Switching Electrification Up a Gear and Inspiring a Greener Tomorrow with Bonnie Datta and Erin Petrey

Erin Petrey is the Director of Strategy and Operations at Inspiration Mobility, an electric vehicle solutions company focusing on electrifying commercial fleets. Erin is a versatile professional, who wears many hats with ease, as she manages HR, IT, communications, PR, social media, ESG, and sustainability strategy and reporting at the company. In addition to her current role, Erin is also an EV enthusiast, a bourbon buff, and a skilled communicator. Erin's early career included working at the American Wind Energy Association, the Libyan embassy in DC, and a program management startup. 

Meet Bonnie, a strategic advisor, and board member of various innovative electrification startups and scaleups. She has established herself as a prominent figure in the EV industry by actively engaging with legislators, regulators, and stakeholders at both federal and state levels in the US. Bonnie has an unconventional journey into cleantech that spans different industries and disciplines, making it difficult to put her skillsets in a straitjacket. Her philosophy of divine discontent has led her to pivot from working in product marketing in Telecom to clean energy and clean transport, and even stint in the government to understand policymaking and regulatory work upfront and close. Bonnie's skillset is at the intersection of technology, business, and policy, making her an exciting and valuable addition to any team. 

In this article, Erin and Bonnie, two experts in the cleantech field, will be generously imparting their extensive knowledge and expertise, spanning not only the technical aspects but also the career-related insights, on this rapidly-evolving sector. Erin shares startup insights, emphasizes adaptability and asking the right interview questions. Passionate about zero waste, she urges eco-action. Bonnie advises corporate-to-startup transitioners and highlights top cleantech sectors. She inspires all to make a positive impact on the planet, regardless of background.

What have been some of your key learnings from navigating the world of startups?

Erin : 

As someone who has navigated the world of startups, I can say that there have been many key learnings that have come my way. However, one of the most important things that I have learned is the importance of adaptability and flexibility. Working in a startup or an earlier-stage hyper-growth company is not like working in a corporate environment where you have a playbook to follow. You need to be adaptable to changing circumstances and be able to pivot quickly.

Another important learning is to have a "no job too small" attitude. In a startup environment, everyone wears multiple hats and sometimes you may need to do tasks that are outside of your job description. Humility is also an essential value to have as it creates a non-hierarchical organization where everyone is in it together. Being comfortable in discomfort is important too as you may not be an expert in everything you do. However, by asking questions and learning, you can become proficient in that area.

Lastly, when interviewing for a startup job, it's important to remember that it's a two-way process. While the company is interviewing you, you are also interviewing them. You need to ask relevant questions about the culture, how people get along and the day-to-day tasks. Digging deeper into the culture is important as it not only guides your everyday work but also influences your attitude towards work. If the culture doesn't align with your values, it's not going to work out in the long run. So, it's essential to ask the right questions to find a good fit for yourself and the company.

What advice would you give yourself coming out of that corporate world?

Bonnie : 

I would advise myself to be mentally prepared to take on any task that comes my way. Despite not having a clear roadmap or plan, I was mentally ready for the change, having worked in large organisations my whole life. While these companies have great benefits and opportunities, they can also be limiting by confining employees to specific swim lanes. As someone who thinks laterally and looks at problems in multiple ways, I felt restricted in such an environment. Therefore, I was ready to dive into an environment where I could brainstorm and think creatively without worrying about business unit sign-offs and potential pushback.

Even without a clear roadmap, I was fortunate enough to have supportive colleagues who helped me along the way. Thus, I would advise others to build a human-to-human network that extends beyond just professional relationships. These networks can help people land on their feet when transitioning out of the corporate world.

Moreover, people often underestimate themselves, which is why it is important to always try when presented with a challenge. Even if one falls short of their goal, aiming for the moon and landing on the roof is still an achievement worth being proud of. The worst outcome is to look back and regret not trying at all. Therefore, it is always worth trying, regardless of the outcome.

What areas of sustainability are you passionate about at the moment?

Erin : 

I am passionate about various areas of sustainability, with one area that I am particularly interested in at the moment is zero waste and recycling. Since I was a child, I have always been intrigued by recycling and waste management. I grew up on a farm, and I would often walk around picking up cans and recycling them. It is something that has always resonated with me.

In my current role at Inspiration, I am now involved in projects that use energy, as opposed to creating field fuel. Transportation is the highest emitter, and that is one reason I joined Inspiration, as it is a significant source of impact. However, my interest in zero waste and recycling has not waned.

I believe that everyone can make a direct impact on zero waste and recycling. Sometimes, when talking about ESG and sustainability from a corporate standpoint, it can feel as though one person cannot do much. However, when one starts to have a more zero-waste mindset or learns more about waste management, one can start to make a difference. Recycling and waste management are things that every single person can have an impact on. One person may say that if everyone else is not doing it, why should they bother doing it? That is precisely why they should bother doing it. Setting an example and teaching others can have a significant impact.

I often engage with people on Twitter about recycling, and I believe that teaching people how to recycle correctly is important. Many recycling sorting facilities shut down because of plastic films, causing a loss of time. So, learning about how things happen in your community can make a difference.

It is essential to note that no one has to be perfect to make a difference. Doing one thing better is better than doing nothing. So, as someone who is passionate about zero waste and recycling, I encourage everyone to do what they can to help the environment.

What sectors should we be getting the next cleantech professionals from? What is your advice to people who are looking to take a leap of faith into Cleantech and live their purpose?

Bonnie:

As the world shifts towards cleaner energy solutions, there is a growing demand for professionals with expertise in clean technology. From my experience, I have seen people from diverse backgrounds making the transition to clean energy, including those from the telecom and finance industries. The ability to see how traditional industries can be transformed with the help of technology is a valuable asset in this field.

However, it is not just limited to people from specific sectors. Anyone with a passion for contributing to a cleaner world can make a difference in their own small way, regardless of their background. It is important to have the right attitude and a willingness to work hard towards a common goal.

As the cleantech industry continues to evolve, it will attract more and more diverse individuals with new ideas and technologies. It is essential that we remain open to all and focus on attracting those who are genuinely passionate about contributing to a cleaner world.

The cleantech industry offers immense potential for professionals from diverse backgrounds. To those considering taking the leap of faith into this field, I advise you to be brave, be fearless, and go forth with a passion for making a difference. Remember, life is a sine curve, and change is the only constant. Enjoy the ride and make a positive impact on the world.

Enjoyed this article? Listen to both full episodes of our podcast here, and connect with Erin and Bonnie on LinkedIn to follow their journeys. 

Erin’s episode - https://lnkd.in/e--mMfg8

Bonnie’s episode - https://lnkd.in/eyvQAQps