Energy Speakers

Ramez Naam is a former Microsoft executive, entrepreneur, inventor, and the Energy Co-Chair at Singularity University. Ramez spent 13 years at Microsoft, where he led teams working on artificial intelligence, big data, and internet search. His software has touched the lives of more than a billion people. He holds more than 20 patents—including several as co-inventor with Bill Gates. Dynamic and personable, Naam speaks around the world, captivating audiences as he illustrates “what disruption looks like” and shares the eight strategies incumbents should draw on to keep the pace of change.

Part journalist, part historian, and all shrewd political observer, Ronald (Ron) Brownstein explains the complexities of American politics with lucid precision. As a CNN Senior Political Analyst, Senior Editor for the Atlantic, and Contributing Editor for National Journal, he produces sharp analysis on politics, policy, the electorate, media, healthcare, energy, the press' impact on Americans, and the range of issues informed by his strong sense of American political and national history. Brownstein provides an insider’s look into politics and the media and has twice been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. He is also the author of seven best-selling books, and his articles on politics, public policy, and culture have appeared in myriad of major publications and on many broadcast news outlets.

Heather Zichal was the first deputy assistant to the president for energy and climate change. She offers audiences an illuminating glimpse into the complex world of energy policy. POLITICO called her “the most effective person…on energy issues at the White House.” She helped establish historic new fuel economy standards, reduce mercury pollution, and support clean energy deployment. The president’s most senior White House energy aide, she shares insights on our nation’s energy policy, the likelihood and ramifications of energy independence, and how policy affects the economy.

Jon Wellinghoff is the Chief Policy Officer of SolarCity, the number one provider of distributed solar energy in the United States, and the immediate past chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. An internationally-recognized energy expert, he known for his forward-thinking approach to energy policy and his track record of moving the needle on the clean energy revolution. Jon draws on his decades experience in energy, policy, and business to discuss future opportunities in the fields of wind power, solar power, electric cars, and the development of smart cities, as well as implementing innovative business strategies and corporate cultures.

General James Conway is a retired four-star general and the 34th Commandant of the United States Marine Corps. His previous postings include serving as the Director of Operations (J-3) on the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Commanding General of I Marine Expeditionary Force, where he took part in the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Called a “superb, multi-talented leader,” Conway is a highly-decorated marine, and, as such, is an authority on leadership, team building, crisis management, and our nation’s challenges five to ten years out.

A Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Daniel Yergin has executives rethinking their organizations' place in the world economy. His work on energy security and his perspective on globalization highlight the trends and challenges global businesses will face in the future.

A leading thinker on global energy, power systems, and innovation, Robert Bryce is one of America’s most prominent energy journalists. He's renowned for his analysis of industrial trends and the future of energy in his five books, where he skillfully explains the scale, physics, and math behind our energy and power systems while exposing the myriad myths about energy.

Amy Harder is one of the top national energy and climate change reporters in the country, considered to be a uniquely balanced and influential journalist with respect across the spectrum. She covers these issues in a regular column at Axios as an outsie contibutor, called Harder Line, and she frequently appears on other major media outlets, including PBS NewsHour, MSNBC, CBS, and NPR, among many other media outlets. Harder is currently vice president of publishing at Breakthrough Energy, a network founded by Bill Gates that includes investment vehicles, philanthropic programs, policy advocacy, and other activities committed to scaling the technologies we need to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. She is launching a new journalism initiative there.