In this episode of Energy in the Room, Katie sits down with Jessica Johnston, Chief People Officer at Aula Energy, to unpack one of the biggest challenges facing the renewables sector: people.

With a career spanning financial services, M&A, transformation, and workforce strategy, Jess shares how her unconventional journey into leadership shaped her perspective on scaling businesses, building resilient teams, and creating the human infrastructure behind Australia’s energy transition.

Together, they explore why technical brilliance alone isn’t enough to grow successful organisations, how leaders can avoid costly hiring mistakes, and why culture, adaptability, and values alignment matter more than ever in high-growth environments.

Jess also shares practical insights into:

- Interview techniques and hiring strategies for scaling teams

- Why most “mishires” are actually design failures

- The role of diversity in driving innovation and better business outcomes

- Supporting women in leadership and navigating imposter syndrome

- Building inclusive workplaces in the renewables industry

- Tackling the talent shortage through transferable skills and workforce design

This is an honest and practical conversation about leadership, workforce strategy, and the people challenges shaping the future of energy in Australia.

This podcast is brought to you by Vinova.

In this episode of Energy in the Room, Katie sits down with economist Tim Nelson, chair of the independent Nelson Review of Australia’s National Electricity Market. Tim cuts through the jargon to unpack what’s actually inside the report and what it means for renewables, storage and firming investment across the NEM.

They explore how the review tackles “hidden” behind-the-meter resources, a more weather-dependent grid and the need for credible long-term investment signals beyond the Capacity Investment Scheme. Katie also presses into the people side of the transition – from economics and engineering skill shortages to why curiosity and collaboration matter for solving first-of-a-kind system challenges.​

If you work in energy and want a clear, grounded take on where policy, markets and talent need to move next, this one’s for you.

In this episode of Energy in the Room, Katie sits down with Amy Kean, partner and co-founder at Stride Renewables. The 2 unpack Amy's 25 years spent at the intersection of energy markets, policy and project delivery. Amy shares how a “light bulb moment” in the 1990s set her on a path in renewables, what she has learned working across government, industry and NGOs, and why collaboration between public, private and communities is non‑negotiable for the transition.

She talks through the realities of policy reform and regulation, the importance of social licence, and why a fit‑for‑purpose 2030 energy market must balance economics, engineering and community. Amy also talks to us about creating genuinely diverse teams and the practical steps that help more women step into leadership and boardroom roles in the energy sector as well as her journey building Stride Renewables to bridge the gap between government and business.

Why the energy transition won’t succeed unless communities are treated as partners, not obstacles. In this episode of Energy in the Room, Katie is joined by Sarah Guilfoyle, Head of Stakeholder Relations at Voyager Renewables, to talk about the human side of the energy transition.

Sarah shares her journey from regional Queensland through mining, agriculture and major infrastructure, and explains how lived experience shapes effective community engagement in renewables. The conversation covers breaking into the sector, building trust with regional communities, why “social licence” falls short, and the importance of diversity of thought in leadership.

A practical, honest discussion for anyone working in - or looking to move into - Australia’s renewable energy industry.

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.