In this episode of Exec Exchange, host Piers Clark converses with Matt Clemson, Division President at Oldcastle Infrastructure, USA. They discuss the journey of Oldcastle from being a traditional concrete and pipe company to a holistic water infrastructure solution provider. Matt shares his career background, the challenges and opportunities faced by Oldcastle, and the integration of digital solutions such as CivilSense™ AI platform and predictive analytics in water management. The conversation highlights the importance of early engagement and detailed collaboration between utilities and suppliers to address complex water infrastructure problems effectively.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:04 Matt Clemson's Background and Role

02:29 Oldcastle Infrastructure's Evolution

03:45 Digital and Smart Solutions

05:51 Client Relationships and Success Stories

10:49 AI and Predictive Analytics in Water Infrastructure

12:33 Final Thoughts and Reflections

In this episode of the Exec Exchange podcast, host Piers Clark welcomes back Jocot de Dios, Chief Executive at Manila Water. Jocot reflects on his four-year tenure, discussing his hands-on management style and his focus on both business achievements and sustainability goals. He highlights significant accomplishments, including elevated water narratives in the Philippines, record financial performance, and sustainability milestones. As he prepares to leave the water sector, Jocot shares his hopes and challenges for the water sector globally and locally, emphasizing the need for elevated focus and investment in the industry. He concludes with advice for young professionals entering the water sector, encouraging them to gain diverse experiences across different roles and industries.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

01:08 Jocot de Dios' Management Style

03:10 Achievements at Manila Water

04:52 Challenges and Regrets

09:01 Future of the Water Sector

11:36 Advice for Future Leaders

12:43 Conclusion

In this inaugural 2026 episode of the Exec Exchange podcast, host Piers Clark reflects on the journey and impact of the podcast over the past year. Through an interview by Dr. Jo Burgess, Piers discusses the origins of the Exec Exchange, its focus on human leadership stories within the water sector, and highlights some remarkable interviews. The episode provides a comprehensive review of the learning and inspiration shared by global water sector leaders, while also teasing future activities including technical discussions and site visits.

Key interviews include:
1. Oleksandr Syenkevych, Mayor of Mykolaiv, Ukraine, recounting a significant water supply disruption;
2. Philippe De Roux discussing water supply in low-income areas;
3. Doa Ross on Las Vegas’s long-term drought management;
4. Mike Webster on Cape Town’s water crises;
5. Natasha Avendaño on emergency water restrictions;
6. Nuno Brôco on resilience during a massive power outage in Portugal;
7. David Ryan dealing with the Kangaroo Island bushfires;
8. Shaun Cumming on integrating First Nations values at Barwon Water;
9. Will Pickering’s lead pipe replacement program in Pittsburgh;
10. Khalid Mehmood on Pakistan’s flood recovery efforts; and
11. Ernie Lau’s account of the Red Hill fuel spill in Honolulu.

00:00 Introduction to the Exec Exchange

00:42 The Genesis of Exec Exchange

02:12 Highlighting Key Interviews

03:26 Challenges in Water Sector Leadership

06:28 Innovative Solutions and Resilience

16:48 Personal Favorites and Audience Choices

20:58 Looking Ahead: Future Plans for Exec Exchange

In this special Christmas episode of the Exec Exchange podcast, Dr. Jo Burgess talks with Professor Don Cowan from the University of Pretoria. Don shares his experiences and insights as a polar explorer and scientist in the dry valleys of Antarctica. The discussion covers various aspects of life and work in the polar regions, including the unique challenges of water use, waste management, and environmental conservation in one of the world's most pristine environments.

00:00 Introductions

00:13 Meet Professor Don Cowan

00:47 Journey to Antarctica

01:26 Life in the Antarctic Dry Valleys

02:40 Water and Waste Management in Antarctica

03:45 Conservation Efforts and Environmental Protocols

06:54 Reflections on Conservation Practices

09:02 Conclusion and Holiday Wishes

In this episode of the Exec Exchange podcast, host Piers Clark talks with Alessandro Reginato, General Manager of CAP Evolution at Gruppo CAP in Milan, Italy. Alessandro shares his extensive experience in water and waste management across various countries, including Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Peru, and Mexico, before returning to Italy. The discussion covers the diverse challenges and focuses of water management in Latin America and Europe, emphasizing innovative solutions in Italy such as resource recovery and circular economy practices. Alessandro also highlights the importance of flexibility and innovation in managing water resources effectively.

00:00 Introductions

00:24 Alessandro's Career Journey

02:03 Overview of Gruppo CAP

03:07 Water Management Challenges in Latin America

06:15 Innovative Solutions in Wastewater Management

08:45 Biochar and Pigment Extraction

10:50 Lessons from Latin America

11:39 Advice to Young Professionals

12:11 Conclusion

In this Christmas special episode of Exec Exchange, host Piers Clark converses with Ed Mitchell, Chief Executive of Water and Sanitation for Urban Populations (WSUP). They discuss the profound impact of shared sanitation on child health, focusing on a notable study conducted in Maputo, Mozambique. The conversation delves into Ed's career in water and sustainable development, the mission and achievements of WSUP, and the challenges faced in providing sanitation in densely populated urban areas. Key insights include the significant 31% reduction in stunting among children due to access to shared sanitation, the efficiency and funding of WSUP, and the broader implications for global sanitation and child development goals.

00:00 Introduction to the Exec Exchange Podcast

00:37 Meet Ed Mitchell: Journey to Chief Executive of WSUP

02:07 Understanding WSUP: Mission and Achievements

03:22 Funding Efficiency in Non-Profits

04:18 The Impact of Shared Sanitation on Child Health

09:26 Research Findings: MAP-San Project in Mozambique

12:51 Global Implications and Funding Challenges

15:13 Personal Resilience in Leadership

16:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Exec Exchange podcast, host Piers Clark interviews Claus Homann, the Chief Strategy Officer at Aarhus Vand Water Utility in Denmark. Claus shares his journey from consulting engineering to strategic roles at Aarhus Vand, where he has worked for 15 years. The discussion focuses on Aarhus Vand's innovative 'Teal Initiative,' a radical approach to organizational structure that emphasizes value-based leadership, team empowerment, and flexible decision-making. Claus elaborates on the benefits of this approach, including increased motivation, organizational resilience, and adaptability. Despite initial skepticism and challenges, the initiative aims to create a forward-thinking organization capable of responding quickly to various external and internal pressures.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:26 Claus Homann's Background

01:14 Overview of Aarhus Vand

03:24 The Teal Initiative Introduction

05:18 Implementing the Teal Initiative

08:44 Challenges and Responses

11:45 Benefits of the Teal Approach

13:53 Final Thoughts and Advice

In this episode of the Exec Exchange podcast, host Piers Clark welcomes Rob Thompson, General Manager at OC San in California, for his third appearance. The discussion centers around innovative approaches to biosolid management in the water sector. Rob introduces the challenges faced in Southern California regarding biosolids including transportation issues and regulatory pressures concerning PFAS, microplastics, and methane. The conversation delves into the technology of Supercritical Water Oxidation (SCWO) and OC San's collaboration with 374Water to implement the world's largest full-scale installation. Additionally, Rob discusses the concept of deep well injection as an alternative strategy for biosolid disposal.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:10 Balancing Home Life and Work

02:36 Biosolids Management Challenges

04:28 Supercritical Water Oxidation Technology

11:08 Deep Well Injection Strategy

14:17 Personal Reflections and Closing