Donald Jenkins' career has taken him from the US Marine Corps and US Navy submarine program to technology, data science and renewable energy.

In this episode of Powering Your Career, David Smith speaks with Donald Jenkins, Chief Operating Officer at FRV Australia, about the experiences and career transitions that have shaped his approach to leadership.

Don shares what more than 20 years in the military taught him about discipline, teamwork and decision-making under pressure, and how he went about completely reinventing his career when he decided to move into clean energy.

They also discuss the importance of building genuine professional networks, mentoring and developing people, the growing role of data and AI in the energy sector, and what Don has learnt since moving from the US to Australia.

The conversation also explores Australia's energy transition, including the need for greater storage and network capacity, stronger market signals and genuine community engagement to build social licence.

A wide-ranging conversation about career reinvention, curiosity, leadership and continuing to learn, regardless of where you are in your career.

In Episode 028 of Powering Your Career, David Smith is joined by Brad Hopkins, Partner and Co-Head of Energy at AGP and Chairperson of AMPYR Energy.

Brad shares his journey from law and investment banking into clean energy, and the experiences, risks and relationships that have shaped his career.

They discuss:

⚡ Why authentic networks matter throughout your career
⚡ Taking risks and getting comfortable with being uncomfortable
⚡ Breaking into energy without traditional industry experience
⚡ What Brad looks for when hiring, from enthusiasm and resilience to values and culture
⚡ The investment and policy challenges facing Australia’s energy transition
⚡ Innovation, community and attracting more people into the sector
⚡ Leadership, mental health and creating sustainable high-performing teams

A thoughtful conversation about careers, people and what Australia needs to get right as the energy transition accelerates.

In Episode 27 of Powering Your Career, David Smith is joined by Agathe Gross, Executive General Manager, Energy & Renewables at Ventia.

Agathe shares her career journey from engineering and 18 years with Bain & Company across Paris, London and Sydney, to making the leap from consulting into operational leadership in Australia’s energy sector.

They discuss:

⚡ Why Agathe has built her career around “optionality” rather than a rigid plan
⚡ Making the transition from consulting to leading a large frontline workforce
⚡ Building credibility, asking for help and knowing when to rely on others’ expertise
⚡ The skills and workforce challenges facing Australia’s energy transition
⚡ The role of collaboration, innovation, AI and automation in meeting future demand
⚡ Diversity and attracting the next generation into energy careers
⚡ Leadership, family and keeping career in perspective

A wide-ranging conversation about backing yourself, staying curious and building a career that leaves room for opportunity.