Empowering Women in Tech: Lauren Flanagan's Journey to a Greener Future
Welcome to the first episode of the Sesame Solar Podcast! As we kick off this exciting new series, we're honored to delve into a topic that resonates deeply with our values and mission, especially as we celebrate International Women's Month. Joining us in this inaugural episode are Katharine Garth, Marketing Director at Sesame Solar, and our inspiring guest, Lauren Flanagan, the woman CEO and co-founder of Sesame Solar (follow her on LinkedIn).
In today's episode, we're focusing on the incredible journey of Lauren Flanagan in the world of climate tech. Her story is not just about innovation in renewable energy; it's a testament to the relentless spirit of women in technology and entrepreneurship. We explore Lauren's transition from her early days in the software industry to her groundbreaking work in developing Mobile Nanogrids with Sesame Solar. This discussion isn't just about the technical aspects of renewable energy; it's a deep dive into the motivations, challenges, and triumphs of a woman founder in a field that's crucial for our planet's future.
Our conversation with Lauren covers a wide array of vital topics, including the urgent need for renewable energy solutions in disaster response scenarios. Lauren shares insights on Sesame Solar's mission to provide clean mobile power that's both easy to deploy and highly effective. We also get a personal perspective on what drives her commitment to addressing the challenges of climate change.
A crucial part of this episode is discussing the unique experiences and challenges faced by women founders in technology. Lauren provides valuable insights into Sesame Solar's innovative approach, not only in their products, such as sophisticated software platforms but also in their inclusive hiring practices. We delve into the strengths that women bring to the table in this industry and the importance of supporting women entrepreneurs, something Lauren passionately advocates through her involvement with Springboard Enterprises.
As we wrap up this enriching conversation, Lauren shares her invaluable advice for women striving to make a difference, particularly in the field of climate technology. Her words are not just inspiring but also a call to action for all aspiring change-makers.
So, sit back, watch the video, and join us on this enlightening journey as we explore the intersections of technology, sustainability, and women's empowerment with one of the leading figures in the field of climate tech. Welcome to the Sesame Solar Podcast!
Key Takeaways:
- Innovation in Renewable Energy: Sesame Solar's Mobile Nanogrids are a groundbreaking step towards decarbonizing disaster response and off-grid power, illustrating Flanagan's innovative approach to clean energy solutions.
- Women in Leadership: Flanagan's journey showcases the significant impact women can have in technology and entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of female leadership in traditionally male-dominated industries.
- Sustainability as a Core Value: The focus on creating sustainable, efficient solutions for environmental challenges is a testament to Flanagan's commitment to not just business success, but also ecological responsibility.
About Lauren Flanagan:
Lauren Flanagan is a visionary leader in the field of climate technology. With a career that spans from working in the software industry to empowering women entrepreneurs, Flanagan transitioned into climate tech with a mission to make a tangible difference. As the CEO and co-founder of Sesame Solar, she's pioneered the creation of Mobile Nanogrids powered entirely by renewable energy. Sesame Solar, under her leadership, exemplifies a commitment to sustainability and resilience in the face of climate challenges.
Personal Best Advice:
“My advice to female founders entering the Climate Tech market is to solve a specific, problem within a large market category where you can either achieve proof of concept or fail fast on a small amount of capital. If your pilot succeeds, focus on attaining profitable unit economics and getting to breakeven operations to provide optionality in financing the growth of your business.”
