“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 what party you’re in before wiping out your community with a hurricane, tornado or wildfire. In addition, 80% of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funding has gone to Republican districts – which also happen to have some of the highest potential for economic development through clean energy. At least 18 House Republicans even urged Speaker Mike Johnson not to cut clean energy tax credits in their districts because of the economic Growth spurred by these investments.
What does the conservative answer to climate change look like? Listen to Chelsea Henderson, Director of Editorial Content at RepublicEn, a non-profit organization that provides a safe space for conservatives to have open discussions about climate change and related solutions. She also has extensive experience on Capitol Hill working for Republican senators, as well as the National Wildlife Federation and The Nature Conservancy, and wrote the extraordinary best-selling book “Glacial: The inside story of climate politics.”
You’ll hear about:
- Bridging the partisan divide on climate policy.
- The economic opportunities and benefits of Investing in clean energy and climate resilience in Republican-led states.
- The longstanding history of GOP presidents and candidates who have championed climate action – and the need for courageous lawmakers who do so today.
- How climate-related disasters and personal experiences spur engagement on climate issues, regardless of political affiliation.
- The role of effective messaging and messengers in engaging the conservative community on climate change.
- Plus, valuable career advice, especially for considering a career pivot.
“Playing into your interests and strengths is important. It’s become a bit of a cliché to say, ‘Do what you love, and everything will fall into place,’ because it’s not that easy. I try not to say no to opportunities. Instead, I try to say yes more and engage with other women, because women are incredible at supporting one another. Leaning into that support system – hearing about the pitfalls, the challenges, what was hard, what was easy – is invaluable.
“For me, writing Glacial was a turning point. I’ve always loved writing, and that’s how I transitioned from being a lobbyist to more of a messenger. I thought, ‘I know a lot about climate change, and I’m a good writer. How can I build a career around that?’ That mindset helped shape my path.”
Chelsea Henderson on Electric Ladies Podcast
Read Joan’s Forbes articles here.
You’ll also like:
- Dr. Stephanie Hare, researcher, broadcaster and author, on harnessing AI for climate action.
- Jennifer Hough, on connecting through curiosity to build bridges across the divide and find constructive solutions.
- Daniella Ortega, Director of “Carbon: An Unauthorized Biography”, on how to communicate climate messages in stories.
- Jill Tidman from The Redford Center on how we can talk about the climate while ensuring a balanced narrative.
- Michelle Wyman, the National Council for Science and the Environment, about how to talk about science with lawmakers. (recorded under Green Connections Radio)
- Erin McLaughlin, Senior Economist, The Conference Board, about her new report on buildings, climate change and carbon emissions.
More from Electric Ladies Podcast!
Join us at The Earth Day Women’s Summit on April 22, 2025, in Dallas, Texas! Register today with the code “EDWS” for a special rate.
Elevate your career with expert Coaching and ESG advisory with Electric Ladies Podcast. Unlock new opportunities, gain confidence, and achieve your career goals with the right guidance.
Want to hear more from us?
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our podcasts, blog, events and special coaching offers.
Thanks for subscribing on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio and leaving us a review!
Follow us on Twitter @joanmichelson
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.
