Most Prominent
How Savvy Founders Source Top-Notch Supplies Without Burning Cash Pg.24
Pg.42
The Only Question That Builds a Legacy (While Everyone Else is Still Stuck Building a Website) Pg.34 Why Smart Brands Never Sell—They Storytell (And Here’s How You Do It Right)
How a Blockchain Visionary is Buildinga New Energy Reality in Latin America
ear Readers,
Astheworldedgesclosertoanet-zerofuture,onetruthisundeniable—thenextgreatindustrial revolutionispowerednotbyfossilfuels,butbysunlight.Theglobalsolarenergymarket,projectedto surpassUSD450billionby2030,standsasoneofthemosttransformativearenasofourtime.Itiswhere innovationmeetsnecessity,wherevisionaryleadersarenotonlyshapingindustriesbutredefininghow humanitypowersitsprogress.
AtMirrorReview,wecontinuetocelebratethosewhochallengeconventionalthinkingandharness technologytoservetheplanet.Inthisspecialedition, “Solar Tech Visionaries: The Most Prominent Leaders, 2025,” wespotlightthepioneersdrivingtherenewablerevolutionforward.Theseleadersare provingthatsustainabilityisnolongeranaspiration—it’sanachievable,profitable,andessentialreality.
OurCoverStoryfeaturesRogerBresch,CEOofFIDCSOLARLtda.,atrailblazerwhose unconventionaljourneyredefineswhatleadershipincleanenergylookslike.Rogerdidn’trisethrough traditionalenergycorridors;instead,hisexpertisewasrootedinblockchain—aworldoftransparency, decentralization,anddigitalempowerment.Yet,inthatverytechnology,hediscoveredthekeytosolving someofrenewableenergy’smostpersistentchallenges.Bymergingblockchain’ssecure,trustlesssystems withthescalabilityofsolarpower,heenvisionedafuturewhereevenenergy-intensiveprocesseslike cryptocurrencyminingcouldbecomecatalystsforsustainabilityratherthandrainsonit.Thisboldfusion wasthefoundationofFIDCSOLAR—acompanybuiltoninnovation,integrity,andimpact.
AlongsideRoger,weshowcaseleaderslikeJohannesPeschel,JoeMastrangelo,CathyZoi,and ChristopherHopper—individualstransformingrenewablepotentialintoglobalprogress.Eachembodies thespiritofwhatthiseditionstandsfor:abrighter,cleaner,andmoreinterconnectedenergyfutureledby humaningenuityandvisionarythinking.
HappyReading!
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Cover Story
Cathy Zoi 20. Christopher Hopper 30. Joe Mastrangelo 38. Johannes Peschel 46.
How Savvy Founders Source Top-Notch Supplies Without Burning Cash 24. 34. The Only Question That Builds a Legacy (While Everyone Else is Still Stuck Building a Website)
42. Why Smart Brands Never Sell— They Storytell (And Here’s How You Do It Right)
How a
You have to show genuine enthusiasm and cultural respect “
ThelightinBrazilhasacertainweighttoit, atangiblepresencethatfeelslesslikea weatherpatternandmorelikeanatural resource,asabundantandelementalastheearth itself.Itisarelentless,life-givingforcethatblankets thevastnation,fromthesprawlingurbanlandscapes ofSãoPaulototheremotecornersoftheAmazon. ItisthislightthatRogerBresch,aSwiss-certified blockchainprofessionalturnedsolar-techvisionary, seesnotjustassunlight,butasuntappedpotential, acurrencywaitingtobeminted,apowersourcefor arevolutionthatisbothtechnologicalanddeeply human.
RogeristheCEOofFIDCSOLARLtda., acompanythat,onthesurface,operatesasa B2Bdistributorofphotovoltaicinstallationsforthe BrazilianandLatinAmericanmarkets.Butto describeFIDCSOLARinsuchsimpletermsisto misstheradicalandintricatemachineryworking justbeneaththesurface.Rogerisnotmerelyselling solarpanels;heisbuildinganecosystem.Heisa manwhospeakswithEuropeanprecisionabout technologiesthatsoundlikethestuffofscience fiction-solar-poweredcryptocurrencymining, decentralizedenergytradingontheblockchain,smart contractsthatmanagemicrogrids-yetheisapplying themtosolvetheveryreal,on-the-groundchallenges ofadynamicandcomplex emergingmarket.
Hisjourneybegannotintheworldofrenewable energy,butintheabstract,cryptographicrealmof blockchain,afieldhedelvedintoin2018.Itwas there,amidstthedigitalledgersanddecentralized networks,thathedevelopedaparallelpassionfor sustainabilityandsawapowerful,symbiotic relationshipwaitingtobeunlocked.
RogerfoundedFIDCSOLARinJanuary2022with avisionthatwasaudaciousinitsscope:toleverage thetransparencyandefficiencyofblockchainto acceleratetheadoptionofsolarenergyinapartof theworldpoisedforexponentialgrowth.Heisa bridgebetweentwoworlds,translatingthehigh standardsofSwisstechnicalexcellenceintoa languagethatresonateswiththepractical, relationship-drivenrealitiesofLatinAmerican business.Heisamanwhounderstandsthatinaplace likeBrazil,trustisnotjustametric;itistheessential infrastructureuponwhicheverythingelseisbuilt.
“
Roger’sdidnotcomeupthroughthetraditionalranksoftheenergy sector.Hisinitialfascinationwaswiththedisruptivepowerof blockchaintechnology,afieldwherehegaineddeepexpertiseand obtainedSwisscertification.Butasheexploredtheintricaciesof thisdigitalfrontier,hebegantoseeitspotentialfarbeyondfinance.
“In the process, I developed a great passion for sustainable energy and recognized the incredible potential of solar energy, especially in emerging markets such as Brazil,” Rogerexplains.
Theideathattookholdwasahybrid,afusionoftwo seeminglydisparateworlds.Hesawhowthecoretenetsof blockchain-transparency,decentralization,andsecurity-couldbe appliedtotherenewableenergysectortosolvesomeofitsmost persistentproblems.Heenvisionedusingblockchaininnovations andeventheenergy-intensiveprocessofcryptocurrencymining, notasadrainonresources,butasacatalystforvaluecreation.
ThiswasthefoundationalconceptbehindFIDCSOLAR.
“I can leverage blockchain innovations alongside cryptocurrency mining to improve transparency, efficiency, impact, and value creation in the renewable energy sector,” hesays.Thecompany wasbornfromthispowerfulsynthesisofdigitalarchitectureand sustainablepower.
FIDCSOLAR’scoreofferingiselegantlycapturedinitstagline: “Buy directly from the supplier.” Atitsheart,itisaB2B marketplace,butonethatismeticulouslydesignedtore-engineer theprocurementprocessforthesolarindustry Themodelisbuilt onseveralkeypillars:
● EliminationofMiddlemen:Theplatformconnectsinstallers, contractors,anddevelopersdirectlywithadiversenetworkof manufacturers,enablingthemtobypassintermediariesand compareawiderangeofproductsandprices.
● TransparentMarketPricing:Byfacilitatingdirectnegotiation, themodelfosterscompetitiveandtransparentpricing,stripping awaythemarkupsthatcaninflateprojectcosts.
● StreamlinedProcurement:Auser-friendlydigitalplatform allowsbuyerstosearch,order,andtrackshipmentsinrealtime, bringinganewlevelofefficiencytologisticsandsupplychain management.
● QualityAssurance:Themarketplaceincorporatessupplier ratingsandreviewsandensuresthatproductscomplywith stringentindustrystandards,leveragingthetrustassociatedwith Swissqualitycontrol.
Thisismorethanjustatransactionalplatform;itisanenginefor growth,designedtoreducecosts,increaseaccessibility,and ultimatelyacceleratetheadoptionofsolartechnologyacross Brazilandbeyond.
Blockchain
ThemostgroundbreakingaspectofRoger’s visionistheintegrationofsolarpowerwith blockchainmining.Formany,cryptocurrency miningisinfamousforitscolossalenergy consumption,amajorpointofcriticismfrom environmentaladvocates.Roger’sapproachflips thisnarrativeonitshead,transforminga perceivedliabilityintoasustainableasset.
“Solar-powered blockchain mining represents a significant advancement in how cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology can be harnessed sustainably,” heasserts.Themechanicsare straightforwardyetprofound.Photovoltaic panelscaptureBrazil’sabundantsunlight, convertingitintoelectricitythatdirectlypowers thehigh-performancecomputers,ormining hardware,requiredtovalidateblockchain transactions.Excessenergycanbestoredin batteries,ensuringaconsistentpowersupply.
Therevolutionaryimpactofthismodelis multifaceted:
1. EnvironmentalTransformation:Byusing clean,renewableenergy,itdrasticallyreduces thecarbonfootprintassociatedwithtraditional mining,aligningtheburgeoningdigital economywithglobalclimategoals.
2. DecentralizationandResilience:Operating off-grid,thesesolar-poweredmining operationsareimmunetodisruptionsinthe traditionalpowersupply,enhancingthe resilienceandtruedecentralizationthatisthe philosophicalcoreofblockchain.
3. NewEconomicOpportunities:Thismodel canunlockeconomicpotentialinregionswith amplesunlightbutlimitedaccesstotraditional energyinfrastructure,empoweringlocal communitieswithnewsourcesofincomeand jobcreation.
Thisinnovativesynergydoesmorethanjust poweranetwork;itcreatesapowerfulincentive fortheadoptionofrenewableenergy, demonstratingaviableandprofitablemodelthat harmonizestechnologicaladvancementwith ecologicalresponsibility
ExpandinganybusinessinLatinAmericacomes withauniquesetofchallenges,andthesolar energysectorisnoexception.Rogeridentifiesa numberofhurdles,butforeachone,FIDC SOLARhasengineeredasolution,often leveragingtheveryblockchaintechnologythat sitsatthecoreofitsidentity.Theopportunities toovercomethesechallenges,hebelieves,liein thestrategicapplicationofthistech.
Heseesseveralpromisingareaswhere blockchaincanrevolutionizetherenewable energyecosystem:
● DecentralizedEnergyTrading:Blockchain canenablepeer-to-peerenergymarkets, allowingconsumerswithsolarpanelstosell excessenergydirectlytotheirneighbors, creatingmoreefficientandempoweredlocal grids.
● TransparentSupplyChains:Itcanprovide animmutablerecordofwhereenergycomes from,allowingconsumerstoverifythatthey arepurchasing100%renewablepower, therebyincreasingtrustandaccountability
● SmartContractsforAutomation: Automatedcontractscanexecuteenergy purchasesandsalesbasedonpre-set conditionslikepriceandavailability, streamliningoperationsandreducing administrativecosts.
● EnhancedManagementofRECsand CarbonCredits:Blockchaincancreatea transparentandfraud-proofsystemfor trackingandtradingRenewableEnergy Certificates(RECs)andcarboncredits, addingimmensecredibilitytocorporateand nationalsustainabilityclaims.
● CrowdfundingandProjectFinance: Itopensupnewavenuesforfinancing renewableenergyprojectsthrough tokenization,allowingsmallerinvestorsto participateinandbenefitfromthegreen energytransition.
Bysystematicallyapplyingthese blockchain-basedsolutions,FIDCSOLARis notjustsellinghardware;itisbuildingamore resilient,transparent,andefficientenergyfuture.
TheSwissSealinaBrazilianMarket
“That works in Germany or Switzerland, but not here in Brazil.” ThisisaphraseRogerhas encounteredfrequently.Establishingcredibilityas aEuropean-trainedexpertinamarketasfiercely proudanduniqueasBrazil’sisadelicate balancingact.TheSwissreputationforquality, precision,andinnovationisapowerfulasset,but itcanalsobeperceivedasrigidoroutoftouch withlocalrealities.
Roger’sapproachtothischallengeisa masterclassinculturalandprofessional adaptation.Hehaslearnedthatcredibilityin Brazilisnotjustabouthavingthebesttechnology; itisaboutbuildingtrustthroughlistening, collaborating,andshowinggenuinerespectforthe localcontext.
Hefacedskepticismabout “imported expertise,” abureaucracythatcanbelabyrinthine,anda marketthatishighlyprice-sensitive.Toovercome thesehurdles,hehasimplementedaclearstrategy:
● CollaborationoverProclamation:Heworks closelywithlocalBrazilianexperts,presenting ideasjointlytobuildtrustandensuresolutions areculturallyandtechnicallyappropriate.
● AdaptationandHumility:Heopenlypresents theadaptationsmadespecificallyforthe Brazilianmarketandapproachesconversations withcuriosity,admittingwhathedoesnot knowandaskinggoodquestions.
● BuildingRelationships:Recognizingthat Brazilianbusinesscultureishighly relationship-oriented,heprioritizespersonal connections,planstoparticipateinlocaltrade fairssuchasIntersolarSouthAmerica,and recognizestheimportanceofpersonalmeetings overcoffeeorachurrasco.
● AdaptingCommunication:Hehaslearnedto softenthedirectEuropeancommunication style,adoptingamoreinformal, relationship-focusedapproachthatresonates moredeeply.
“Credibility,” Rogerreflects, “is not about being the smartest person in the room; it’s about gaining trust through listening, adapting, and creating value in context.”
AtypicaldayforRogerisadynamicblendof globalstrategyandlocalexecution.
“No two days are the same,” hesays. “Every day brings new challenges, and continuous learning is the key to success.” Hisscheduleisfilledwithcalls andonlinemeetingswithinternationalpartnersand manufacturers,interspersedwiththemeticulous workofpreparingquotes.Inanodtothevolatile economiclandscape,FIDCSOLAR’squotesare ingeniouslylinkedtotheliveUSD/BRLexchange rate,ensuringthatcustomersalwayshavethemost currentandtransparentpricing.
Success,forRoger,isnotasinglemetricbuta holisticsetofindicatorsthatmeasurefinancial performance,customersatisfaction,and long-termimpact.TheFIDCSOLARteam tracksarangeofdatapoints:
● EnergyYieldandEfficiency:Monitoringactual versusprojectedenergyproduction.
● FinancialPerformance:CalculatingROIand theLevelizedCostofEnergy(LCOE).
● CustomerSatisfaction:Collectingfeedback throughNetPromoterScores(NPS)and surveys.
● EnvironmentalImpact:MeasuringCO₂ emissionsavoidedandimprovementsinenergy autonomy.
● BlockchainAdoption:Fordecentralized platforms,trackingtransactionvolume,user adoption,andsmartcontractreliability.
“Ultimately,” hesays, “success means delivering reliable, clean energy while building trust, reducing costs, and creating long-term value - both for our customers and the environment.”
Thispassionforinnovationandeducationextends beyondFIDCSOLAR.Rogerisalsothe co-founderofRSA,theRogersSmartDevices Academy,aninitiativededicatedtoadvancing smarttechnologies.Heunderstandsthateducation isthecriticalcatalystforadoption.Bycreating awareness,developingskills,andbuildinga communityofusers,RSAhelpstodemystify complexintegratedtechnologiesanddemonstrate theirtangible,real-worldvalue.
Outsideofhisrelentlessprofessionaldrive, Rogerleadsalifeofdisciplinedfocusand personalwell-being. “Daily strength training and cardio strengthen my body and mental fortitude for my focused life,” heshares.His lifestyleisoneofintention: healthy eating, no alcohol, drugs, or tobacco, and a mindful approach to work-life balance.HeusesNLP (NaturalLanguageProcessing)tohelp visualizeandmanifesthisinnovativeideas, turningabstractconceptsintoconcrete reality.Hissourcesofrechargearehis conversationswithclosefriendsandthe opportunitytotravel,whichhesayshelps himtobethepersonheistoday.
Lookingahead,Rogerisalreadyembarking onhisnextmonumentalprojectasthe ProjectManagerforH2Enterprisesin Brazil.Thisventureaimstoextracthydrogen fromwaste-aresourcefoundinabundance alongBrazil’sroadsides-anduseitto generatecleanelectricalenergy.Itisanother exampleofhisabilitytoseevalueand potentialwhereothersseeonlyproblems, anotherstepinhisquesttobuilda sustainableandprosperousfuture.
Hisfinalmessageisanopeninvitation,a reflectionofaleadershipphilosophy builtonpartnershipandlong-termvision. “Thank you very much for taking the time to read this manuscript,” hesayswith characteristichumility “I look forward to your feedback and criticism. Perhaps this will lead to a partnership for the next 30 years.” Itisafittingsentimentfroma manwhoisnotjustbuildingacompany,but layingthefoundationforanewenergy paradigm,onethatisbuilttolast.
Thetransportationsectorisamajor
contributortogreenhousegasemissions andairpollutionworldwide.In2019, roadtransportaccountedfornearly24%ofglobal CO2emissionsfromfuelcombustion,withan estimated16%increaseprojectedby2030under currentpolicies.Tocombattheenvironmentaland healthimpactsoffossil-fuel-basedmobility,many countriesandregionsarepromotingtheadoption ofelectricvehicles(EVs),whichofferlower emissions,higherefficiency,andloweroperating costscomparedtoconventionalvehicles.However, thelackofsufficientandaccessiblecharging infrastructureremainsasignificantbarriertothe widespreadadoptionofEVs.Thislackof infrastructurecanlimittherange,convenience,and affordabilityofEVs.That’swhereCathyZoi,the ChiefExecutiveOfficerandDirectorofEVgo, stepsin.
CathyZoiisavisionaryleaderandexperienced executiveintherenewableenergysector
Throughouthercareer,shehasdedicatedherselfto advancingcleanenergysolutionsandpolicies acrossdifferentlevelsandsectors.Currently,sheis leadingEVgo,thelargestpublicfast-charging networkforEVsintheUS.EVgoboastsover800 locationsin34statesandservesmorethan220,000 customers.UnderCathyZoi’sguidance,EVgohas experiencedrapidgrowthandcontinuous innovation,allwiththemissionofdelivering convenientandreliableEVchargingforeveryone.
CathyZoihasanimpressivetrackrecordinthe renewableenergyindustry,spanningoverthree decadesandvariousrolesandsectors.
ShestartedasapolicymakerintheClinton-Gore administration,servingastheChiefofStafffor EnvironmentalPolicyintheWhiteHouse.In thisrole,shemanagedateamfocusedon environmentalandenergyissues.Shealso workedattheUSEnvironmentalProtection Agency(EPA),whereshepioneeredtheEnergy Starprogram.Thisvoluntarylabelingscheme promotesenergyefficiencyandenvironmental protection.
Afterleavingthegovernment,CathyZoi pursuedherpassionforrenewableenergyinthe privatesector.Shebecameaninvestor, entrepreneur,andexecutive.Asapartnerat SilverLakeKraftwerk,agrowthequityfund investinginenergyandresourcetechnology companies,sheplayedacrucialrole.Shewas alsothefoundingCEOofFrontierPower,a ruralelectrificationcompanyincubatedby SunEdison.Additionally,sheco-foundedand servedaspresidentofOdysseyEnergy,a distributedgenerationsoftwarecompany.She alsoheldboardpositionsatrenewableenergy companieslikeIceEnergy,SES,andPacific Solar.
CathyZoi’sexperienceextendsbeyondthe privatesector.Shehasalsocontributed significantlytothenon-profitandacademic sectors.AsthefoundingCEOoftheAlliancefor ClimateProtection,establishedandchairedby formerVicePresidentAlGore,shemadea considerableimpact.Furthermore,sheactedas anadjunctprofessorandPrecourtEnergy ScholaratStanfordUniversity,conducting researchandteachingonrenewableenergyand climatechange.
In2017,CathyZoibroughtherwealthofknowledge, expertise,andnetworktoEVgo,joiningastheCEOand Director.Shewasdrawntothecompany’svisionand missionofprovidingfast,convenient,andreliableEV chargingtoeveryone.Shewasalsoimpressedbythe company’suniquetechnology,whichuses100%renewable energytopoweritschargingstations.
EVgo:AGame-ChangerintheEVChargingIndustry
EVgoisacompanydedicatedtoacceleratingthetransition toelectricmobilitybyofferingfastchargingsolutionsfor EVdriversthroughouttheUS.Originallycreatedin2010 asasubsidiaryofNRGEnergy,aprominentpower generationandretailelectricitycompany,EVgobecamean independentcompanyin2016.Today,EVgooperatesthe largestpublicfast-chargingnetworkforEVsintheUS, boastingover800locationsspreadacross34statesand servingmorethan220,000customers.
WhatsetsEVgoapartisitsabilitytoprovidecharging stationsthatdeliverupto350kilowattsofpower,enabling themtochargeanEVbatteryto80%capacityinjust15 minutesorless.Furthermore,theirchargingstationsare compatiblewithallmajorEVmodels,andtheyoffera varietyofpaymentoptions,includingpay-as-you-go, subscriptionplans,andmobileapps.
AnadditionalpointofprideforEVgoisthattheircharging stationsarepoweredsolelyby100%renewableenergy, sourcedfromwindandsolarfarmsacrossthecountry This makesEVgotheonlyEVchargingnetworkintheUSthat cantrulyclaimtobecarbon-neutralandtheonlyonethat canguaranteetheircustomersaredrivingoncleanenergy.
EVgo’schargingnetworkisdesignedtobeflexibleand adaptable,makingitsuitableforinstallationinvarious locations,suchasretailcenters,grocerystores,parking garages,hotels,andworkplaces.Thisversatilityallows themtocatertoawiderangeofcustomers,including individualEVdrivers,fleetoperators,ride-sharing companies,andautomakers.EVgohasalsoformed strategicpartnershipswithkeyplayersintheEVindustry, suchasGeneralMotors,Tesla,Uber,Lyft,andNissan.
Recently,EVgomadeasignificantmovebygoingpublic throughamergerwithaspecialpurposeacquisition company(SPAC),raisinganimpressive$575millionin grossproceeds.ThismomentousstephasmadeEVgoone ofthefirstpubliclytradedEVchargingcompaniesinthe US,solidifyingitspositionasatruegame-changerinthe industry
AstheCEOandDirectorofEVgo,CathyZoiis responsibleforestablishingthecompany’s visionanddirection,aswellasoverseeingits operations,strategy,andgrowth.Sheisalso involvedinproductdevelopment,customer relations,andfundraising.Sheleadswithaclear andcompellingvisionofmakingEVcharging accessible,affordable,andsustainablefor everyone,andastrongsetofvaluesthatguide thecompany’scultureanddecision-making. Thesevaluesincludecustomerobsession, excellence,innovation,teamwork,andimpact. CathyZoibelievesthatEVchargingisnotonly abusinessopportunitybutalsoamoral imperative.Sheisdrivenbyasenseofpurpose andpassiontomakeapositivedifferenceinthe worldandinspireotherstodothesame.
CathyZoiisoptimisticaboutthefutureof electricmobilityandsustainabledevelopment. ShebelievesthatEVsareonthevergeof becomingmainstreamascostscontinueto decline,technologyimproves,anddemand increases.ShealsobelievesthatEVscanplaya vitalroleinachievingtheUnitedNations’ SustainableDevelopmentGoals,asetof17 globalobjectivestoendpoverty,protectthe planet,andensurepeaceandprosperityforall by2030.SheprovidesexamplesofhowEVs cancontributetothesegoals,suchasproviding accesstoaffordableandcleanenergy,reducing greenhousegasemissionsandairpollution, creatingjobsandeconomicopportunities, empoweringwomenandmarginalizedgroups, andenhancingeducationandhealthoutcomes. Shealsoacknowledgescommonmisconceptions andchallengesthatEVsface,suchasrange anxiety,batterydegradation,andpolicybarriers. Sheadvocatesformoreresearch,innovation, andcollaborationtoovercometheseobstacles andacceleratetheadoptionofEVsandEV chargingsolutions.
Let’sbehonest:
Mostsmallbusinessesoverspendonsupplies.Notbecause they’rereckless.Becausethey’rebusy.Buried.Swamped.
Andwhenyourattentionisdividedbetweenkeepingthe books,hiringtherightpeople,managingcustomerissues, andkeepingyourproductorservicealive—thelastthing youwanttodoishuntforbetterdealsoninventory,parts, orpackaging.
Buthere’sthecatch: Suppliesquietlybleedyourprofitmargins.
Notdramatically.Notinonebig,flashymistake. Butdripbydrip,invoicebyinvoice—untilyoulookat yourP&Landwonderwhyyour20%marginlooksmore like9%.
ThatStopsNow.
Thisisnotapostaboutcouponcodesorgeneric“cutcosts” tips.
Thisisatacticalframeworkthatlean,resourceful foundersusetobuybetter,smarter,faster—without compromisingonquality.
Let’sunpackit.Linebyline.Nofluff.
1.You’reNotaCustomer—You’reaBusinessPartner
First,changethewayyouapproachsuppliers.
Mostbusinessownerstreatsupplyvendorslikevending machines:putinarequest,gettheproduct,moveon.
Thatmindsetkeepsyouina transactionaltrap—whichiswhere youoverpaythemost
Greatoperatorsflipthescript.
They build supplier partnerships,not justvendorlists.Thatmeans:
· Callingyoursupplierinsteadof emailing.
· Askingaboutbulkthresholds, paymentterms,freight arrangements.
· Lettingthemknowyourorder frequencyandaveragevolume.
· Negotiatingnotonthepricetag— butontherelationshipvalue.
Becausehere’sthetruth: Vendorscareaboutpredictability morethanprice.
Ifyou’reareliablerepeatbuyer,many willofferflexiblepaymentwindows, earlyaccesstoinventory,oreven waiveshippingfeestokeepyouloyal.
Don’t ask for a discount. Ask for a better deal long-term.
2.StopBuyingfromtheFrontPage
Retailersoptimizetheirwebsitesand catalogstomakeyoubuyfast—not smart.
Ifyou’resourcingfromthesamefive suppliersaseveryoneelse,usingthe defaultSKUs,andneverasking: “Who’sactuallybuildingthisstuff?” —you’reeatingmiddlemancosts everytime.
Thesmarterplay?
Goupstream.
· Forequipment:Findthe manufacturers,notjustthe resellers.
· Forrawmaterials:Locateniche orregionalsupplierswho specializeinyourspace.
· Foroperationaltools:Consider refurbishedorhigh-qualityused gear.
Areal-worldexample?
Farmersbuyingbulkfeedbins directlyfromregional manufacturersaresaving30–50% comparedtothosebuyingvia supplychains.Why?Nomarkup layers.Andthesebinslast10+ years—whichmeansmoreROI perdollarspent.
Used ≠ cheap. Sometimes it's just smart buying from businesses who upgrade faster than they depreciate assets.
3.LocalIsn’tJustEthical—It’s Efficient
Toomanybusinessessleepontheir localvendorsbecausetheythink “local”means“limited.”
That’swrong.
Localsourcingcangiveyou:
· Fasterturnaroundtimes(no7dayshippingdelays).
· Lowerlogisticscosts(local pickup,nofreight).
· Betterservice(becauseyou’rea knownface,notorder#934201).
Andhere’salittle-knownpower move:
Barteringwithlocalvendors.
Thinkdesignservicesinexchange forpackaging.Orpromotingtheir brandtoyourcustomersin exchangefordiscountedgoods.
Trust and proximity build creative deals — not just invoices.
4.BuyinBulk—ButOnlywitha Strategy
Yes,buyinginbulksavesmoney.But onlywhen:
· Youusethatproductconsistently
· Youhavethestoragespace.
· Youcanabsorbtheupfrontcost withoutcashflowpain.
Otherwise,bulkisatrapdisguisedasa deal.
Ifbulkpurchasingfeelsrisky,group buyingisyoursecretweapon. Formapurchasingalliancewith3–5 otherbusinessesinyourniche. Splitthecost.Splittheshipment.Keep yourmarginstight.
Thisworksespeciallywellfor:
· Packagingmaterials
· Perishableingredients(with synchronizedproductionschedules)
· Maintenancepartsorconsumables
Buying together creates scale advantages without scaling too fast.
5.PlaytheTimingGame
Suppliersrunoncycles.
· End-of-quarterclearance.
· Off-seasonpricing.
· Holidayoverstockselloffs.
· Fiscal-year-closediscounts.
Knowingthisgivesyouastrategicedge. Don’tjustbuywhenyourunout.Buy whenthepricecurvedips.Thebest operatorsusepurchasecalendars Theyplanprocurementwindowsaround thesecycles—notonpanicreorders.
Setalertsforseasonaltrendsinyour industry.Keeparunning“nextbuy”list. Even10%offacross20SKUs,4xayear —that'sthousandssavedannually
Buy early. Buy when the market blinks.
You’renotNike.Youdon’tneed brandconsistencyontheboxesyou openbehindthescenes.
Ifyou’repayingapremiumjust because“that’sthebrandwe’ve alwaysused”—askyourself: Isitactuallybetter?Orjust familiar?
Comparison-shopwithspecs.
Lookatmaterialquality,warranty, leadtimes—notlogorecognition.
Newerorupstartbrandsoften overdeliveratlowerpricestobuild marketshare.Youwinbytesting andswitchingwherepossible.
TryA/Btestingyourtopfive purchaseswithalternativesuppliers quarterly.
Trackcost,performance,and feedbackfromyourteam. Familiarity feels safe. But margins don't lie.
7.CreateaSupplierScorecard
Tostayruthlessaboutyoursupply chain,trackmorethanprice.Builda monthly/quarterlysupplier scorecardwith:
· Costperunit(includingdelivery)
· Productdurability/returnrate
· Leadtimeaccuracy
· Paymentflexibility
· Responsiveness
Thenrankyourvendorsandditch thebottom20%.
Noemotion.Justperformance. Greatbusinessesdon’tjusttrack sales metrics.Theytrack spend performancewiththesame discipline.
If you’re not measuring supplier performance, you're not managing it.
8.DocumentYourProcurement Playbook
Here’sadirtytruth:Mostsmall businesseskeepsupplysourcing“inthe owner’shead.”
Thentheownergetssick,hiresabuyer, orscales—andchaosfollows.
Don’twingit.
StartasimplesupplySOP:
· Whereyoubuyfrom(and2–3 backups)
· Whyyouchosethem(price,quality, relationship)
· Howoftenyoubuy(andseasonality notes)
· Whatdealyou’venegotiated(and renewalterms)
Documentingthissavestime. Trainsyourteamfaster. Protectsyoufromkey-manrisk.
Systems scale. Scramble doesn’t.
FinalWord:SmallBusiness,Big Advantage
Thedifferencebetweenascrappy businessandascalableoneoften sitsininvisiblesystems. Procurementisoneofthem.
Whenyoushiftfrompassive buyingtoactivesourcing,you unlock:
· Highermargins
· Moreresilience
· Lessstress
Youstopreactingandstart operating
Sowhetheryou’rerunningarural supplyshop,aSaaSstartupwith physicalcomponents,oralocal foodbrand—rememberthis: Everydollaryousave without sacrificing quality dropsstraightto profit.
Smartsupplychainsaren’ta luxury.They’reaweapon.
Usethemlikeone.
Solarenergyisoneofthemostpromisingsources
ofrenewableenergyintheworld.Ithasthe potentialtoprovideclean,abundant,and affordablepowertomillionsofpeopleandbusinesses whilereducinggreenhousegasemissionsandmitigating climatechange.However,designingandinstallingsolar systemsisnotaneasytask.Itrequirescomplex engineering,accuratesimulation,andefficientworkflow management.That’swhereAuroraSolarcomesin. AuroraSolarisaleadingsoftwareplatformthatenables solarprofessionalstodesign,sell,anddeliverhighqualitysolarprojectsfasterandeasier.Foundedby ChristopherHopperandSamuelAdeyemo,two Stanfordgraduateswhoexperiencedthechallengesof solardesignfirsthand,AuroraSolaraimstotransformthe solarindustrywithcutting-edgetechnologyand innovation.
ChristopherHopperhasalwaysbeenpassionate aboutrenewableenergyandsustainability.Hegrew upinSwitzerland,wherehewasexposedtothe beautyofnatureandtheimportanceof environmentalprotection.Hestudiedmechanical engineeringatImperialCollegeLondon,wherehe co-foundede.quinox,astudent-ledinitiativethat providesoff-gridelectricitytoruralcommunitiesin developingcountries.Healsoworkedasafounding memberofBBOXX,acompanythatmanufactures anddistributessolarhomesystemsinAfricaand Asia.Aftergraduating,hepursuedanMBAat StanfordUniversity,wherehemethisco-founder SamuelAdeyemo,whosharedhisvisionofmaking solarenergymoreaccessibleandaffordable. Together,theydecidedtostartAuroraSolarasa classproject,inspiredbytheirownfrustrationswith theexistingtoolsandmethodsforsolardesign.They wantedtocreateasoftwaresolutionthatwould simplifyandstreamlinetheentireprocess,fromsite assessmenttoinstallation,usingadvancedfeatures suchasremoteshadinganalysis,performance simulation,and3Dmodeling.
AuroraSolarisacloud-basedplatformthatallows solarprofessionalstodesign,sell,anddeliversolar projectswitheaseandaccuracy.Itintegrateswith variousdatasources,suchassatelliteimagery, LiDAR,weather,andutilityrates,toprovide realisticandreliableinformationforoptimalsolar design.Italsoleveragesartificialintelligence, computervision,andmachinelearningtoautomate andenhancevarioustasks,suchasroofdetection, layoutgeneration,andproposalcreation.With AuroraSolar,solarprofessionalscansavetimeand money,increasecustomersatisfaction,andgrow theirbusinesses.AuroraSolarhasbeenrecognized asagame-changerforthesolarindustrybyvarious awardsandaccolades,suchastheU.S.Department ofEnergy’sSunShotAward,theNationalRenewable EnergyLaboratory’svalidation,andtheCalifornia EnergyCommission’sapproval.Ithasalsobeen featuredinprominentmediaoutlets,suchasForbes, TechCrunch,andBloomberg.AuroraSolarserves over7,000customersinmorethan100countries andhasenabledthedesignofover5millionsolar projectsworldwide.
Astheco-founderandCEOofAuroraSolar, ChristopherHopperisresponsibleforsettingthe visionanddirectionofthecompany,aswellas overseeingitsoperations,strategy,andgrowth.He isalsoinvolvedinproductdevelopment,customer relations,andfundraising.Heleadswithaclearand compellingvisionofmakingsolarenergythe dominantsourceofpowerintheworldandastrong setofvaluesthatguidethecompany’scultureand decisions.Thesevaluesincludecustomerobsession, excellence,innovation,teamwork,andimpact. ChristopherHopperbelievesthatsolarenergyisnot onlyabusinessopportunitybutalsoamoral imperative.Heisdrivenbyasenseofpurposeand passiontomakeapositivedifferenceintheworld andtoinspireotherstodothesame.
ChristopherHopperisoptimisticaboutthefutureof renewableenergyandsustainabledevelopment.He thinksthatsolarenergyisonthevergeofbecoming mainstream,asthecostscontinuetodecline,the technologyimproves,andthedemandincreases.He alsobelievesthatsolarenergycanplayavitalrole inachievingtheUnitedNations’Sustainable DevelopmentGoals,whichareasetof17global objectivestoendpoverty,protecttheplanet,and ensurepeaceandprosperityforallby2030.He citesexamplesofhowsolarenergycancontributeto thesegoals,suchasprovidingaccesstoaffordable andcleanenergy,reducinggreenhousegas emissionsandairpollution,creatingjobsand economicopportunities,empoweringwomenand marginalizedgroups,andenhancingeducationand healthoutcomes.Healsoacknowledgessomeofthe commonmisconceptionsandchallengesthatsolar energyfaces,suchasintermittency,gridintegration, andpolicybarriers.Headvocatesformoreresearch, innovation,andcollaborationtoovercomethese obstaclesandacceleratethetransitiontoa renewableenergyfuture.
Let’sGetBrutalforaMinute.
You’renotconfused.
You’re avoiding the real question.
You’renotspinningincirclesbecauseyoudon’tknowhowto buildabrand.Orpriceyouroffers.Orwritetheperfectbiothat screams“humblegenius.”
You’respinningbecauseyou’reaskingweak,genericquestions thatkeepyourpowerdiluted.You’vegotvision-boardglitterin youreyesandyoucan’tseethedamnroad.
You’reasking:
· “WhatshouldIdo?”
· “WhatnicheshouldIpick?”
· “HowdoInotsoundtoobraggywhilealsosounding likeBeyoncé?”
You’rechasinganswerstoquestionsdesignedtokeep you small
NowI’mgoingtosaysomethingyourcoachwon’t. Thosearethequestionsthatamateursask.
Prosdon’task,“WhatshouldIdo?” Theyask,“WhatdoIwanttobeknownfor?”
Readthatagain.
It’sthe power seat.Itdoesn’tcarewhat’strending.It doesn’tcarewhatyourcompetitor’scharging.It doesn’tneedaCanvatemplate.
Itasksyoutostandstillforonesecondandremember: You’renotheretofitin.You’rehereto own your lane.
Andnoonecanownanythingtheyhaven’t claimed. Sohere’sthetruthnoone’sputtingonInstagram: Ifyoucan’tanswer“whatdoIwanttobeknown for?”,thennothingelsematters.
Notthelogo.Notthepackages.NottheDMstrategy Notthethree-partemailfunnel.
Becauseifyoudon’tknow why yourworkmatters,whythe hellshouldanyoneelse?
Let’sTalkAboutYou.No,Seriously
You’vebuilt,orarebuilding,somethingthatmatters.That takesguts.Butsomewherealongtheway,youstopped buildingamovementandstartedbuildingabrochure.
Youoverthinkyourpositioning. Youwaterdownyourmessage.
Youwritecaptionsthatsoundlikeyouswallowedan inspirationalquotebookandpanickedhalfwaythrough.
Meanwhile,therealyou—theonewhohasstoriesthat couldchangelives,lessonsburnedintoherbones,anda truthonly you canspeak—iswaitingtobeinvitedtothe table.
Here’stheplottwist:Youarethedamntable.
LetMeAskYouThis:
· Whatdoyouknowfor sure aboutwhatyouoffer?
· Whatdopeoplesayaboutyouwhenyou’renotintheroom?
· Whatdoyou wish theysaid?
· Whatwouldyoufightfor,evenifnooneclapped?
Ifyoucananswerthat,youdon’tneedto“findyourniche.” Youaretheniche.
Whenyouownwhatyou’reheretobeknownfor:
· Yourbiowritesitself.
· Yourcontentbecomesmagnetic.
· Yourpricingstopsfeelinglikeamathtestandstartsfeeling likeaboundary
· Youstopwaitingforpermissionandstartactinglikethe leaderyoualreadyare.
Youwalkintoroomsdifferently.Youpostdifferently. Hell,youwakeupdifferently.
Becausethisisn’taboutbeingperfect.It’saboutbeing undeniable
Here’sthe3-StepClarityDetox
(Ifyou’vebeenstuckin“I-don’tknow-what-to-say”land,thispart’sfor you.)
1.KilltheMediocreQuestions.
They’redeadweight.Stopasking, “WhatshouldIdo?”and“HowdoI lookcredible?”Askinstead:
· “What’sthestoryonlyIcantell?”
· “WhatamIalreadydoingthat peoplethankmefor?”
· “WhatimpactdoIwantmyname attachedto5yearsfromnow?”
2.ClaimYourCategoryofOne.
You’renotcompeting.You’recreating. You’renotheretofitthemold.You’re heretobreakit.Soask:
· “Whatpartofmyworkisnonnegotiable?”
· “WhatamItiredofapologizing for?”
· “WhatdoIdodifferentlywithout eventrying?”
3.SpeakFromThatPlace.Always.
Stopwritinglikeastranger.Stop diluting.Stopmarketinglikeyou’re askingsomeoneoutonadate.
Startsaying,“Here’sthework. Here’swhyitmatters.Ifit’sfor you,let’sgo.”
BeingtheAuthorityIsn’taTitle.It’s aDecision.
Youdon’tneed10,000followers.You don’tneedtolooklikeanadfor ForbesWomen.Youdon’tneedto speakonfivepanels.
Youneedtostopoutsourcingyour confidencetometricsthatdon’tmatter
Yournamebelongsinroomsyouhaven’tenteredyet—butonlyifyou startusingyourvoicelikeithasadestination.
SoLet’sWrapThisUptheWayItStarted
Pullyourchaircloser
You’renot“figuringitout.”
You’re remembering who the hell you are.
You’reheretobuildsomethingbiggerthanabrand.
You’reheretobe known forsomethingthatoutlivesanysinglecampaign, post,orlaunch.
Sostopwaitingto“haveitalltogether.”
Youalreadyknowwhatyoustandfor.
Nowmakeitundeniable.
FinalPrompt:WriteThisSomewhereBigandLoud
“WhatdoIwanttobeso wildly known for thattheysaymynameinroomsI'veneverevensteppedinto?”
That’stheonlyquestionworthanswering.
Andyou’vealreadygottheanswer.Startsayingitoutloud.
Theworldisfacingacriticalchallengeof transitioningtoacleanandsustainable energysystem.Renewableenergy sources,suchassolarandwind,offergreat potentialtoreducegreenhousegasemissionsand enhanceenergysecurity,buttheyalsoposeamajor problem:intermittency.Howcanweensurethat thepowersupplyisreliableandstablewhenthe sunisnotshiningorthewindisnotblowing?How canwebalancethedemandandsupplyof electricityinacomplexanddynamicgrid?How canwestoreexcessenergyforlateruseorfor emergencysituations?Thesearesomeofthe questionsthatJoeMastrangelo,theChief ExecutiveOfficerofEosEnergyEnterprises,is tryingtoanswerwithhisinnovativebattery technology.
FromGEtoEos:AJourneyofPassionand Innovation
JoeMastrangelohasalonganddistinguished careerintheenergyindustry,spanningnearlythree decadesandvariousrolesandsectors.Hestarted hisjourneywithGE,oneoftheworld’slargest andmostdiversifiedcompanies,whereheheld severalleadershippositionsindifferentbusinesses, suchasPowerConversion,GasPowerSystems, andOilandGas.
Hewasresponsiblefordeveloping anddeployingcommercial-scale energyprojectsaroundtheworld, usingadvancedtechnologiesand digitalsolutions.Hewasalsonamed aGECorporateOfficerin2008,a recognitionofhisoutstanding performanceandcontributiontothe company.JoeMastrangelohas alwaysbeenpassionateabout renewableenergyandsustainability, andhesawtheopportunitytomakea differenceinthisfieldwhenhe joinedEosEnergyEnterprisesasa BoardAdvisorin2018.Hewas impressedbythecompany’svision andmissiontoprovidelow-cost, long-duration,andsafebattery storagesolutionsforthegrid.Hewas alsointriguedbythecompany’s uniquetechnology,whichuseszincbasedchemistrytocreateascalable andmodularbatterysystemthatcan operateinvariousenvironmentsand applications.Hedecidedtotakethe helmastheCEOofEosin2019, withtheambitiontotransformthe companyintoagloballeaderinthe batterystoragemarket.
CEO | Eos Energy Enterprises
EosEnergyEnterprisesisacompany thataimstoacceleratethetransition toacleanandresilientenergysystem byprovidingaffordable,reliable,and sustainablebatterystoragesolutions. Thecompany’sflagshipproductisthe EosZnyth®battery,whichisbased onproprietaryzinchybridcathode technologyandoffersseveral advantagesoverconventional lithium-ionbatteries.TheEos Znyth®batteryhasalongerlifespan, lowercost,highersafety,andgreater environmentalfriendlinessthan lithium-ionbatteries.Itcanalso operateinawiderangeof temperatures,from-30°Cto65°C, withouttheneedforcoolingor heatingsystems.TheEosZnyth® batteryisdesignedtobeflexibleand adaptableandcanbeconfiguredin varioussizesandshapestofit differentcustomerneedsand applications.Thebatterycanbeused forpurposessuchaspeakshaving, frequencyregulation,renewable integration,microgridsupport, backuppower,andmore.The company’stargetcustomersinclude utilities,independentpower producers,commercialandindustrial customers,andgovernmententities. EosEnergyEnterpriseshasastrong trackrecordofdeliveringitsbattery solutionstovariousmarketsand regions,includingtheUS,Europe, Asia,andAfrica.Thecompanyhas alsoestablishedstrategicpartnerships withleadingplayersintheenergy industry,suchasSiemens,Nayo TropicalTechnology,andHecate Energy.Recently,thecompanyhas gonepublicthroughamergerwitha specialpurposeacquisitioncompany (SPAC),raising$230millioningross proceedsandbecomingoneofthe firstpubliclytradedbatterystorage companiesintheUS.
AstheCEOofEosEnergyEnterprises,Joe Mastrangeloisresponsibleforsettingthevisionand directionofthecompany,aswellasoverseeingits operations,strategy,andgrowth.Heisalsoinvolved inproductdevelopment,customerrelations,and fundraising.Heleadswithaclearandcompelling visionofmakingbatterystorageamainstreamand essentialcomponentoftheenergysystemanda strongsetofvaluesthatguidethecompany’sculture anddecisions.Thesevaluesincludecustomer obsession,excellence,innovation,teamwork,and impact.JoeMastrangelobelievesthatbatterystorage isnotonlyabusinessopportunitybutalsoamoral imperative.Heisdrivenbyasenseofpurposeand passiontomakeapositivedifferenceintheworldand toinspireotherstodothesame.
JoeMastrangeloisoptimisticaboutthefutureof renewableenergyandsustainabledevelopment.He thinksthatbatterystorageisthekeytounlockingthe fullpotentialofrenewableenergysourcesandto achievingtheUnitedNations’Sustainable DevelopmentGoals,whichareasetof17global objectivestoendpoverty,protecttheplanet,and ensurepeaceandprosperityforallby2030.Hecites examplesofhowbatterystoragecancontributeto thesegoals,suchasprovidingaccesstoaffordable andcleanenergy,reducinggreenhousegasemissions andairpollution,creatingjobsandeconomic opportunities,empoweringwomenandmarginalized groups,andenhancingeducationandhealth outcomes.Healsoacknowledgessomeofthe commonmisconceptionsandchallengesthatbattery storagefaces,suchascost,performance,safety,and regulation.Headvocatesformoreresearch, innovation,andcollaborationtoovercomethese obstaclesandtoacceleratetheadoptionofbattery storagesolutions.
Let’sgetonethingstraight—noonebuysyour product.Theybuytheirowntransformation.
That’sthepunchlinetoomanyentrepreneursmiss.If you’restillpitchingfeaturesorbraggingaboutyour process,you’releavingmoneyonthetable.
Thetruth?Peoplebuywhentheyfeellikethestory you’retellingsoundslike their story.Notyours.
Andthemostpowerfulwaytomakethathappenisby hijackingsomethingancient:TheHero’sJourney.
Thisisn’tatrend.Thisishumanpsychology.It’swhat ourbrainsdefaulttowhentryingtomakesenseoflife, change,orchallenges.Hollywoodknowsit. High-performingbrandsknowit.
Founderswhobuildcategory-definingstartupsknow it.
Let’sbreakdownhowyouembeditintoyourbrand messaginglikearealstrategist—notacontentcreator who’swingingit.
1.YourCustomerIstheHero.You’reJustthe Guide.AcceptIt.
Thisoneshiftwillcleanup80%ofyourmessaging clutter
Stoptryingtoconvinceyourcustomerhowsmart, qualified,orexperiencedyouare.Theydon’t care—yet.
Theycareaboutthemselves.Theirproblem.Their need.Theirconfusion.Theirdesiretostopthe bleeding.Soputthematthecenterofyourstory
You’renotthemaincharacter You rethepersonwhohelpsthemaincharacter win.
ThinkYoda.ThinkHaymitch.ThinkMoana’s grandmother They’retheoneswhonudgethe herooutoftheircomfortzone,handthemthe compass,andsay, “This way. I’ve walked this road. You're not alone.”
That’syourjob.
Sonexttimeyouwritecontent,don’tstart with, “I help women build soulful businesses.”
Startwiththis:
“You know that feeling when you’ve outgrown your business, but every pivot feels risky and wrong? Let’s fix that.”
Seethedifference?
2.TheProblemIsn’tJustaProblem—It’s theCalltoAdventure
Yourcustomer’sstuckmoment?That’swhere yourstory starts.
Notyouroriginstory.Notyour“why.”Theirs. Youneedtoarticulatethetensionthey feel—butcan’talwaysname.
Whendoneright,theyreadyourcontentand say, “Wait, how are you in my head?”
That’swhentheykeepscrolling.
Here’showyougetthatclarity:
· Lookatwhatyourbestclientssaidwhen theyhiredyou.
· CheckDMs.Emails.Exitsurveys.
· Payattentiontowheretheyalmostgave up.
· Usetheir actual words.Don’ttranslate themintobrandlanguage.
Example:
· Not: “I help burned-out professionals realign with purpose.”
· Try: “You thought quitting your job would feel like freedom. But now it’s 2PM, and you’re Googling how to price your service—again.”
That’sthecalltoadventure.
Makeitsovividtheyfeelslightly uncomfortablereadingit.That’swhenthe shiftstarts.
3.YouStepIn.NotWithHype—With Help.
Here’swheremostbrandsgowrong.They hear“guide”andthinkitmeans“guru.”
Nope.
Yourjobisn’ttosoundimpressive.It’sto offersomethingsolidtheycanuse today Somethingthatbuildstrustwithoutpressure.
Youofferawayforwardthatfeelssafe. Predictable.Testable.
Youbreakdownthenextstepsclearly.Like this:
“We map out your new messaging in 90 minutes. Then you try it out. We adjust what doesn’t land. You go live without overthinking it.”
That’saplan.
Youdon’tneedfireworks.Youneedstructure.
Shareasmallsuccessstory.Showproof.Bereal.Noneedforpolished perfection.That’snotwhatbuildsconversion.
Claritydoes.
4.ThenYouSelltheTransformation.NottheOffer.
Peopledon’tcareaboutyour6-weekprogram,yourgroupcalls,your templates.
Theycareaboutwhatchangesafterworkingwithyou. Sostoplistingdeliverableslikeamenu.Paintaclearbefore-and-after picture.
Makeitsogrounded,theycanvisualizethemselveslivingitnextweek.
Here’swhatthatsoundslike:
· Before: “I hate marketing. It feels fake. I never know what to post.” · After: “Now I write posts in 30 minutes flat—and people DM me saying, ‘This hit hard.’”
That’sreal.
You’reshowingthemthenewidentitywaitingontheothersideofthe work.
It’snotabout“6coachingcalls.”It’sabout“knowingwhattosaywhen someoneaskswhatyoudo.”
Sell that.
5.YouDon’tNeedaFunnel.YouNeedaNarrativeArc.
Let’sgetpractical.
ThisiswhattheHero’sJourneylookslikeinyourcontentecosystem:
Usethismap.Repeatit.Rotateitthroughyourchannels. Don’tjust“postvaluablecontent”—build narrative momentum.
6.IfYourBrandIsn’tSticky,YourStory’sNotSharp Enough
Mostpeopledon’tquityourcontentbecauseit’sbad. Theyquitbecauseit’svague.
You’renotnamingthetension.You’renotarticulatingthe shift.You’renotclosingtheloop.
Here’swhatfixesthat:
· Cut80%ofyouradjectives.Add20%moreverbs.
· Don’ttellpeopleyou’re“aligned.”Tellthemyou stoppedcryingonSundaynights.
· Don’tsayyouhelppeople“scale.”Sayyouhelped someonedoublerevenuewithoutdoublinghours.
Storystickswhenit moves.
7.LetTheirEndingBeYourBeginning
Here’sthebigone.
Whenpeopleseethemselvesinyourclients’wins,they self-select tostartthejourney
Sobuildyourcontentaroundtransformationsalready happening.
Documentyourclient’sfirstwins.Themessymiddle. Thesurpriseoutcomes.
Saythingslike:
· “Whenwestarted,Samwasn’tevensureshehadareal business.Today,shebookedoutQ3intwoweeks.”
· “Miratoldmeshefeltinvisible.Lastweek,shegother firstpressmention.”
Thesearen’ttestimonials.They’remini-herojourneys. Andtheyshowyouraudienceonething: This is possible for you, too.
NoOneBuysCoaching.OrCourses.OrSystems. Theybuybelief.
Beliefthat this time,they’llmakeitwork.Beliefthat someoneactuallyunderstandswhattheyneed.Beliefthat theywon’twastemoneyagain.
Storiesgivethemthatbelief.
Nothype.Nothacks.Nothigh-ticketurgencytactics. Stories.
Andnotjustanystory—astorywherethey win. That’stheonlypitchthatreallyworks.
FinalWord
Look.We’renotsellinglipstickhere.We’rebuildingtrust withpeoplewho’velikelybeenburnedbefore.Thattakes somethingdeeperthandopaminemarketing.
Ittakesnarrativestrategy
Soditchtheguruvibes.Stepintotheroleyou’reactually builtfor:thewomanwhoshowsupwithamap,amirror, andaflashlight.
You’renotsellingservices. You’resellingself-belief.
Getyourstorystraight—andwatchwhathappensnext.
JohannesPeschel
isavisionaryentrepreneurandengineer whoisrevolutionizingtheuseofwindenergythrough kites.Asthe of ,aDutch CEOandfounder Kitepower companyspecializinginairbornewindenergysystems,Peschel andhisteamhavedevelopedinnovativetechnologythatutilizes tetheredkitestogenerateelectricityfromhigh-altitudewinds. Offeringaflexible,cost-effective,andsustainablealternativeto conventionalwindturbines,Kitepowerisattheforefrontof renewableenergysolutions.
Peschel’sfascinationwithkitesbeganduringhischildhoodwhen hewouldflythemalongsidehisfatherinGermany Thispassion forkitesgrewashebecameanavidkitesurfer,revelinginthe excitementofridingthewind-poweredwaves.Alongsidethis, Pescheldevelopedakeeninterestincomputerscienceand engineering,pursuinghisstudiesattheTechnicalUniversityof BerlinandlateratDelftUniversityofTechnology.Duringhis timeatDelft,Peschelworkedcloselywiththerenownedkite powerresearchgroupofthelateastronautandprofessorWubbo Ockels,culminatinginhismaster’sthesisfocusedonthecontrol ofautonomouskitesforpowergeneration.
Drivenbyhisloveforkitesandcleanenergy,Peschelco-founded Kitepowerin2016alongsideRolandSchmehl,anassociate professoratTUDelftandaleadingexpertinaerodynamicsand fluidmechanics.Together,theyrecognizedtheimmensepotential ofharnessingtheabundantandconsistentwindresourcesat higheraltitudes,wheretraditionalwindturbinesareunableto operateefficiently.Furthermore,PeschelandSchmehlunderstood thenumerousadvantagesthatkitespossessoverotherairborne windenergysystems,suchasreducedmaterialandmaintenance costs,simplifiedtransportationandinstallation,andminimal visualandenvironmentalimpact.Withtheseinsights,Kitepower ispioneeringthewayforwardinthefieldofrenewableenergy
Kitepowerenvisionsmakingrenewableenergy accessible,affordable,andreliableforeveryone, particularlyinremoteandoff-gridareaswhere conventionalwindandsolarpowerarenotfeasibleor cost-effective.Kitepower’stechnologyinvolvesa groundstationthatcontrolsakiteflyinginacircular motionatanaltitudeofupto500meters.Thekitepulls atetherthatdrivesageneratoronthegroundtoproduce electricity Thesystemcanfunctioninawiderangeof windspeedsanddirectionsandcanbeeasilydeployed andretracted.
Kitepowercurrentlyoffersa100kWmobileenergy systemthatcanpowerupto200householdsorcharge upto50electricvehiclesperday.Thesystemis designedtobemodular,scalable,andadaptableto differentapplicationsandmarkets.Kitepowerserves variouscustomers,includingthemilitary,humanitarian, industrial,andagriculturalsectors,aswellas communitiesandbusinessesinremoteandisland regions.Kitepower’ssolutionscandecreasediesel consumption,greenhousegasemissions,noise pollution,andenergycostswhileenhancingenergy securityandresilience.
Peschelisnotonlyasuccessfulentrepreneurbutalsoan innovatorintherenewableenergysector.Heis dedicatedtodevelopingandenhancingKitepower’s technologywhileexploringnewopportunitiesand partnerships.Heoverseesthecompany’sstrategy, operations,andfinances,alongwiththeengineering, research,anddevelopmentteams.Heisalsoinvolvedin testing,installing,andmaintainingthesystems,often travelingtovariouslocationsandcountries.
PeschelhasguidedKitepower’sgrowthandrecognition, securingfundingfromvarioussources,includingthe EuropeanUnion’sHorizon2020program,theDutch MinistryofEconomicAffairsandClimatePolicy,and privateinvestors.Hehasalsoestablishedcollaborations withseveraluniversities,researchinstitutes,and industrypartners,suchasTUDelft,Wageningen University,FraunhoferIWES,Shell,andE.ON.Hehas receivedawardsandnominations,includingthePhilips InnovationAward,theAccentureInnovationAward,and theGlobalInnovationAward.ABelieverinRenewable EnergyandSustainableDevelopment.
Peschelstronglybelievesthatrenewable energyisnotonlynecessarybutalsopresents anopportunityforachievingsustainable development.Heviewsrenewableenergyasa crucialdriverforeconomicgrowth,social equity,andenvironmentalprotection.He arguesthatitcancreatejobs,lowercosts, improvehealth,andincreaseresilience.He alsochallengescommonmisconceptionsabout renewableenergy,suchasitsintermittency, reliability,andaffordability.Peschelis optimisticaboutthefutureofrenewable energy,particularlyinlightoftheCOVID-19 pandemic.Thepandemichasexposedthe vulnerabilitiesandinefficienciesofthefossil fuel-basedsystem,creatinganopportune momenttoacceleratethetransitiontoaclean energyeconomy.Governments,businesses, andconsumersarenowmoreawareoftheneed andbenefitsofrenewableenergy.Peschel urgesallstakeholderstoseizethismomentand investinrenewableenergysolutionsthatcan havelastingvalueandimpact.
Pescheloffersadvicetothoseinterestedina careerorbusinessinrenewableenergy.He emphasizestheimportanceofcuriosity, creativity,andcollaboration.Itiscrucialto learnabouttherenewableenergysector, includingitstechnologies,markets,and policies.Thinkingoutsidethebox, experimenting,andinnovatingarealso essentialasrenewableenergyisadynamicand evolvingfieldthatrequiresconstantadaptation andimprovement.Moreover,Peschel highlightsthesignificanceofworkingwith others,buildingpartnerships,andfosteringa cultureoftrustandcooperation.Renewable energyisacollectiveendeavorthatrequires collaborationacrossdifferentsectors, disciplines,andboundaries.
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