From an engineer inspired by his grandfather’s toy‑fixing skills to leading one of Australia’s pioneering large‑scale battery developers, Nick Rose’s story is charged with energy, risk, and heart. In this episode of Energy in the Room, host Katie sits down with Nick to explore Firm Power’s remarkable rise — from a bold idea in 2019 to its acquisition by AGL.

Nick reflects on what it takes to build a startup team, stay grounded when things get tough, and define success beyond the money fight. He shares candid lessons on leadership, culture, and the value of keeping health and family first — plus a few unforgettable stories involving skydiving, Chinese takeout, and big front‑yard engineering challenges.

Tune in to hear honest insights about Australia’s growing battery landscape, how to find and keep great people, and why “just building cool projects” might be the most powerful mission of all.

General Manager of Energy Services at Lumea, Sabooh Whitelaw, joins Jill Ryder and Katie Nickless for a candid look at what it really takes to connect big batteries, wind and solar projects into Australia’s grid and drive the energy transition. She shares her unconventional journey from accounting and finance into renewables, the moment carbon policy made the sector “click” for her, and how she now balances complex infrastructure work with raising a family and living sustainably at home.​

Sabooh opens up about being a senior woman in a male‑dominated industry, the role of male allies, and why mentoring, networking and intentional hiring are critical to getting more women and First Nations people into the sector. She also talks interview red flags, the power of sideways career moves, and the volunteer and social impact projects that have stayed with her long after the workday ends.

This podcast is brought to you by Vinova.

In this episode of Energy in the Room, host Katie sits down with Marc Barrington, General Manager of New Markets at Elinta Energy, to explore the realities behind the energy transition. With over 25 years of experience spanning renewables, carbon markets, retail, and decarbonization strategy, Marc shares candid insights from a career that’s navigated both the commercial and technical sides of the sector.

Listeners are taken on a journey through Marc’s entry into energy, his early days at NM Rothschild, and his pivotal roles at AGL and beyond. Marc discusses the challenges of building new ventures within large organisations, the importance of aligning stakeholders, and how near-failures have shaped his leadership philosophy.

The conversation delves into leadership styles, with Marc reflecting on his evolution from a “driver” to a more collaborative leader, shaped by candid feedback and the diverse cultural expectations he’s encountered in Australia, Asia, and Europe. He and Katie debate the value of personality assessments in team building and recruitment, emphasizing the need for self-awareness and adaptability.

Marc also reveals his pragmatic approach to the energy sector - eschewing ideology in favour of real-world outcomes. He discusses the multi-dimensional challenge of delivering reliable, affordable, and low-emissions energy, and why balancing these priorities is essential for lasting progress. Through anecdotes, including memorable interactions with landowners and problem-solving on the ground, Marc highlights the human impact of the energy transition and the diversity of people shaping its future.

Tune in for a grounded, insightful conversation that offers practical advice for aspiring leaders, a behind-the-scenes look at the complexities of energy markets, and a reminder that every big transition is made up of countless personal stories.

This podcast is brought to you by Vinova.

Welcome to the very first episode of Energy in the Room! Host Katie kicks things off with a no-holds-barred conversation featuring Shane Quinnell, Head of Development at Westwind Energy. Discover Shane’s unique journey from coal to renewables, hear behind-the-scenes stories of Australia’s massive energy transition, and get real about the controversy, politics, and risks facing the industry today.

From surviving a paragliding accident to tackling policy chaos, Shane’s experiences set the tone for a podcast that’s all about honest advice, uncomfortable truths, and bold voices shaping the future. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just curious about what’s next in energy, start your journey with us - because the transition is already here, and it’s not waiting for anyone.

Energy in the Room brings together trailblazers who are redefining our energy future. Hosted by Katie Nickless, this series shares honest insights, bold stories, and the challenges faced by those leading the transition. If you want conversations that go deeper than the headlines, this is your space to listen in and be inspired.