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Joan Michelson Electric Ladies Podcast - Innovation, Energy, Climate, Careers

Joan Michelson, MBA is a highly accomplished business leader and award-winning strategic social impact and ESG – environment, social, governance – leader, who drove breakthrough results at Chrysler (in EVs), American Express and Deloitte, Small Businesses, and government agencies. She is an instructor on ESG issues to professionals, leaders and board members across industries. Her specialties include leveraging ESG solutions and partnerships strategically for maximum benefit, helping organizations recruit innovative, diverse women, and helping these women thrive in their careers. She is based in the Washington D.C. area.

Joan is also an accomplished journalist who has worked with top media organizations and hosts and produces the acclaimed Electric Ladies podcast (formerly known as Green Connections Radio), about innovation and leadership in energy-, climate- and sustainability-related issues across industries, featuring women experts.

She writes regularly for Forbes on these issues and has also been in the Harvard Business Review, HuffPost, TheAtlantic.com, Greenbiz, The New Economy magazine (distributed at the World Economic Forum), New Thinking magazine, regional business journals; and various other media. She coproduced segments with CBS News’ “60 Minutes,” ABC News, and “The Crusaders,” and television specials on NBC.

Joan has spent her career working in energy-sustainability-climate-ESG issues and in marketing communications, including as head of communications and co-leader of the sales and marketing team of Chrysler’s Global Electric Motorcars (GEM), driving “best year ever” Growth and significantly accelerated the adoption of electric vehicles. Prior to GEM, she led marketing communications efforts to high-net-worth and high-visibility clients in management consulting-financial services companies Deloitte and American Express. She's a native of NYC and has a BA from UCLA, an MBA from Baruch College at City University of NY, and post-graduate studies at Harvard Business School, The New School and The Aspen Institute, among others. She has a Sustainability and ESG certification from Competent Boards.

Recent Content

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What Canada’s Energy Policies Can Teach The U.s. – Claire Seaborn, Former Chief Of Staff To Canada’s Minister Of Energy And Natural Resources &Raquo; Podcast Icon Rev 8 12 2021 20250401 Ko3Hkoc4Md
What Canada’s Energy Policies Can Teach The U.S. – Claire Seaborn, former Chief of Staff to Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

“One of the big differences between Canada and the United States on climate policy spending broadly is that unlike the United States, Canada has a national carbon pricing system. So, we have a carbo…

“One of the big di…

“One of the big differences between Canada and the United States on climate policy spending broadly is that unlike the United States, Canada has a national carbon pricing system. So, we have a carbon pricing system that sets a national minimum standard…. Without strategy, coordination, investment, we will be putting ourselves at a painful disadvantage in terms of not just the energy transition, but just geopolitically.”  Claire Seaborn on Electric Ladies Podcast  An independent analysis found that the renewable energy strategies in New York state may help insulate New Yorkers from the…

Listen · 59:27
A State Program Leading The Clean Energy Transformation – Doreen Harris, President And Ceo, Nyserda &Raquo; Podcast Icon Rev 8 12 2021 20250325 9Rs3Neikqp
A State Program Leading The Clean Energy Transformation – Doreen Harris, President and CEO, NYSERDA

"The [sub-national level] is where we can incubate and to effectuate the private sector shifts that we see happening every day. We are looking to move markets in a direction that can improve not only …

"The [sub-national l…

"The [sub-national level] is where we can incubate and to effectuate the private sector shifts that we see happening every day. We are looking to move markets in a direction that can improve not only quality of life, but the very metrics that we're solving for. And when you look at this over years or even decades, you can see the pace accelerating and market momentum taking off." Doreen Harris on Electric Ladies Podcast As the fourth largest state in the U.S., New York consumes a staggering amount of electricity annually to power an economy that ranges from Finance to manufacturing, so it’s…

Listen · 50:39
Turning Waste Into Energy (And Wine) – Autumn Huskins, Finance Director, Hitachi Zosen Inova &Raquo; Podcast Icon Rev 8 12 2021 20250318 D9Wj3Rdzbs
Turning Waste into Energy (and Wine) – Autumn Huskins, Finance Director, Hitachi Zosen Inova

“We’re giving [companies] the avenue to take something that historically has been an inconvenience and turn that into an opportunity to make them some Money, whether that be selling energy to the …

“We’re giving [c…

“We’re giving [companies] the avenue to take something that historically has been an inconvenience and turn that into an opportunity to make them some money, whether that be selling energy to the grid, or putting energy back into the operations of their facilities. So, what could have cost them money in the past can now be a huge benefit. At the same time, you're doing something great for the world and our future.” Autumn Huskins on Electric Ladies Podcast Addressing climate change presents two big questions: How do we reduce waste and keep it out of landfills, and how can we power our …

Listen · 39:12
Career Advice From 5 Extraordinary Women – Women’s History Month &Raquo; Podcast Icon Rev 8 12 2021 20250311 Erspnx5Xna
Career Advice From 5 Extraordinary Women – Women’s History Month

“I think there needs to be more women stepping up and realizing that they proudly should play the game…I hear a lot of women second guessing themselves before they step out on their own. And that …

“I think there nee…

“I think there needs to be more women stepping up and realizing that they proudly should play the game…I hear a lot of women second guessing themselves before they step out on their own. And that is what we have to recognize. We have so much to offer, and half this battle is just us opening our mouths and letting it out.” Majora Carter on Electric Ladies Podcast This Women’s History Month takes place amid significant changes to women everywhere, from political headwinds threatening progress, to rollbacks in corporate support. Women leadership has shown to be valuable in driving revenu…

Listen · 42:27
Beyond Partisanship In Climate Action – Chelsea Henderson, Director Of Editorial Content At Republicen.org; Author Of “Glacial: The Inside Story Of Climate Politics” &Raquo; Podcast Icon Rev 8 12 2021 20250304 Vb5Epcvdxr
Beyond Partisanship in Climate Action – Chelsea Henderson, Director of Editorial Content at RepublicEn.org; Author of “Glacial: The Inside Story of Climate Politics”

“We're ceding ground to China, which has become everyone's favorite punching bag. Whether Democrat or Republican, both sides are beating up on China. Meanwhile, China is saying, ‘Okay, we'll make …

“We're ceding grou…

“We're ceding ground to China, which has become everyone's favorite punching bag. Whether Democrat or Republican, both sides are beating up on China. Meanwhile, China is saying, ‘Okay, we'll make all your solar panels, electric and autonomous vehicles,’ because they see the financial opportunities. It's past time for the U.S. and our politicians to step out of their corners and come together – this is the greatest crisis we will ever face.” Chelsea Henderson on Electric Ladies Podcast Political polarization may have stifled discussions on the climate, but Mother Nature doesn’t ask…

Listen · 53:32
Why Geothermal Energy Is The Next Big Thing - Dr. Marit Brommer, International Geothermal Association &Raquo; Podcast Icon Rev 8 12 2021 20250225 S0Og7A7Ag8
Why Geothermal Energy is the Next Big Thing – Dr. Marit Brommer, International Geothermal Association

“When we think about sustainable living, it's not just about electricity. Energy encompasses more than electricity. As we advocate for sustainability and net zero, let's not forget the heating and c…

“When we think abo…

“When we think about sustainable living, it's not just about electricity. Energy encompasses more than electricity. As we advocate for sustainability and net zero, let's not forget the heating and cooling of our homes, businesses, and industries - geothermal is a direct resource for that.” Dr. Marit Brommer on Electric Ladies Podcast Drilling for geothermal energy - the heat beneath our feet - promises to be one of the most sustainable sources of energy and a game changer for the clean energy transition. One of the biggest opportunities lies right here in the U.S., where we have the lar…

Listen · 50:17
How To Rebuild Cities After Disaster – Majora Carter, Urban Revitalization Strategist &Amp; Author, Reclaiming Your Community &Raquo; Podcast Icon Rev 8 12 2021 20250218 Q9Dtb7Ukb7
How to Rebuild Cities After Disaster – Majora Carter, Urban Revitalization Strategist & Author, Reclaiming Your Community

“Thinking about an opportunity to rebuild... So now what are we going to do? And, how do you rebuild in a way that actually does involve equity and equality and sustainability in ways that impact pe…

“Thinking about an…

“Thinking about an opportunity to rebuild... So now what are we going to do? And, how do you rebuild in a way that actually does involve equity and equality and sustainability in ways that impact people of all different kinds. And that's, I think, the opportunity that we should be looking toward." Majora Carter on Electric Ladies Podcast  After devastating wildfires reduced entire neighborhoods in Los Angeles to ashes, the city faces the challenge of rebuilding - not just its infrastructure, but its communities. This is an opportunity to integrate climate resilience, especially for margina…

Listen · 48:19
3 Reasons Why Clean Energy Is Here To Stay – Jennifer Granholm, 16Th U.s. Secretary Of Energy &Raquo; Podcast Cover To Specifications 8 18 2021
3 Reasons Why Clean Energy is Here to Stay – Jennifer Granholm, 16th U.S. Secretary of Energy

“Deploy, deploy, deploy. More than half a trillion dollars has been invested in the United States since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act and the bi-partisan Infrastructure Bill. These laws…

“Deploy, deploy, d…

“Deploy, deploy, deploy. More than half a trillion dollars has been invested in the United States since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act and the bi-partisan Infrastructure Bill. These laws have made Investing in America irresistible. They have made the energy transition inevitable - and inexorable.” Speech by Jennifer Granholm Federal-level developments have delivered a series of blows, leaving many of us questioning the future of clean energy, sustainability and climate action. If you’re feeling that uncertainty, this week’s episode is for you.   Listen to this powerful sp…

Listen · 22:10
Women Leading The Charge For Renewables – Gauri Singh, Deputy Director-General Of Irena, The International Renewable Energy Agency &Raquo; Podcast Cover To Specifications 8 18 2021
Women Leading the Charge for Renewables – Gauri Singh, Deputy Director-General of IRENA, the International Renewable Energy Agency

“Renewable energy is women-friendly. It has the potential to be customised for every use case, but I don’t think enough has been done. Women have always been both producers and consumers of energy…

“Renewable energy …

“Renewable energy is women-friendly. It has the potential to be customised for every use case, but I don’t think enough has been done. Women have always been both producers and consumers of energy, from gathering firewood to cooking. What’s needed is for women to understand that this is an area where they can make a difference and adopt this energy source that is modular and customizable [for their needs].” Gauri Singh on Electric Ladies Podcast COP28 set an ambitious goal to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030. Achieving this target requires countries to deploy clean energy to b…

Listen · 50:10
The Future Is Electric - Joan On Full Crew Podcast With Matt Bianco And Chris Treanor &Raquo; Podcast Cover To Specifications 8 18 2021
The Future is Electric – Joan on Full Crew podcast with Matt Bianco and Chris Treanor

“This is not just an executive order. There is a point behind net zero goals, and this is to address climate change and global warming. A million and a half EVs were sold last year. Infrastructure i…

“This is not just …

“This is not just an executive order. There is a point behind net zero goals, and this is to address climate change and global warming. A million and a half EVs were sold last year. Infrastructure is still being built. I’d say the train has left the station."  Joan Michelson on Full Crew Podcast The U.S. government has provided $7 billion in funding for critical minerals and $7 billion to fund 500,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. With a new administration now in place, what can this mean for the transition to EVs, as well as EV policies and regulations? Listen to Joan Michels…

Listen · 1:02:25
Putting Ai To Work For The Climate – Dr. Stephanie Hare, Researcher, Broadcaster And Author &Raquo; Podcast Cover To Specifications 8 18 2021
Putting AI to Work for the Climate – Dr. Stephanie Hare, Researcher, Broadcaster and Author

“Many countries are looking to lead on AI and embed it in as many aspects of our lives as possible. But right now we do not have an electricity grid that is built for this purpose. We also need to t…

“Many countries ar…

“Many countries are looking to lead on AI and embed it in as many aspects of our lives as possible. But right now we do not have an electricity grid that is built for this purpose. We also need to think about the fuel needed to power up this grid.” Dr. Stephanie Hare on Electric Ladies Podcast We’re putting Artificial Intelligence (AI) to work for a variety of our problems on a daily basis -including climate change. How? In more ways than you might think, though it’s the amount of electricity, water and fuel it requires that raises tough questions. Listen to Dr. Stephanie Hare, a rese…

Listen · 33:54
Can Cities Thrive In A World Of Polycrises? – Lauren Sorkin, Co-Founder And Executive Director, Resilient Cities Network &Raquo; Podcast Cover To Specifications 8 18 2021
Can Cities Thrive in a World of Polycrises? – Lauren Sorkin, Co-founder and Executive Director, Resilient Cities Network

“Resilience is a team sport. You cannot build resilience in insolation. I cannot emphasize how important multi sector action and teamwork is. So let’s understand that and work together.” Lauren …

“Resilience is a t…

“Resilience is a team sport. You cannot build resilience in insolation. I cannot emphasize how important multi sector action and teamwork is. So let’s understand that and work together.” Lauren Sorkin on Electric Ladies Podcast To kick off the first interview of 2025, we’re diving into a topic that affects us all: Can the cities we live in truly provide what we need to thrive? With over half of the global population now living in urban areas – a figure projected to hit 70% by 2050 – cities are at the forefront of the climate transition. Join me as I talk with Lauren Sorkin, Co-fou…

Listen · 28:49
Connecting With Curiosity – Jennifer Hough, Author &Amp; Tedx Speaker &Raquo; Podcast Cover To Specifications 8 18 2021
Connecting with Curiosity – Jennifer Hough, Author & TEDx Speaker

“If you want to get something done in this world that transcends what’s already happening, you have to be willing to listen to the people that are trying to hold dearly to how it has been. Become …

“If you want to ge…

“If you want to get something done in this world that transcends what’s already happening, you have to be willing to listen to the people that are trying to hold dearly to how it has been. Become a master bridge builder. Be committed to asking questions such that you understand where the commonality is. Find the common points.” Jennifer Hough on Electric Ladies Podcast At the end of a year where every country and neighborhood seems more divided than ever, and many of us feel like we’re walking on eggshells in every conversation, we’ve found ourselves in uncharted terrain. How can…

Listen · 1:16:10
The Future Of The Energy Transition, Grid - Joan Moderating Icws Webinar With Energy Leaders &Raquo; Podcast Cover To Specifications 8 18 2021
The Future Of The Energy Transition, Grid – Joan Moderating ICWS Webinar With Energy Leaders

“Today we are talking about accelerating the clean energy transition, including government policy, lowering costs, and decarbonization...The new 2024 Energy Fact book (by BCSE & BNEF)… found t…

“Today we are talk…

“Today we are talking about accelerating the clean energy transition, including government policy, lowering costs, and decarbonization...The new 2024 Energy Fact book (by BCSE & BNEF)… found that the energy transition is in full swing with ‘record breaking’ public and private sector investments in clean power and renewable energies showing cost competitiveness even without government subsidies…But the two key pieces we're going to talk about today are… the grid and storage.” Joan Michelson on Electric Ladies Podcast Between market forces, government incentives and funding, …

Listen · 1:11:04
Buying Sustainable Fashion At The Un - Joan Moderates Climate Week &Raquo; Podcast Cover To Specifications 8 18 2021
Buying Sustainable Fashion at the UN – Joan Moderates Climate Week

“Women make up 80% or more of the garment industry workers. Women garment workers make meager wages and work excessive working hours, 14 to 16 hours a day…Fashion is ranked as the second most poll…

“Women make up 80%…

“Women make up 80% or more of the garment industry workers. Women garment workers make meager wages and work excessive working hours, 14 to 16 hours a day…Fashion is ranked as the second most polluting business in the world by the UN, 7% of the landfill is garments. The garment industry emits 8 to 10% of global CO2 and 500,000 tons of micro plastics are dumped into oceans each year.” Joan Michelson at UN Climate Week SDG Media Zone The fashion industry faces the twin problems of being an environmental disaster, and treating their majority female workforce very, very badly, even dangero…

Listen · 31:24
Converting Co2 To Energy – Bjork Kristjansdottir, Carbon Recycling International &Raquo; Podcast Cover To Specifications 8 18 2021
Converting CO2 To Energy – Bjork Kristjansdottir, Carbon Recycling International

“Carbon Recycling International was founded around the idea of taking something which was waste, like CO2 and turning it into some valuable product…(Today they are) converting CO2 into sustainable…

“Carbon Recycling …

“Carbon Recycling International was founded around the idea of taking something which was waste, like CO2 and turning it into some valuable product…(Today they are) converting CO2 into sustainable methanol…(W)e have Technology, which takes CO2 as a waste, and it takes hydrogen and turns it into methanol…and it is used today both like into chemicals. So, the chemical sector is a big consumer of methanol, which is a very large known product in the world today. …(and into) a sustainable fuel...playing a pretty big role in the energy transition.” Bjork Kristjansdottir on Electric Lad…

Listen · 49:15
New Research: Community Impact Of Green Manufacturing – Bethia Burke, President, The Fund For Our Economic Future &Raquo; Podcast Cover To Specifications 8 18 2021
New Research: Community Impact Of Green Manufacturing – Bethia Burke, President, The Fund For Our Economic Future

“It's really that investment to transition from a Legacy industry into a future industry…that is aiming to drive more sustainability and manufacturing processes and products overall…One of the t…

“It's really that …

“It's really that investment to transition from a legacy industry into a future industry…that is aiming to drive more sustainability and manufacturing processes and products overall…One of the things that we fundamentally see as being important in this economic shift, and we say it in this Practical Guide to the Green Economy, is that this transition we believe will favor places that make things.… and we want to make them better and more sustainable.” Bethia Burke on Electric Ladies Podcast Green jobs, economic development from growing these new energy and sustainability sectors. …

Listen · 53:33
Career Advice For Times Of Great Change – From 5 Electric Ladies &Raquo; Podcast Cover To Specifications 8 18 2021
Career Advice For Times Of Great Change – From 5 Electric Ladies

“You need to be looking 360 in terms of industry, what's developing, what's coming down the pike from a technology standpoint, from a risk standpoint. You should be educating yourself constantly and…

“You need to be lo…

“You need to be looking 360 in terms of industry, what's developing, what's coming down the pike from a technology standpoint, from a risk standpoint. You should be educating yourself constantly and stretching yourself to go into a new area. Don't just be content to sit and do the same thing….Push yourself to do something a little different, stretch…because that broadens you as a professional, first of all. It's just so much more interesting than doing the same thing every day. But, it also makes you a better professional… because you are seeing things that the other people who are jus…

Listen · 49:09

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