Real Assets, Real Leaders – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of Real Assets, Real Leaders, we sit down with Giles Hanglin, CEO of Apatura Energy, to explore the challenges and opportunities of scaling a high-growth renewable energy business.

With extensive experience in battery storage, infrastructure development, and energy transition, Giles shares valuable insights on:

•⁠ ⁠Scaling a business in the renewable energy sector – Growing Apatura Energy from 12 to 40+ employees in just a year.

•⁠ ⁠The future of battery storage & energy resilience – Why large-scale storage is critical for net zero.

•⁠ ⁠How AI & data centres are shaping energy demand – The surprising connection between tech and energy infrastructure

•⁠ ⁠Funding challenges & strategies in the energy sector – What it takes to secure investment in a fast-changing market.

•⁠ ⁠Leadership lessons from a rapidly growing company – Building a strong team, adapting to change, and staying ahead in the industry.

⁠Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or passionate about the future of renewable energy, this episode is packed with actionable insights and strategic takeaways. Giles’ leadership journey and experience in building a 10.5GW energy portfolio make this a must-listen!

Giles’ Links:

🌍 https://apatura.energy/

🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/giles-hanglin/

Our Links:

🌍 https://www.sonderandmetric.com/

🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-foulkes-46273388/

In our first episode of Real Assets, Real Leaders, we sit down with Mike Cooke,MD, CEO of Vital Energi, to explore the future of sustainable energy and leadership in the infrastructure sector. With decades of experience driving innovation in energy solutions, Mike shares invaluable insights on:

- The role of decarbonisation in shaping the energy landscape

- Leadership lessons from running a high-impact company

- How Vital Energi is tackling climate challenges with cutting-edge solutions

- The importance of collaboration in delivering large-scale infrastructure projects

- Advice for aspiring leaders in sustainability and energy

Whether you're a business leader, energy enthusiast, or just curious about the future of sustainable infrastructure, this episode delivers actionable insights and thought-provoking discussions. Mike’s hands-on experience and leadership wisdom make this a must-listen!

Mike’s Links:

⁠www.vitalenergi.co.uk/⁠

⁠www.linkedin.com/in/mike-cooke-b7831835/⁠

Our Links:

⁠https://www.sonderandmetric.com/⁠

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-foulkes-46273388/⁠

In this episode of Real Assets, Real Leaders, we’re joined by Dan Wells, Partner at Foresight Group, to explore how strategic infrastructure investing is shaping the energy transition.

With decades of experience across global markets, Dan shares thoughtful insights on:

•⁠ ⁠Deploying capital for impact – How Foresight is scaling clean energy and natural capital investment across Europe and beyond.

•⁠ ⁠The shift from early to mid-transition infrastructure – Why storage, grid, and long-duration assets are essential for the next chapter of net zero.

•⁠ ⁠Lessons from global project development – What Dan learned from investing in Asia, managing multi-country portfolios, and navigating cultural nuance.

•⁠ ⁠Building a purpose-driven investment career – How values, perseverance, and leadership shaped his journey from history major to energy fund partner.

This episode is packed with reflections on sustainable investing, team-building, and how to lead with intention in a rapidly evolving market. Whether you're in infrastructure, finance, or simply curious about the forces driving net zero, Dan’s journey offers practical wisdom and perspective.

🔗 Connect with Dan Wells:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-wells-0118396/

https://foresight.group/

🌍 Our Links: https://www.sonderandmetric.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-foulkes-46273388/

In this episode of Real Assets, Real Leaders, we sit down with Richard Burrell to explore the evolving landscape of renewable energy investment and infrastructure.

With deep expertise in financing energy projects, scaling sustainable businesses, and navigating the energy transition, Richard shares valuable insights on:

• The role of investment in clean energy growth
• How capital is shaping the future of renewables.
• Navigating risks & opportunities in the energy sector .
• What investors look for in large-scale projects.
• The evolving grid & energy storage market.
• Why infrastructure innovation is crucial for net zero.
• Lessons from leading energy businesses
• Strategies for scaling and sustaining success in a dynamic industry.

Whether you're an investor, entrepreneur, or energy enthusiast, this episode offers strategic takeaways on funding, infrastructure, and the road ahead for the energy transition.

🔗 Connect with Richard Burrell

https://bringenergy.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-burrell-39487330/

🌍 Our Links:

https://www.sonderandmetric.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-foulkes-46273388/