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.

In Episode 26 of Powering Your Career, David Smith speaks with Richard Payne, CEO of RayGen.

Richard has built a career across chemical engineering, manufacturing, energy technology and climate tech, with experience spanning BHP, Ceramic Fuel Cells and now RayGen, where he leads a team developing Australian solar and long-duration energy storage technology.

In this conversation, Richard shares the story behind RayGen’s technology, the challenges of taking complex hardware from development into manufacturing and deployment, and what it takes to build a business with a clear mission around climate impact.

David and Richard also discuss leadership, communication, culture, resilience, health, career advice and the skills people will need to succeed in energy and climate tech.

Richard’s message for the next generation of energy leaders is clear: there is no more important mission, so back yourself and go for it.

A compelling conversation on renewable energy, innovation, leadership and purpose.

In Episode 25 of Powering Your Career, David Smith speaks with Gordon Taylor, Executive General Manager, Major Projects at Transgrid.

Gordon has built a broad and non-linear career across electrical engineering, investment banking, construction, infrastructure, utilities and major projects. In this conversation, he shares how those experiences have shaped the way he leads complex teams and delivers large-scale infrastructure.

David and Gordon discuss the role of transmission in Australia’s energy transition, the scale of the projects currently being delivered, the importance of safety and governance, and the workforce challenges the sector will need to solve.

Gordon also shares practical advice on career pivots, leadership, resilience, mentoring and managing pressure.

A grounded and insightful conversation on energy, infrastructure, purpose and building a career that continues to evolve.

In Episode 24 of Powering Your Career, David Smith speaks with Kate Vidgen, Investment Committee Chair and Operating Partner at Macquarie Asset Management Green Investment.

Kate’s career has spanned law, investment banking, private equity, asset management and board roles, with extensive experience across traditional energy, renewables, clean fuels, batteries, hydrogen and industrial energy transition.

In this conversation, Kate shares her perspective on career reinvention, leadership, stakeholder engagement, governance, mentoring and resilience. She also discusses the role of AI in the future of work, the danger of binary thinking in Australia’s energy transition and why broad experience creates valuable career opportunities.

A fascinating conversation about energy, leadership and building a career with breadth.

In Episode 023 of Powering Your Career, David Smith sits down with Anthony Headlam, CEO & Founder of NewVolt, for a deep dive into the future of electrified freight, entrepreneurship, leadership, and the realities of building in an emerging market.

Anthony shares the story behind NewVolt and the seven-year journey of developing fast charging infrastructure for electric trucks across Australia. From navigating uncertainty and convincing industries to embrace new technology, through to building momentum in a rapidly evolving energy landscape, this episode offers a fascinating insight into one of the next major frontiers of the energy transition.

This conversation goes beyond technology. It explores the human side of innovation, including leadership, storytelling, resilience, mental health, and what it really takes to build something from the ground up.

If you are interested in energy, infrastructure, transport, leadership, startups, or the future of electrification in Australia, this episode is well worth a listen.

In this episode:

• The future of electric trucks and freight infrastructure in Australia
• Why electrification of transport is accelerating
• Building NewVolt from concept to reality
• Leadership lessons from startup life
• The importance of storytelling and winning hearts and minds
• Resilience, mental health, and identity outside of work
• Advice for founders and professionals considering starting something of their own

Subscribe for more conversations with leaders shaping Australia’s energy future.

In Episode 022 of Powering Your Career, David Smith sits down with Amalie Smith for a candid and insightful conversation on leadership, career growth, and navigating the realities of Australia’s rapidly evolving energy sector.

As the industry continues to accelerate through large-scale transformation, the expectations placed on professionals are shifting. Technical capability alone is no longer enough. Organisations are looking for individuals who can adapt quickly, think clearly under pressure, and step confidently into new challenges.

Amalie shares her career journey and reflects on the experiences that have shaped her approach to leadership and growth. From navigating uncertainty to building confidence in high-performance environments, this episode explores what it truly takes to back yourself and continue progressing in a complex and demanding industry.

This conversation goes beyond surface-level career advice. It focuses on mindset, decision-making, and the practical realities of stepping into bigger roles, managing expectations, and leading through change.

Whether you are early in your career, progressing into leadership, or already leading teams, the themes in this episode are highly relevant in today’s market.

In this episode, we explore:

• Building confidence and backing yourself in your career
• Navigating career progression in a fast-moving sector
• Leadership lessons from real-world experience
• Managing pressure, expectations, and uncertainty
• The importance of resilience, adaptability, and mindset
• Creating meaningful impact in complex environments

Powering Your Career is a podcast featuring real conversations with leaders across Australia’s energy sector, sharing practical insights, career stories, and lessons learned along the way.