Navigating the Grid™

In this episode of Navigating the Grid, host Kellie Macpherson sits down with Jessica Fishman for an honest conversation about what it means to build a strong professional career as a woman in today’s world. Jessica shares how women are often socialized differently, the challenges that come with leadership and visibility, and why being seen and recognized is not just a luxury—but a necessity—for professional growth. From navigating expectations to scaling in a space that wasn’t always built for women, this episode explores the realities and rewards of carving your own path to success.

In this episode of Navigating the Grid, Kellie sits down with Bryan Villano, Co-Founder of Contract Power, to explore how AI is reshaping contract management, compliance, and day-to-day asset management for renewable energy portfolios. Bryan shares the origin story of Contract Power — launched during the early days of generative AI — and explains how his experience managing massive, complex projects exposed the overwhelming burden of navigating thousands of pages of PPAs, ISO documents, tariffs, and regulatory requirements. Together, Kellie and Bryan dive into the real risks asset managers face: buried obligations, inconsistent contract language, 14,000-page document stacks, and high-stakes deadlines that make it nearly impossible to juggle contractual compliance with operational fires. Bryan walks through how tools like Fleet Sense and Clause Sense streamline obligation extraction, summarize metadata across entire portfolios, and give teams confidence that nothing slips through the cracks. If you’re an asset manager, developer, or anyone responsible for contract oversight in renewables, this conversation will resonate — and show you what’s possible when AI meets the realities of project operations.

In this episode of Navigating the Grid, host Kellie Macpherson welcomes Aaron Nichols, host of "This Week in Solar", to share his inspiring journey from the rooftop to the microphone. Aaron opens up about his early days as a solar installer, his transition into marketing and media, and how storytelling became his tool for amplifying voices across the renewable industry. From lessons learned in the field to the art of connecting people through narrative, Aaron’s perspective offers a refreshing look at how personal growth fuels professional impact in clean energy. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and discover how storytelling can shape the future of renewables.

In this episode of Navigating the Grid, host Kellie Macpherson sits down with Derek Chase to explore how innovation and integration are shaping the next generation of solar technology. Derek shares insights from NextTracker’s recent acquisition, the company’s culture of collaboration, and how intelligence and hardware are redefining efficiency in renewable energy. From building what he calls “the world’s largest robot” to leading teams through rapid growth, Derek offers a behind-the-scenes look at how smart solar solutions are driving the industry forward. Tune in to hear how innovation, partnership, and passion are powering the evolution of the grid!

We sat down with Rachel Bryant, Deputy Editor at Public Utilities Fortnightly (PUF) and former regulatory leader at Grid X, to unpack a critical disconnect in the clean energy transition. With experience at both FERC and WAPA, Rachel shares the one narrative that policymakers and the public still don’t fully grasp: the biggest challenge isn’t only grid modernization—it’s a growing capacity crisis. Rapid load growth from data centers and AI, combined with the pressing question of customer affordability, is reshaping the future of our grid. In this episode, we explore: Why engineers, lawyers, and policymakers must align to move progress forward. How DERs (Distributed Energy Resources) can be harmonized with today’s regulatory landscape. The role of customer engagement in tackling rising costs and energy demand. Don’t miss this essential conversation on what’s next for the grid!

In this episode of Navigating the Grid, host Kellie Macpherson is joined by Abby Hopper, President & CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). Abby discusses her journey as a leader in the renewable energy sector, her role as an advocate in Washington, D.C., and how she balances the personal and professional demands of driving clean energy forward. Listeners will gain insights into: The challenges and opportunities in renewable energy policy Leadership lessons from one of the most influential voices in solar The importance of transparency and balance in building resilient careers Tune in for an inspiring conversation about the future of solar, leadership in energy, and the power of authenticity in driving the clean energy transition.

Join Kellie Macpherson live at RE+ as she sits down with a panel of trailblazing women who are shaping the future of grid modernization. From integrating renewable energy sources and ensuring cybersecurity compliance, to leading innovative projects and mentoring the next generation, these leaders share insights on overcoming barriers unique to women in this technical, male-dominated field. This episode features Amy Norstedt, Marketing Director at TruGrid and Kimberlee Centera, President and CEO at TerraPro Solutions. Together, they share how women are breaking barriers, driving innovation, and shaping the future of the energy grid—from integrating renewables and navigating compliance to mentoring the next generation of leaders.

As renewable energy transforms the grid, the challenges of cybersecurity, compliance, and physical security are evolving rapidly. In this special live-recorded episode of Navigating the Grid, host Kellie Macpherson leads a dynamic discussion with an expert panel: Victor Calderon (Southern California Edison) Joseph Couture (Ørsted Americas) Hannah Moltrassie (Foresight Reports) Carly Cipolla (E-ISAC, NERC) Together, they explore: Information sharing and industry engagement strategies. Security risks tied to Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), Inverter-Based Resources (IBRs), and cloud technology. Countering physical threats and activist tactics. Building a culture of security within renewable energy organizations. The intersection of regulations, standards, and security in a rapidly evolving landscape. Learn how industry collaboration is key to ensuring a secure, reliable clean energy transition while meeting compliance obligations. Tune in to stay ahead of the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of grid security.

Navigating the Grid is your go-to podcast for in-depth conversations on compliance, cybersecurity, and the ever-evolving renewable energy landscape. Hosted by industry expert Kellie Macpherson, this episode features Jait Castro, Operations Engineering Manager at Radian Generation. Together, they explore cybersecurity awareness and the critical similarities between the U.S. and Mexico. Tune in to learn how these two regions approach cybersecurity, what challenges they face, and how the renewable energy sector is navigating these threats across borders. Whether you're a compliance professional or simply interested in energy security, this episode is full of insights to keep you ahead of the curve.

In this episode of Navigating the Grid,Compliance Insights Live from RE+, we sit down with a Jim Stuart from NERC to dive deep into the evolving landscape of compliance thresholds. As NERC introduces new regulations, the potential impact on renewable facilities is significant. We explore how these changes might challenge the operational viability of renewable projects and what steps can be taken to navigate these hurdles. Tune in for an in-depth discussion on the intersection of regulatory shifts and renewable energy, and gain valuable insights on how to future-proof your projects in this dynamic environment.

In this episode of Navigating the Grid, our host Kellie Macpherson is joined by Anna Clare Monlezun, Research Lead at Silicon Ranch Corporation and Founder of Grazinglands. Together, they explore the exciting intersection of solar energy and sustainable agriculture. Anna Clare shares her insights into regenerative agriculture, and how grazing and soil management practices can benefit both the environment and the renewable energy sector. Whether you’re in the energy industry, agriculture, or simply passionate about sustainability, this episode is packed with valuable information on harnessing the power of both the sun and the soil. Tune in to learn more about creating a sustainable future for our planet! 🌱🌍

In this inspiring episode of Navigating the Grid, we sit down with Adib Abdulzai, Vice President of Operational Technology & Security, to explore his remarkable journey in the renewable energy industry. From overcoming significant challenges as an immigrant chasing the American dream to rising through the ranks in compliance and technology, Adib shares how resilience, determination, and grit have been crucial to his success. Discover the obstacles he faced, the lessons he learned, and how his story can inspire others to pursue their dreams, no matter the odds. Tune in for an insightful conversation on the role of perseverance in achieving career success and shaping the future of renewables.

Join us on this insightful episode of Navigating the Grid as we explore the latest trends and future outlooks in compliance, cybersecurity, and grid reliability. We’re thrilled to welcome Keith Rose, CEO of Operant Networks, as our special guest. Keith brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, offering deep insights into the evolving landscape of grid security and regulatory challenges. In this episode, we’ll dive into: Emerging trends shaping the future of grid reliability and cybersecurity. The role of compliance in navigating new challenges and opportunities. Strategies for enhancing grid security in an increasingly complex environment. Keith’s perspective on the intersection of technology and regulatory frameworks. Whether you’re a compliance professional, cybersecurity expert, or simply interested in the future of grid management, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable takeaways. Tune in to stay ahead of the curve and secure your grid’s future!

In this episode of "Navigating the Grid," Kellie Macpherson sits down with Suzanne Keenan to delve into personal and organizational resilience within the renewable energy sector. Drawing from Suzanne's inspiring talk at the TRE Leadership Conference, they discuss how personal resilience has shaped her career, the importance of adaptability in facing regulatory challenges, and strategies for fostering organizational resilience. Suzanne also shares valuable insights on supporting employees in a fast-paced industry and the professional benefits of embracing the power of letting go. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation filled with practical advice and wisdom for renewable industry pioneers!

In this episode of "Navigating the Grid," we delve into the critical topic of NERC alerts and their impact on grid reliability. Join Ben Knowles and our host, Kellie Macpherson, as they explore what happens in real time when it comes to maintaining the stability and security of our energy grid. From the latest cybersecurity threats to various real-time scenarios that operators face, this discussion provides essential insights and updates on NERC-related news. Stay informed and prepared with expert analysis and practical advice on managing grid reliability in the face of evolving challenges.

In this episode, we're thrilled to have Matthew Detmers, Compliance Manager, join us once again. Matthew was our guest on the most popular episode of Season 1, and he's back to dive into a topic that's often overlooked but crucial—NERC compliance in Canada. Join Kellie and Matthew as they explore how the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) extends its reach beyond the United States into Canada, covering provinces like Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. Learn about the unique regulatory frameworks, regional variances, and compliance challenges that Canadian provinces face, and how they mirror the practices in the U.S. Matthew brings his expertise to help us understand the interactions between Canadian provinces and regional entities, offering insights into the compliance processes and standards enforcement. Listen now to gain valuable insights into the intricacies of NERC compliance across North America!

n this episode of "Navigating the Grid," join host Kellie Macpherson as she sits down with Ben Knowles, the Associate Director of Compliance and Risk at Radian Generation. As we approach the summer season, they delve into essential strategies for weather preparedness. From understanding the impact of extreme weather events on energy grids to implementing effective risk management practices, Ben shares invaluable insights to ensure you're ready for whatever the summer weather brings. Tune in to equip yourself with the knowledge to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Embark on a journey through the world of sustainability, innovation, and gender equality in the workplace with Sara Fuentes, co-founder of Smart Waste and host of the Trash Magic podcast. Join us as we delve into the latest advancements in clean technology, share insights on creating a more sustainable future, and discuss the importance of diversity and inclusion in the environmental sector. Whether you're a seasoned eco-warrior or just starting your journey towards a greener lifestyle, this podcast is your go-to resource for all things sustainability. Tune in and join the conversation today! 🌍💥

Join us on Navigating the Grid for an enlightening conversation with Rob Lopez, the Chief Business Development Officer at Nor-Cal. With a career marked by visionary leadership, Rob has been instrumental in Nor-Cal's evolution from a traditional power generation company to the foremost provider of turnkey SCADA, DAS, and MET Station solutions for solar PV and energy storage projects in the U.S. In this episode, Rob shares insights into Nor-Cal's history, from its roots in turbine controls to its current position as a trailblazer in renewable energy. Learn how Rob's people-first approach and commitment to integrity have shaped Nor-Cal's culture and its standing as an industry leader. Discover the transformative projects that have defined Nor-Cal's journey, including pioneering the nation's first utility-scale solar PV project. Gain valuable perspectives on navigating the complexities of the renewable energy sector and building lasting customer partnerships founded on trust and passion. Don't miss this opportunity to gain exclusive insights into the future of sustainable energy and learn from Rob's wealth of experience. Tune in now and be inspired to join the renewable energy revolution. Subscribe now to Navigating the Grid on your favorite podcast platform to stay updated on future episodes and continue exploring the forefront of renewable energy innovation!

Join host Kellie Macpherson on the latest episode, coming live from SAMNA's 10th anniversary as she dives deep into the complex world of regulatory compliance, cybersecurity, and the future of renewable energy. Joined by guests Jim Stuart from NERC, Brent Wachter from Cleanleaf Energy, and Keith Rose from Operant Networks, this episode explores the critical intersection of regulatory frameworks, cybersecurity protocols, and the evolving landscape of renewable energy. From navigating the intricacies of NERC regulations to discussing cutting-edge approaches to cybersecurity, Kellie and her guests provide valuable insights and expert analysis to help listeners understand the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of renewable energy. Tune in for an engaging discussion that sheds light on the key issues driving innovation and sustainability in the energy sector!