Jonathan Trudel is a seasoned professional in the Climate Tech industry, dedicated to advancing sustainable energy solutions. With a rich background in business development and sales, Jonathan has spent his career driving innovation within the sector, focusing on transforming the U.S. electrical grid. He holds dual degrees in German and Political Science from Hartwick College, where he was also a recipient of the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship. This enabled him to study abroad in Germany and Austria, experiences that profoundly shaped his global perspective and commitment to environmental sustainability. Jonathan is an avid outdoorsman, leveraging his passion for nature to fuel his professional endeavors. His personal and professional journeys are deeply intertwined, reflecting his belief that personal passions can significantly enhance professional pursuits and contribute to meaningful global change.
What does your typical day look like?
My typical day starts with an early morning run or cycle; it’s essential for clearing my mind and energizing my body. I then dive into work, which involves a mix of project management, strategy meetings, and collaboration with my team. To stay productive, I prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact, ensuring that I’m not just busy, but also effective. Regular breaks are key for maintaining my focus, so I take short walks or do brief stretching exercises to stay sharp.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I start with extensive research and brainstorming sessions with my team. We evaluate the feasibility and potential impact of each idea. Once we settle on a direction, I like to create a detailed action plan and set milestones. Regular check-ins and adjustments based on feedback and results help us stay on track and adapt to new insights as we progress.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Time-blocking is a habit I swear by. Allocating specific chunks of time to different tasks helps me maintain focus and prevents the day from slipping away into a blur of meetings and emails.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to worry less about the traditional career path and more about what excites and motivates you. The skills and passions you develop by following your interests can unexpectedly become your career’s foundation.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that extreme sports athletes can teach us more about risk management and resilience in business than many traditional business courses. Their ability to assess, take, and manage risks under extreme pressure is unparalleled.
What is the one thing you recommend everyone else do?
Reflect on your experiences. Regular reflection helps me understand what strategies work, what doesn’t, and how I can improve. This practice can apply to anyone, in any field, as a means to continuous improvement.
What is one failure in your career, and what lessons did you learn from it?
I took a job that didn’t align with my passions or values. It didn’t take long to feel burnt out. I overcame this by realigning my career path towards roles that matched my interests in sustainability and technology. The lesson was clear: alignment of personal values and professional work is key to long-term satisfaction and success.
What is one business idea you’re willing to offer?
Something that connects people with local, sustainable businesses and eco-friendly products. It would not only help consumers make more environmentally conscious choices but also support small businesses committed to sustainability.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive?
Netsuite for managing projects and tasks. I use it to organize everything from daily tasks to long-term projects, which helps keep the team on the same page and me on track with my responsibilities.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
A book that has profoundly impacted me is “The Overstory” by Richard Powers. It intertwines the lives of various characters and their unique relationships with trees and nature, reminding us of the intricate and often overlooked connections between human life and the natural world. It has reinforced my commitment to environmental sustainability and has given me a deeper appreciation for the ecosystems I strive to protect.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed Oppenheimer in theaters. Seeing that part of history from Robert Oppenheimers’s perspective was fascinating.
Key takeaways
Integration of Passions and Profession
Value of International Experience
Stay adaptable