The SMART Inclusion Podcast

In the season finale of the Smart Inclusion podcast, host Todd Q. Adams welcomes Charletta Lewis, General Partner at Mighty Oaks Capital Partners. Charletta shares her unconventional journey from law enforcement to Silicon Valley, and now back to Houston as an investor. This episode dives into her unique approach to venture capital, how she supports underrepresented founders, and the importance of...

We have been through an EXCITING JOURNEY of SMART Inclusion: Energy Transition, Investing, and Sustainability Podcast! Our host, Todd Q. Adams, starts to wrap up the season by revisiting powerful themes and stories that showcase how investing in community-driven, socially conscious solutions is essential to the energy transition. Todd dives into highlights from the season, discussing the innovativ...

How can small and medium-sized businesses thrive in the EV revolution? In this episode of the "SMART Inclusion" podcast, host Todd Q. Adams chats with Kobby Osei-Kusi, CEO of Pirl EV Charging, about innovative ways to join the clean energy movement. From his journey from Ghana to Wall Street and into clean energy, Kobby shares insights on making EV charging smarter, more accessible, and sustainabl...

In this powerful opening, host Todd Q. Adams dives into the key role of community benefits in clean energy projects, sharing insights into the “four pillars” that drive local impact: economic development, quality job creation, community partnerships, and greenhouse gas reduction. Todd explores how storytelling connects communities to clean energy projects, helping demystify innovations like wind f...

In this episode of Smart Inclusion, host Todd Q Adams talks with Jason Rodriguez, founder of Froliq, about the critical workforce skills gap in the clean energy sector. With the ongoing clean energy transition, there is an urgent need for trained professionals to fill the jobs being created in this industry. Jason shares his journey from market research at Z Prime to founding Froliq, which focuses...

Are you ready to join us on a new episode of SMART Inclusion Podcast? In this episode of SMART Inclusion, we explore how diversity and inclusion are essential for the global clean energy transition. Our host breaks down the challenges in closing the workforce gap, particularly for women and people of color, in traditionally male-dominated sectors such as oil, gas, and construction. With the Inflat...

Join us in this insightful episode of the SMART Inclusion podcast as we discuss equity economics, climate impact investing, and the exciting ways climate tech investing is being democratized for everyday investors. Our guest, Nisha Desai, founder of Intention, shares her inspiring journey from working in energy startups to launching a fund aimed at giving regular people the opportunity to invest i...

Come with us as we dive deep into the energy transition and its intersection with workforce equity, particularly highlighting the role of women in traditionally male-dominated industries. Your host shares personal experiences working in I.T. and the energy sector, reflecting on the underrepresentation of women in these fields and why their contributions are vital to a successful clean energy futur...

Welcome to an exciting, new episode of SMART Inclusion Podcast, host Todd discusses energy justice and empowerment with Brett Isaac, founder of Navajo Power Home, a pioneering energy development initiative based on the Navajo Nation. Brett shares the journey of creating a utility from the ground up, bringing sustainable, clean energy to homes that were historically excluded from power infrastructu...

In this episode of the SMART Inclusion Podcast, we explore the intersections of equity economics, tribal justice, and energy independence. Our host delves into the historical exclusion of tribal nations from energy infrastructure development and how they are now at the forefront of innovative clean energy initiatives. Learn how Indigenous communities are shaping the future of renewable energy, bui...

In this episode of the SMART Inclusion podcast, host Todd Q. Adams sits down with Dr. Jeffrey Lowe, Associate Professor in the Department of Urban Planning and Environmental Policy at Texas Southern University. Together, they explore the deep connection between urban planning and equity economics, focusing on how thoughtful urban development can drive social justice in underserved communities. Dr....

In this premiere episode of the SMART Inclusion podcast, host Todd Q. Adams introduces listeners to the pivotal Justice 40 initiative—a groundbreaking federal commitment that allocates 40% of the benefits from nearly $2 trillion in infrastructure investments to communities of color, including Black, Latino, and Indigenous communities. Todd breaks down what Justice 40 means for the future of energy...

Welcome to the SMART Inclusion podcast, where we connect the dots between urban planning, environmental policy, and equity economics. I’m your host, Todd Q. Adams. Each episode brings you powerful stories from thought leaders—like women, Indigenous people, and unsung heroes—who are driving the global energy transition forward. This podcast ties together the complex threads of sustainability, showi...