Powering Your Career

By: David Smith
  • Summary

  • Powering Your Career Podcast 🎙️

    Bringing You Insights from Australia’s Energy Leaders

    Welcome to the Powering Your Career Podcast, a show dedicated to exploring the energy transition and the professionals shaping its future. Hosted by David Smith, founding partner and director of West Energy and West Recruitment, this podcast delivers authentic conversations with senior leaders from Australia’s energy sector.

    Whether you’re an experienced energy professional or considering a career transition into the industry, this podcast will equip you with:
    ✅ Career development insights from top energy executives
    ✅ Leadership lessons in a rapidly evolving sector
    ✅ Perspectives on the energy transition and its challenges
    ✅ Mental health and wellness strategies for thriving in a high-pressure industry

    Why Listen to Powering Your Career?

    The energy transition is one of the biggest shifts in Australia’s economy, and it’s being led by people who are navigating new technologies, policies, and challenges. Our goal is to bring you real stories and actionable advice from energy leaders who have built successful careers and are shaping the future of the sector.

    Meet Your Host: David Smith
    David Smith has over 20 years of experience in executive recruitment and leads a team specializing in placing professionals across the entire energy supply chain. His passion for connecting great talent with transformative opportunities makes him the perfect host to guide you through these conversations.

    Copyright 2025 David Smith
    Show more Show less
Episodes
  • Episode 2: Powering Your Career - Daphne Yao CEO Valent Energy - ep002
    Jan 30 2025

    Episode 2: Leading with Curiosity & Courage – Daphne Yao, CEO of Valent Energy ⚡🎙️

    In this episode of Powering Your Career, host David Smith (Founding Partner & Director, West Energy & West Recruitment) sits down with Daphne Yao, CEO of Valent Energy, to explore her incredible career journey - from corporate law to leading the charge in energy retail, infrastructure, and green hydrogen.

    Daphne’s path is a testament to the power of curiosity, resilience, and saying yes to new opportunities. She shares her insights on leadership, the energy transition, and why diversity in decision-making is key to driving real change.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
    ⚡ Navigating a non-traditional career path – How Daphne went from corporate law to executive leadership in energy
    ⚡ The power of saying yes – How embracing opportunities can accelerate your career
    ⚡ Leadership insights – Why diverse perspectives make stronger teams and better decisions
    ⚡ The future of energy – Daphne’s take on innovation, infrastructure, and Australia’s energy transition
    ⚡ Mental wellness & work-life balance – How she stays grounded while leading in a high-pressure industry
    ⚡ A surprising personal passion – How Daphne’s love for LEGO 🧩 fuels her creativity and problem-solving skills

    Why This Episode Matters 🌏
    The energy industry is evolving rapidly, and leaders like Daphne pave the way for a more innovative, inclusive, and sustainable future. Whether you’re already in the industry, considering a transition, or looking for leadership inspiration, this episode is packed with practical advice and real-world insights.

    Let us know your thoughts in the comments - what’s your biggest takeaway from Daphne's journey?

    Show more Show less
    58 mins
  • Episode 1: Powering Your Career - Guy Chalkley CEO Endeavour Energy - ep001
    Jan 17 2025

    🎙️ Powering Your Career – Episode 1 | Guy Chalkley, CEO of Endeavour Energy NSW

    In this inaugural episode of Powering Your Career, host David Smith (Founding Partner & Director, West Energy & West Recruitment) sits down with Guy Chalkley, CEO of Endeavour Energy NSW, to discuss:

    His career journey from accountant to energy leader
    The energy transition & why people—not just technology—will drive its success
    Advice for career changers moving into the energy industry
    Leadership lessons & building high-performing teams
    Mental health & resilience in high-pressure industries

    Australia’s energy sector is evolving rapidly, and Guy’s insights offer valuable career guidance for both seasoned professionals and those looking to transition into the industry.

    Follow & Subscribe to stay updated on new episodes!


    Let us know your thoughts in the comments—what’s your biggest takeaway from Guy’s journey? 🚀

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 11 mins

What listeners say about Powering Your Career

Average customer ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.