If you didn’t know, I’m a big nerd. I love sci-fi/fantasy books and movies. I love a good grammar joke. And I know just enough about various sportball activities to cheer on my kids. What does this have to do with clean energy? Bear with me, I’ll get there.
Last week, WorldCon took place in Seattle. This event takes place in a different city around the world each year. Last year it was in Glasgow, Scotland, and the year before that in Chengdu, China. It is where the Hugo awards take place, which are kind of like the Pulitzers, but for sci-fi/fantasy. It draws in huge crowds from all over the world – people from all walks of life. There were people dressed in costume. There were people who required wheelchairs or walkers. There were people on the spectrum. The crowd was diverse and glorious.
With that many diverse people in the convention center, there easily could have been conflicts. But you know what I saw? People complimenting others on their attire. Seat shuffling in a panel so someone with anxiety could have an end chair. A quiet room with low lights for those who needed some calm. Everywhere people made space and accepted those around them for who they were.
The world is tough right now. For a short time, I was reminded of what it could be – kind, beautifully diverse, and accepting. Here’s where I relate this all back to clean energy. As we head into September and the biggest clean energy tradeshow in the U.S. – RE+, I’m working hard to shift my focus from fighting against all that’s taken place over the last eight months, towards building a world I want to live in. It’s not easy. It’s certainly easier to break than it is to create. But I believe in solar, wind, and energy storage. Until something even more sustainable comes along, they’re the energy systems I want to spend my time building up. I want to do so with kindness, humor, and equity.
As we gather in Las Vegas in a few weeks for RE+, I hope we can all take time to answer the question: What am I building FOR? Not fighting against.
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How Clean Energy Companies Find their Brand Vision
After taking a look at the branding tree roots and visible components in broader strokes over the last two months, the next few months will bring a more detailed look at individual elements that allow an effective brand to thrive.
Starting at the beginning – at the very base of the roots from which all other elements grow – explore the creation of a brand vision. Read what makes a good vision, how to create a brand vision, and then integrating that vision into everyday company culture.
This one’s a bit of a deep dive, but so, so fundamental to developing a strong brand.
Coming in September - Subscriber Extras!
As a newsletter subscriber, beginning next month, you will receive content that won’t be available to non-subscribers. If you’ve found past content helpful, and think others would as well, I ask that you to forward this and encourage them to sign up.
After missing RE+ in 2023 and 2024, I’m headed back to the show this year. I expect it will be quite the show.
If you’re attending and would like to meet, please reach out and let’s set up a time!
If you have a booth at the show, and would like to discuss on making it even better, I will be happy to stop by and chat.
August Joke
Pro tip:
“Just cleared out some space in the freezer” sounds so much more productive than “just polished off another pint of ice cream.”