference. So, to me, the “key issue” is to face the challenges with honesty (being pragmatic would be a start) and a clear vision of the final outcome.

Being an innovator is always a selling ticket. Elon Musk being a prime example. New technologies will continue to appear that will attempt and maybe succeed in delaying climate change. I don’t think, however, that true leadership depends solely on developing unique perspectives or being innovative. Becoming a reliable partner to your clients, to your colleagues and to your partners, could prove equally important. It is my experience in the banking as well as in the legal sectors, that it is not easy to find someone you can truly rely on. Sometime I’m not after innovation or extra clever ideas; sometimes I simply want results. Even if they are boring, as long as they are efficient and they meet the target, results are the end of the game.

In today’s times accessing the media and social networks is key to reach massive audience. Engaging with the audience could also prove efficient to send your message. The risk, however, is that your message gets distorted by the sheer number of opinions - many of them groundless - that are equally easy to publish and in the same forum. The problem I see with the statement above is that although that’s the bread and butter of modern ways to communicate, the old fashion book, an article in a specialised publishing company and a seminar at a reputable university, are still the most reliable channels to send your message across. True, you won’t reach as many readers. Now, I wonder, do you want to reach millions or just the ones that matter?