In this episode, Dirk sits down with Andrew Dunn, Energy Solutions Director at FENECON USA, to explore how energy systems, leadership, and policy intersect as the world moves toward cleaner and more resilient power.

Andrew offers a grounded perspective on the energy transition, cutting through hype to explain how technology, regulation, infrastructure, and societal behavior must align for real progress to happen. The conversation highlights why long-term thinking and system responsibility matter more than ever in energy innovation.

Key takeaways include:

• What the energy transition really means beyond renewables, including policy, infrastructure, and societal change

• Where public perception diverges from the technical realities of modern energy systems

• Why leadership ownership and decision-making are critical in complex, long-cycle projects

• How cultural differences between Germany and the U.S. shape energy mindsets and adoption

• The rise of modular systems, microgrids, and decentralized energy solutions

• Why timing, reverse engineering, and system-level thinking determine success or failure

• How information gaps slow infrastructure development and distort public debate

• Where AI, market dynamics, and long-term planning could reshape future energy systems

This episode is for leaders, engineers, policymakers, and innovators working in energy, infrastructure, and sustainability. Listen to gain a clearer understanding of how resilient energy systems are built, why leadership decisions matter long after the headlines fade, and how today’s choices shape the power systems future generations will inherit.

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If you are stepping into a bigger role, leading through change, or wondering what truly defines leadership beyond strategy and numbers, this conversation is for you.

In this episode of The Pitch & The Catch, Dirk Horn sits down with Andy Zaske, Vice President of the Americas at BW Water, to unpack what leadership looks like when there is no playbook, no pause button, and no margin for comfort.

Andy stepped into his role during a period of operational pressure, organizational change, and high expectations. Within his first year, he navigated team turnover, rebuilt confidence, opened new markets, and doubled the business, all while keeping day-to-day operations running. He describes the experience as “changing the tires on the car while driving 70 miles an hour.”

Starting his career as an engineer before moving into sales and eventually full P&L ownership, Andy shares what surprised him most about becoming accountable for the entire business. Not the numbers, but the people. Trust, belief, energy, and culture quickly became as critical as cash flow, execution, and strategy.

This conversation goes deep into:

• What shifts when you stop being the expert and start leading through others

• How to build trust without micromanagement, especially in remote and hybrid teams

• Why culture is not a soft topic, but a business lever

• How confidence, transparency, and cadence stabilize a growing organization

• What it means to “own the customer” in a global, project-driven business

• Why leadership is as much about energy as it is about decisions

From water treatment and industrial projects to people decisions and personal leadership growth, this episode offers a rare, honest look at what it takes to lead when the business is still moving, the pressure is real, and the answers are not obvious.

Interested in joining the conversation? Talk to us: https://calendly.com/horn-mab-partners/30min-tpatc-brief

Check out The Winning Balance: https://www.mab-partners.com/thewinningbalance

Stay connected with us here:

Connect with Dirk: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dirkhorn/

Website: https://www.mab-partners.com/tpatc

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In this episode, host Dirk Horn sits down with Bhadresh Sutaria, President of AMSOIL INC., to explore how AMSOIL differentiates itself in the highly competitive lubricants industry through innovation, values, and a deep commitment to customer relationships.

The conversation traces AMSOIL’s evolution from pioneering synthetic motor oil in 1972 to becoming a global industrial player, and examines how leadership, culture, and disciplined execution shape long-term performance.

Key takeaways include:

• How AMSOIL’s founder, a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, embedded discipline, quality, and purpose into the company’s DNA

• Why customer experience, digital tools, and personalized service are central to AMSOIL’s competitive edge

• How culture, values, and hiring decisions sustain quality in remote and hybrid environments

• The role of strategic management systems, including Hoshin Kanri, in driving focus and execution

• Where AMSOIL sees future growth across industrial markets, automation, and advanced solutions

This episode is for leaders and operators in manufacturing, industrial services, and B2B markets who want to understand how values-driven leadership, technical excellence, and long-term thinking create durable advantage in a commodity-driven industry.

Interested in joining the conversation? Talk to us: https://calendly.com/horn-mab-partners/30min-tpatc-brief

Check out The Winning Balance: https://www.mab-partners.com/thewinningbalance

Stay connected with us here:

Connect with Dirk: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dirkhorn/ Website: https://www.mab-partners.com/tpatc

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepitchandthecatch?igsh=aGw2M3hqeThndHVr&utm_sourc