Ep 42: Andy Blair: From Small Town NZ to Running the Worlds Geothermal Industry
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Andrea Blair (or Andy to her mates), a powerhouse in sustainable development and geothermal energy, joins us for a riveting discussion that promises to leave you inspired and informed. Recognised by Forbes as one of the five female founders championing a sustainable future, Andy's story is one of resilience, adaptability, and relentless drive. From her roots in Taupō in New Zealand to her transformative roles as past president of the International Geothermal Association and a board member of Global Woman, Andy opens up about the experiences and values that have shaped her remarkable career. Andy is now the CoFounder of Upflow.
Journey with us as Andy recounts her path from a curious science enthusiast to a prominent figure in the geothermal industry. Discover how her early career in forestry, followed by a pivot to tourism and a stint as the CEO of a skydiving operation, showcased her ability to thrive in male-dominated sectors. She candidly discusses challenges like imposter syndrome and the grit required to push through, exemplified by her training for the gruelling Coast to Coast race in New Zealand. Andy’s journey is a testament to the power of hard work and perseverance.
We also explore the immense potential of geothermal energy and its ethical appeal. Andy shares her insights on embracing indigenous knowledge, the hurdles of securing investment for climate tech, and the necessity of courageous leadership to promote gender equality and sustainable development. This episode is packed with visionary ideas and personal anecdotes that highlight the interconnectedness of global impact and personal values. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that underscores the importance of authenticity and the moral responsibility to lead by example.
You can connect with Andy on LinkedIn and check out Upflow.
Chapters
1. Ep 42: Andy Blair: From Small Town NZ to Running the Worlds Geothermal Industry (00:00:00)
2. Interview With Andrea Blair (00:00:01)
3. Journey From Geek to Geothermal Innovator (00:04:12)
4. The Power and Potential of Geothermal (00:12:59)
5. Challenges in Leadership and Innovation (00:27:40)
6. Personal Beliefs and Global Impact (00:39:50)
7. Embracing Indigenous Knowledge in Science (00:47:50)
43 episodes