
Climate Week is drawing to an end, not yet done but one can see the close approaching.
I have spent a bit over a year now on my own, doing some consulting work while looking for longer-term opportunities but also taking downtime away from the industry. I’m very motivated to work on climate, building on earlier efforts:
- two years as a Senior Fellow at Project Drawdown
- several years coaching climate community members starting their careers
- Cohort 5 of the ClimateBase Fellowship
- all of that coming after several decades in the Tech industry, at three startups (Dominet Systems, ConSentry Networks, Tailscale Inc) and two large companies (Sun Microsystems, Google). I held roles from ASIC designer to software manager to VP of Engineering.
I’m starting to focus again on finding the right long term opportunity, not just consulting. What I’d request of those whom I’ve worked with or had the pleasure to meet along the way is introductions at the right stage, for roles with:
- a focus on climate as the primary mission. Energy is the best match for my skillset, but I believe that land use and agricultural tech need more effort and I have relevant experience with satellite imagery.
- a position which is substantially leadership, from Director at a large company to Founder / Founding Engineer or VP at an earlier stage. I can help hire, evolve organizations, and build a product.
- a technical component which is not zero. Managers should manage, but I believe managers who completely lose touch with the reality of the engineering work become less effective as leaders. I would seek an opportunity where there would be suitable opportunities to contribute technically, and believe it is important that the team see those contributions.
- an organization with a European connection. We enjoy Europe, have travelled in Germany several times, and have substantial family connections there.
These sorts of opportunities are mostly not posted publicly. I have responded to a few public postings over the past year, that is not an effective way to proceed. I’d ask for warm introductions you may be aware of, early in the process, perhaps when founders are talking about a new venture or considering a new project which needs leadership.
Thank you so much for any connections you can provide.