CHARGE - Powering Energy Brands

In this episode, Prof. Fridrik Larsen sits down with Jeff Hahn, founder of Hahn Agency and an authority on crisis communications, and Jason Stephenson of Escalent, to explore the growing public opposition to data center expansion across the United States. While capital and demand behind the data center boom are at record levels, public skepticism is rising just as fast. Their research shows that a...

Are we approaching energy communication backwards? In this episode, Prof. Fridrik Larsen sits down with Dr. Kris De Meyer, Neuroscientist and Director of the UCL Climate Action Unit, to explore how the human brain responds to large-scale change in the energy sector. While the technology and capital for a lower-carbon future are ready, progress is often slowed by resistance, misinformation, and pol...

What are the biggest branding and marketing challenges facing energy companies today? In this episode, Prof. Fridrik Larsen is joined by Rob Cantrell, CEO of Atlantic Energy and long-time CHARGE supporter, to reflect on the recent CHARGE North America event held at CPS Energy in San Antonio. Rob shares his key takeaways from the event, including the conversations that challenged his thinking, the...

New research from Escalent reveals a critical shift in the EV buying journey: it’s not just about vehicle range it’s about confidence in charging infrastructure. While most EV owners charge at home, public charging reliability has an outsized impact on perception, recommendation and adoption. When charging fails, trust erodes. When it works seamlessly, it strengthens brand confidence and accelerat...

 What should you say when everything goes wrong?  In this episode, we’re joined by Jeff Hahn , author of Breaking Bad News and one of the most experienced voices in crisis communication. With more than 30 years in reputation management, Jeff breaks down why crisis communication isn’t a “dark art,” but a learnable system.  We explore:  Why most organizations fail before a crisis even begins The “3M...

AI is changing how utilities engage with customers, but the real challenge isn’t automation. It’s balance. In this episode, Fridrik Larsen speaks with Kim Maren Ekrutt , Global VP and Co-Head of the IBU Utilities at SAP , about how AI is reshaping customer experience across the energy sector. They explore: How AI is already transforming real customer interactions Where automation adds value — and...

 In this episode, we’re joined by Nick Centera , Director of Marketing at Qcells EPC and host of the Renewable Storytellers podcast.  As budgets tighten across the energy industry, brand investment is often one of the first things questioned or cut. Nick shares a candid perspective on why that’s a mistake, and how companies that stay committed to brand during uncertain times are better positioned...

The Overlooked Value of Brand in Utilities In this episode, we sit down with Carolyn Vadino , Vice President of Communications and Marketing at Con Edison , to unpack a topic many energy leaders still underestimate: the true value of brand in regulated utilities. Carolyn is a global marketing and communications leader whose career spans public and private sectors, from financial services to govern...

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Thomas Hillig, Founder and Managing Director of THEnergy ,a leading consultancy helping companies innovate and navigate new business models in the energy sector. Thomas is one of the most influential voices on LinkedIn, where his daily insights shape the conversation on the energy transition. With a background in engineering, strategy, and consulting, he brings...

In this episode, we’re joined by Katja Metz, Team Lead Global Marketing at E.ON, to talk about the brand’s latest campaign “It’s On Us.” Building on E.ON’s recognition as Best Established Brand at the 2024 CHARGE Awards, the campaign’s new phase takes innovation from large-scale energy projects to everyday life  showing how smarter, more personal energy solutions can empower every home. Katja shar...

What if the future of energy looked different, because we chose differently today? In this episode, we sit down with Caroline Kamerbeek , Vice President of Marketing, Communications and Public Affairs for Energy Systems at DNV, to explore the vision behind The Great Transition a short film that imagines a world where bold decisions shaped a better tomorrow. Viewed here: https://www.dnv.com/energy-...

Batteries are at the center of the clean energy race, yet the companies making them often struggle with public recognition leaving the sector wide open for disruption. In this episode, we speak with Keith Hoge , a true insider in the battery world. With a background in mechanical engineering, technical sales, and global marketing leadership at iM3NY, Keith brings firsthand experience from inside a...

 From electric vehicles to home backup systems, batteries are at the heart of the energy transition. Yet while many companies focus on technology, most are missing a key competitive advantage: branding.  In this episode, Chet Parsons, Consultant for WCPFour and Geoffrey Abraham, Creative Director, Self Brand Studio, discuss why a strong brand matters just as much as innovation and how it can shape...

  The energy sector is moving faster than ever, but are its brands bold enough to keep up?  In this episode, we sit down with brand experts, Nick Cooper Global VP, Strategy & Innovation and Teemu Suviala, Global Chief Creative Officer from Landor to explore:  Why most energy brands still follow instead of lead The power of Relevant Differentiation — and how to achieve it How the BrandAsset® Sc...

Marketing teams in the energy sector are often stretched thin—divided across priorities, platforms, and departments. But what if the secret to greater brand impact isn’t more budget, but better alignment? In this episode of the CHARGE podcast, we sit down with Jacob Lundy , a clean energy marketer with over a decade of experience, to explore how Thought Leader Ads on LinkedIn are bridging the gap...

Nuclear energy is making a comeback—but how did it go from a global controversy to a clean energy contender? In this thought-provoking virtual conversation, Charles Oppenheimer joins Fridrik Larsen , Founder of CHARGE, to explore how nuclear is being rebranded as a critical solution for a sustainable future. Watch here: https://lnkd.in/detxaxcR Together, they unpack: The cultural shift in how nucl...

In this episode, we’re joined by Rob Cantrell, CEO of Atlantic Energy, and Dr. Fridrik Larsen, Founder of CHARGE, for a candid conversation on what unfolded at CHARGE North America. Together, they unpack the event’s biggest moments—from breakthrough ideas in brand leadership to the offstage conversations that left a lasting impact. Tune in as they explore how trust, transparency, and bold branding...

In this episode, we are joined by KC Boyce, Vice President in Escalent’s Automotive & Mobility and Energy Industry practices, and Pam Cooper, Vice President in Escalent’s Energy division. Together, they dive into the evolving e-mobility ecosystem - unpacking the unique role utilities can play in shaping EV adoption, advancing infrastructure, and managing grid demand. During this episode we dis...

As the energy sector undergoes digital transformation, utilities are not only improving customer experiences—they’re also becoming more exposed to increasingly sophisticated forms of fraud. In this episode, we’re joined by EIQdigital, a leading provider of AI-powered solutions for energy companies, to explore how artificial intelligence is shaping the industry's future. Host Natalie Bacon sit...

In this episode, we sit down with Jason Beck, a founding member of Zettawatts, to explore how the company is reshaping clean energy procurement for corporations. Jason walks us through how Zettawatts enables businesses, regardless of size, to make a tangible impact on the energy transition by facilitating access to new renewable energy projects and helping them meet their net-zero commitments. Thi...

We’re back with a new podcast episode featuring Michael Boumendil, President & Chief Creative Officer of Sixième Son, as he explores the transformative role of sonic branding in shaping brand identity. With years of experience pioneering sound design for global brands, Michael shares how businesses, especially in the energy sector, can use audio to forge connections, build recognition, and sta...

We are back with a new podcast episode where we sit down with , William Brent, Chief Marketing Officer at Husk Power, as he shares his expertise on the transformative role of decentralized renewable energy in accelerating energy access and sustainability. As a leader in the global energy transition, William provides valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of micr...

In this new podcast episode, Daniel Kitwa, Director of Energy Access Finance at Greenmax Capital Group, shares insights from the frontlines of off-grid energy development across Sub-Saharan Africa. As a nominee for Charge's 2024 Rising Star in Energy Award, Daniel brings valuable perspective on the evolution of energy access solutions in developing markets. In this informative discussion, the...

In this episode, Roland Punt, Head of Marketing at Sympower, explores the journey of building a distinctive B2B energy brand. Sympower, one of Europe’s leading flexibility service providers, is enabling smarter energy management and stabilizing electricity grids across the continent. In this insightful discussion, they cover: The Founding Story: How Sympower's mission drives its brand. Demand...

In this episode, Wenche Teigland, CEO of Fount explores Europe’s transition to electric mobility and the critical role of EV infrastructure in accelerating adoption. With her extensive background in renewable energy and tech innovation, Wenche offers a fresh perspective on the customer experience in EV charging—an essential yet often underemphasized factor in driving the shift to electric vehicles...