Career Gist with Toyosi Craig

Episode 4 on?#careergist?with? Toyosi Craig, PhD, CEM , a Senior Consultant at CutlerMerz .

The spotlight on our article gives young professionals a glimpse into different career paths in the Energy Sector, both locally and internationally. From technicians to administrators, financial analysts, legal practitioners, consultants, sales, programmers, and operational engineers, we provide you with the golden chance to connect and know more about seasoned professionals like you on a different spectrum.

Tap to learn about Toyosi's journey in his own words.?

Please give us a brief summary of your professional journey?

I have years of experience in electricity markets, and renewable energy industry leading technical and commercial strategy (development, commercial and engineering. I have expertise in solving complex problems, research, stakeholder engagement, scenario analysis, innovation development, energy policies, negotiation and finance, climate change, environmental constraints, and general engineering. I was a subject matter expert for Distributed Energy Resources (PV, Battery, and Electric Vehicles) for the Australian Energy Market Operation (AEMO) 2022 WEM ESOO. Prior to that I have worked in various companies across Africa and Europe, including AEE Power, Distributed Power Africa, and Blockpower, where I have developed several renewable energy projects across many African countries.

What do you do in your current role at your company?

Senior Consultant. I am a subject matter expert in Resilience Investment, Distributed Energy Resources (PV, Battery, and Electric Vehicles), IT/OT/ Cyber Investment and Energy Networks. CutlerMerz is a specialist management, economic and engineering consultancy to the power and energy sector.?

What is your typical day like?

When I wake up, I pray, study the bible, check my outlook Calendar to know how busy the day is and quickly plan my day in my head. I make call to a few of my loved ones due to time difference. On 2-3 occasions per week, I go downstairs to the gym (On those days I make the call and do audio Bible). On Wednesdays, I go to work with my soccer kits. I play soccer during lunch hour on Wednesdays. Most times I stay back at work in the evening to do my writeups or catch up on a book or skill, depending on what I am doing for the month. I do other social activities once a week, could be painting, museums, or check out meet up events online. Prior to now, I used to have invitations to conferences, events or workshop that I present at, atleast twice a week, but I have recently reduced my public visibility. I sold my car earlier this year and have decided not to buy a car until I am able to afford a Tesla or a similar electric car.

What is the most challenging thing about your work?

Time management. A lot is going on and you have to be on top of your game. I like that, as it makes me more prudent. My team mates are also very helpful and supportive so we never get stressed, despite the busy schedules. Multiple projects and tight deadlines, can be hectic if you don't have the right support, so I am happy. The clients know that the team I work with comprises of highly intelligent and clever people and hence they keep asking for more.

What is the most fun thing you love about work?

I think what I love most about my job is the leadership. They are humble, approachable and deals solely with meritocracy. You will not know the MD from the Principal, it is really a homely environment. Secondly, is learning new things. Everyday with each project is different. Hence, creativity and being innovative is at the core of it all. The ability to solve organizations' complex problem by rubbing mind with smart people is flawless. All my previous experiences have prepared me for this and it is a great venture.

How do you balance work and life?

Before it was easier for me. But I am new to the City I am now and apart from my colleagues, I have not been able to really meet people. What I have learnt from my mentors however is that family comes first in anything and no matter how much you love your job, you are replaceable but family is not. We need both, the job and the family. For me I try to work from home on days where I will like to speak to my family.

What hard skills should someone in your field have?

Analytical skills. If you cannot learn any major data software, at least be good with Microsoft Excel People management - You will always interact with clients and stakeholders so you need to be good at relationships and engagement Engineering / Finance/ Economics - It depends on what aspect of my sector the person is interested in. You just need to be good at something these days and have right attitude. Presentation - you need to learn how to communicate clearly Research and Follow through - You will deal with alot of new things Humility and being able to ask questions.

What soft skills should someone in your field have?

Data analysis and management Being conversant with CRM tools Microsoft packages: words, excel and Powerpoint I believe everyone is good at those already, otherwise, it's more like you don't have a name yet.

What is the best thing about your work?

Knowledge and creativity.You can never be bored.

What would you consider a highlight of your career?

Getting an invitation to the Forbes Business Council this year - Getting a congratulatory message from and being recognized by Prof Wesley L. Harris, A Charles Stark Draper Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics at MIT after my PhD - Taking a tour of the BioMed X Institute, Helderberg with Dr. Christian Tidona, the founder - Working as a resident advisor to Prof. Arie Rip, a Dutch professor emeritus of Philosophy of Science and Technology - One project that stood out for me was a completion of a solar PV to an old age home in South Africa - My master's and PhD innovations - Playing a Yoruba scrabble with President Olusegun Obasanjo - Publishing my Autobiography, Omotoyosi - The Child of Delight - Whenever I recount how many GW of solar energy projects I have participate/contributed to in Africa.

What advice do you have for someone new to the industry??

1. Never be offended when people turn you down. Denying you one opportunity does not mean they can not be your friend or be in your network. 2. Try to maximize every opportunity. While in school, I travelled to all continents of the world to present my papers and innovations. My thesis stayed back in school and on repositories online but the networks and contacts I made from those events are with me till today. 3. Be careful and hasten slowly. Recognize the place of time. There is time to be super serious and there is time to rest. 4. The most important thing is to "REACH OUT" - ask to meet up with people, not to ask for money or job but just to have a chat and build a relationship. Never send a chat/E-mail that reads "Sponsorship or Mentorship Request" - Please do not! and if they do not respond after a few times, leave them and reach out to someone else.