Krista Simicich
Digital Editor
Inside The Episode
Recorded live at the Hub during Intersolar & Energy Storage North America’s 2025 Flagship event, these conversations spotlight the communication, career, and community strategies that power success in the clean energy industry.
In Episode 20, Catherine McLean, founder and CEO of Dylan Green, shares how clean energy professionals can chart a more intentional career path. She breaks down the importance of personal branding, value-driven networking, and showcasing achievements — especially in an industry facing critical human capital gaps.
In Episode 21, Jael Holzman of Heatmap News reflects on her transition to a fossil-free media outlet and the unique challenges facing renewable energy journalism. She unpacks why legacy media often falls short on climate coverage and explains why community engagement must start early to overcome local opposition to clean energy projects.
In Episode 22, Spenser Meeks of Apex Presentations reveals why storytelling — not spreadsheets — should lead the conversation. He offers practical strategies for building emotional connections with audiences before diving into technical details, sharing tips that apply to sales teams, execs, and engineers alike.
Tune in for professional development guidance from leaders shaping how clean energy gets communicated, understood, and advanced.
Building Your Brand and Charting Your Path, featuring Dylan Green
Featuring: Catherine McLean, Founder and CEO at Dylan Green, and Nico Johnson, Host at SunCast Media
The clean energy industry is growing fast, but talent development hasn’t kept up. In this episode, Catherine McLean of Dylan Green sits down with SunCast Media’s Nico Johnson to break down how job seekers and professionals alike can get ahead by building a compelling personal brand. From networking with intention to showcasing your wins, Catherine shares actionable advice to help you stand out and take charge of your career.
Topics include:
- Talent gaps in renewable energy
- How personal branding and networking are essential for career success
- The importance of proactive engagement and achievement focus
The Fight for Clean Energy: Jael Holzman on Journalism, Opposition, and Community Buy-In
Featuring: Jael Holzman, Senior Reporter at Heatmap News, and Nico Johnson, Host at SunCast Media
Journalist Jael Holzman shares why she joined fossil-free outlet Heatmap News to report more freely on the frontlines of clean energy development. In this conversation, she reflects on community opposition to renewable projects, the shortcomings of traditional media, and how better storytelling and early engagement can shape public perception and project outcomes.
Topics include:
- How legacy media’s structure impacts climate coverage
- The rise of local opposition to clean energy and how to navigate it
- Why early and honest community engagement drives project success
Storytelling That Sells: How to Connect, Then Convince
Featuring: Spenser Meeks, Principal at Apex Presentations, and Nico Johnson, Host at SunCast Media
What makes a message stick? Spenser Meeks, founder of Apex Presentations, explains why emotional storytelling should come before the technical pitch. From structuring sales conversations to crafting memorable presentations, this episode offers tools for anyone trying to make an impact in clean energy.
Topics include:
- Using narrative structure in business communication
- How to make your message audience-centered, not presenter-centered
- Tips for improving slide design, delivery, and decision-making clarity in presentations
About The Hub
Located in the IESNA 2025 exhibit hall, the Hub stage is an educational space that included included insightful interviews with top product and solution providers as well as educational presentations describing real-world applications and takeaways. Learn more here.
Thank You to Our 2025 Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
Supporting Sponsor
Stage Sponsor
Thank You to Our Partner
