In the race to address climate change, technology often steals the spotlight—solar breakthroughs, carbon capture, electrification, and AI. None of it scales without the right leadership. Green progress depends on the people who can fund, integrate, and lead technology-driven organizations to success. Meet Colin Smith and Kahlil Dumas, co-founders of Execnow, an executive placement firm focused on building leadership teams that can scale climate innovation. They connect mission-driven companies—from emerging startups to established companies—with leaders who can grow sustainable operations and adapt to fast-changing markets.
Execnow often places fractional executives, giving companies flexible access to high-levelIt’sent. It’s a model that aligns with the pace and complexity of climate tech and helps growing firms stay lean as they grow. Colin and Kahlil’s work spans cleantech, regenerative agriculture, biotech, and AI industries, which are being transformed by leaders who can execute and achieve impact. We explore what makes an effective climate leader, how founders can attract the right talent, and why treating people with dignity is more than a personal preference—it’s essential to competing in a global, interconnected market. At a moment when the government is erasing climate language from websites and regulatory systems, Execnow is helping companies double down—not pull back—on building the leadership that can navigate uncertainty and drive lasting change. You can learn more about their work at execnow.co
Editor’s Note: This episode originally aired on April 21, 2025.