🎙️ Episode 017 – Guy Chalkley Returns

In this special returning guest episode of Powering Your Career, David Smith sits down again with Guy Chalkley, outgoing CEO of Endeavour Energy, for an honest conversation about leadership, timing, succession and what comes next.

After six years leading one of Australia’s largest electricity distribution networks, Guy shares why now was the right time to step away from the CEO role and what a good handover really looks like.

This conversation goes far beyond career milestones. It explores:

⚡ The difference between being a boss and being a leader
⚡ Why attitude often beats aptitude
⚡ Knowing when it’s time to move on
⚡ Building culture people genuinely feel, not just talk about
⚡ The reality of board roles and governance
⚡ What the Australian energy sector must get right in the years ahead

One of the most powerful reflections from the episode:

“Attitude has taken me further than aptitude. Listening more than talking. Humility and honesty over big ego.”

For leaders, aspiring executives, board directors, and anyone navigating the energy transition, this is a conversation grounded in real experience.

If you’re thinking about succession, career longevity, executive leadership or the future of Australia’s energy ecosystem, this one is worth your time.

🎧 Episode 017 is live now.

Episode 016 | Werther Esposito, CEO of Potentia Energy

In this episode of Powering Your Career, host David Smith sits down with Werther Esposito, CEO of Potentia Energy, to explore a career shaped by global experience, bold decisions, and building energy businesses from the ground up.

From growing up in a small town in Italy to working with the United Nations, leading energy developments across Africa, Europe, and Australia, Werther shares the defining moments that shaped his leadership journey. We talk about saying yes to opportunity, navigating different cultures, and why energy sits at the centre of geopolitics, economic growth, and the global transition to net zero.

In this conversation, we cover:

⚡ From international relations and diplomacy to leading major energy platforms
⚡ Building and scaling energy businesses across three continents
⚡ What it takes to launch and grow teams in new markets
⚡ Leadership lessons learned from sport, culture, and global experience
⚡ The realities of Australia’s energy transition and where it is heading
⚡ Why storage, transmission, and social licence will define the next decade
⚡ Mental health, balance, and performing in high-pressure leadership roles

A thoughtful, global perspective on leadership, resilience, and the role energy leaders will play in shaping the future.

🎙️ Powering Your Career is the Enertia Talent podcast spotlighting the people driving Australia’s energy transition.

Episode 016 out now!

In Part 2, Dave continues the conversation with David Griffin, CEO of 5B, diving deeper into leadership, resilience, and the future of the energy transition.

David shares how he builds high-performing teams in complex, high-pressure environments, the role of intelligence and psychometric testing, and what it takes to lead highly technical teams with clarity and trust.

We cover:

⚡ What makes a high-performing team in energy and infrastructure
⚡ Using psychometric testing to build diversity of thought
⚡ Leading technical experts without being the technical expert
⚡ Managing pressure, resilience, and mental wellbeing as a CEO
⚡ Why ex-military talent transitions so well into corporate careers
⚡ The policy, network, and innovation challenges shaping the next phase of the energy transition

🎧 Episode – Part 2 out now!