In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen sit down with Norman Crowley, Founder of CoolPlanet, to discuss bold new strategies for industrial decarbonization and the real-world impact of climate entrepreneurship. The conversation covers Norman’s journey from founding tech companies to leading a global sustainability business, future predictions on the evolution of Net Zero and ESG commitments, and why lasting change requires direct engagement with organizational decision-makers. Key takeaways include the importance of focusing on measurable business value, removing obstacles to fast action, building authentic relationships, embracing discomfort as a vital part of entrepreneurial success, and so much more.
Highlights from this week’s conversation include:
- Welcome to Today’s Episode (1:27)
- Early Success Stories in Industrial Decarbonization (3:18)
- Bold Predictions for Net Zero and Future of ESG (4:21)
- Why ESG Departments Are Becoming Obsolete (6:22)
- Cool Planet’s Four Pillars Model for Saving Money (7:41)
- Value of Operational Drift Reporting and Quick Wins (9:41)
- The Importance of Speaking Directly to CEOs (12:50)
- Lessons Learned from Selling to the Wrong People (14:37)
- Norman’s Entrepreneurial Journey: From Welding to Tech (16:26)
- Transitioning Into Climate Tech After “An Inconvenient Truth” (18:26)
- Embracing Discomfort and the Joy of New Challenges (20:43)
- Building a Global Decarbonization Company (22:44)
- Advice on Enjoying the Pain and Fun of Entrepreneurship (25:07)
- Removing Barriers to Joy in Leadership and Client Work (27:38)
- Courage to Say No and Fire Difficult Clients (30:28)
- Building Authentic Relationships and Trust in Business (33:14)
- The Pitfalls of Complex Sales Motions and Over-Automation (34:52)
- Navigating Internal Company Politics and Decision Makers (38:14)
- Final Reflections on Hope for the Future and Market Leaders (41:36)
- Closing Thoughts and Ways to Connect with the Podcast (43:34)
The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com.
