“Don’t wait until someone gives you a formal leadership roll—leadership [can] shine through when you are able to influence a group, team, or decision without being officially or hierarchically in the position of leadership.”
In a prior position as general manager of Dow Solar, Palmieri (who trained as a mechanical engineer) drove strategy and commercialization of DOW Powerhouse Solar Shingles. Now she continues to lead in sustainable energy and efficiency while also championing the corporation’s climate change policy proposals.Her beliefs on sustainability leadership:
“Goals are critical for making progress and energizing the organization. Bold goals that align to a sustainability vision not only can demonstrate to the market that you are a sustainability leader, but also motivate employees, who are more commonly choosing employers based on their commitment to the future.”
“Collaboration is absolutely essential. Our sustainability challenges are so multi-dimensional that anyone who thinks they can go it alone probably will not get very far. Collaborate with the markets, with industry peers, with NGOs and with governments. As co-chair of the Alliance to Save Energy, I’m seeing that collaborating across industries can help drive energy efficient technologies into practice, as one step toward a sustainable future.”
“Communication of the value of sustainability is tough but critical. We need consumers to be aware of how they are impacted by energy efficiency, and to ask for technology that will save energy and save them money.
“Sustainability innovation takes time and patience. Like any new product, commercialization of a sustainable technology can proceed at its own pace, and understanding how that product fits into the long term sustainability needs of the market can be critical to maintaining focus on its success.”
“Business and public policy have to be in sync to enable sustainable technologies to succeed.To be a real sustainability leader, you have to be in sync with public policy, and encourage public policy that helps us get to where we all want to go.”
“I find that many young women are too reticent to ‘embrace their inner leaders’ early in their careers.Don’t wait until someone gives you a formal leadership roll—leadership [can] shine through when you are able to influence a group, team, or decision without being officially or hierarchically in the position of leadership.”
is an independent business writer based in Chicago, with two Eddie Awards and a book to his credit. He also renovates and manages vintage properties, maintains organic gardens, is an avid urban bicyclist, and has competed in 65 triathlons on three continents.
