Tony Perkins: Green Bubble or Obama Bubble?

Tony Perkins: Green Bubble or Obama Bubble?

By Alison van Diggelen, host of Fresh DialoguesTony Perkins  Fresh Dialogues Interview 2009

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I caught up with Tony Perkins, founder of AlwaysOn and Red Herring Magazine, just before he opened the third annual GoingGreen Conference in Sausalito, California. He agreed to talk for five minutes but well, we got talking…about what’s hot in the green sector, the downside of going green, and his thoughts on a Green bubble …and an Obama bubble. The online media pioneer also shared his predictions for 2010:  citing online video as the highest growth area.

On the power of the green economy

“We’re probably on the steepest innovation curve we’ve ever seen and of course, it’s always the innovation driven companies that create the most growth in the economy and the most new jobs. It’s clear that the world is becoming more committed to being kinder and gentler to itself and that’s going to create a tremendous amount of entrepreneurial opportunities.”

Predictions for 2010: the hot green sectors
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Tom Friedman: China Envy Explained

Tom Friedman: China Envy Explained

By Alison van Diggelen, host of Fresh DialoguesTom Friedman on Fresh Dialogues

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Last week, I sat down with Pulitzer Prize winner, Tom Friedman, just before he delivered a lecture to an expectant Foothill College Celebrity Forum audience at the Flint Center in Silicon Valley.  We discussed his bestselling book, Hot, Flat, and Crowded and why he thinks it’s imperative that the U.S. government jump-start the green economy. According to Tom, creating the right ecosystem is key: funding research, setting price signals and creating incentives to encourage green innovation. Tom admitted to some China envy in that regard. (see below or check out the transcript)

On his motivations for writing “Hot, Flat, and Crowded”

“My concern is about America…imagine if Microsoft were a French company; Google were a Chinese company…What would our standard of living be like? If Energy Technology (ET) is the next big thing, we need to be at the head of the line…By being big in the next big thing, we’ll be seen by the rest of the world as working on the most important problem in the world.”

On the need for Energy Technology

“Demand for clean energy, clean fuel and energy efficiency is clearly going to explode; it’s going to be the next great global industry. I know that as sure as I know that I’m sitting here at De Anza College talking to you.”

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Linda Holroyd: Green investment no longer frilly

Linda Holroyd: Green investment no longer frilly

By Alison van Diggelen, host of Fresh DialoguesFresh Dialogues with Linda Holroyd

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Earlier this year, I met with Linda Holroyd, CEO of FountainBlue, a Silicon Valley based forum that brings together top experts and entrepreneurs in green tech. We discussed why her company is thriving because of the down economy; and why she has faith in the resiliency of green tech. Given that oil and gas prices have tumbled, is there still a pressing case for clean energy and green tech investment?

We discuss:

The mood of FountainBlue’s clean energy group

Her expectations for President Barack Obama’s  stimulus package and her advice to our president.

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Guy Kawasaki: Prius are Ugly

Guy Kawasaki: Prius are Ugly

By Alison van Diggelen, host of Fresh DialoguesGuy Kawasaki on Fresh Dialogues

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Apple evangelist and venture capitalist, Guy Kawasaki discusses 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 R8 and a Toyota Prius hybrid, 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…)

Rob Lamkin: Why Solar is the Solution

Rob Lamkin: Why Solar is the Solution

By Alison van Diggelen, host of Fresh DialoguesRob Lamkin, Cool Earth Solar on Fresh Dialogues

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Here are the highlights of my discussion with Rob Lamkin, CEO of Cool Earth Solar, a concentrated photovoltaic startup based in Livermore.

Why is solar the solution to global warming and energy security?

“Solar energy is the only thing we have in near enough abundance to solve the energy problems we have.”

On hiring new team members

Technical skills are not enough, passion for clean energy  is a prerequisite. “Passion is a filter for us.”

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Adam Jackson: How Twitter is Going Green

Adam Jackson: How Twitter is Going Green

By Alison van Diggelen, host of Fresh DialoguesAdam Jackson on Fresh Dialogues

Download or listen to this lively Fresh Dialogues interview

 

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I caught up with Twitter officianado, Adam Jackson at SDForum’s Teens Plugged in Conference. He talks about how Twitter is going green and how his new book, 140 Characters, a style guide to Twitter, will be released as an iPhone App – a greener and cheaper option than a traditional book.

On Twitter’s green credentials

“If you use Skype to have a conversation instead of flying across the country, you’ve saved money and saved the environment.”

On his book, 140 Characters

“I think a lot of our sales will come from the $4 for a virtual app….its selling point is that it comes instantly … but it’s also a great thing for the earth.”

“It tells you how to post links to get the most clicks.”
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