In this interview with Pulitzer Prize winning columnist, Maureen Dowd, we discuss her unique take on the Obamas; what Barack’s pop culture preferences reveal about him; and how Michelle is embracing the First Lady role in a refreshing way. Maureen explains her saucy writing style, who inspires her and she reveals her radicalPlan B: if the future of journalism isn’t as rosy as she anticipates.
She’s been described as “The Queen of Snark” – what’s her reaction? (more…)
Apple evangelist and venture capitalist, Guy Kawasakidiscusses the aesthetics of hybrid cars, Tesla Motors, and nuclear power. He also delivers a very memorable lesson about keeping on the good side of the media in this Fresh Dialogues interview. While discussing the relative merits of his Audi R8and a Toyota Priushybrid, he lets his candid attitude prevail, and calls the Prius “ugly.”
“So I just insulted the interviewer?” Guy Kawasaki
Listen to this interview and find out how Guy tries to redeem himself. (more…)
Lena Wilsonhas been described as one of the most powerful women in Scotland. She’s CEO of both Scottish Enterpriseand Scottish Development International, two publicly funded organizations focused on stimulating sustainable growth in Scotland. The country has an ambitious target to provide 50% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020.
I caught up with Lena on a recent trip to Scotland and discussed her role as “Scotland’s chief salesperson.” She explained the political will for its energy targets and described the green strategy: focus on a low carbon future and leverage Scotland’s natural advantages: 25% of Europe’s wind and wave power potential, cool climate; infrastructure and research strengths.
On Scotland’s value proposition
“Scotland has moved significantly up the value chain. It isn’t about cheap assembly plants anymore…Scotland has natural assets, talent, a business infrastructure and science base that can make it the most competitive business location for R & D.”
Kevin Suraceis serious about tackling global warming and argues that producing energy saving building materials can go a long way to cutting down CO2 emissions and reducing energy consumption in the United States. He’s CEO of Serious Materials, a Sunnyvale based maker of eco drywall, windows and other building materials; and frequent speaker * on global warming and the built environment. *His TED speech is worth checking out.
We discussed the influence of Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truthin helping create a market for green products; the pace of global warming; and whether consumers are willing to pay a premium for green. Kevin outlined how his company uses new media to get its message out and why his company is growing rapidly, despite the shrinking economy.
Our Green Mayor was in fine form at SD Forum’sVisionary Awards on June 25th. He made a convincing pitch about why innovators and visionaries should locate in San Jose. In this photo, he’s pointing out his Economic Development teamto the high profile crowd gathered in Atherton; but I think the subliminal message is: WE NEED YOU!
Chuck’s team is working hard to encourage innnovation in San Jose, yet San Jose didn’t make the top ten Green Cities in the U.S. this year, as ranked by Mother Nature Network. Why not? Are these other cities, like Portland (#1) and San Francisco (#2) really doing more, or are they just talking louder about their green achievements? Perhaps San Jose needs an ‘artist in residence at its recycling facilities’ like Mayor Newsom has in San Francisco?
In this Fresh Green Minute highlight, the mayor outlines why a little clean tech startup from, say Kansas, should relocate to San Jose.
“It’s not so much about the money, it’s about the kudos of winning the prize; the recognition from the global marine energy industry.” Paul O’Brien, Scottish Development International
The interview was recorded on February 19, 2009 in Scotland. To listen to the full interview, click here
