The world is constantly changing, and with that come economic opportunities. More and jobs and investments are being made in renewable energy and cleantech. Lian de Castro, CFO of TS Conductor made a later transition into renewable energy. Let’s get to know Lian better and learn more about his experience transitioning to work in renewable energy.
What is TS Conductor?
Formed in 2018, TS Conductor (Total Solution), Inc. developed a conductor that outperforms all current transmission & distribution conductors on the market.
Who is Lian De Castro?
Lian De Castro, TS Conductor’s Chief Financial Officer, has an MBA from Columbia Business School. Lian has extensive international experience in solar, and other renewable and infrastructure development projects including in the Euro area, Asia and Latin America, with responsibilities for project financing, M&A and private equity. Lian graduated from Universidad Pontificia de Comillas.
Lian, thank you for being here. Tell us a little bit about you and your background:
I started in the infrastructure / transportation finance world and transitioned to renewable energy first and to climate later almost by accident. I have never been an environmentalist so I am kind of a relatively late convert. Another transition I made is from public corporates to small and more daring projects so ending up in a startup seems like the logical conclusion.
Now I am working on a solution – a new type of conductor – to upgrade the power grid and allow for more transmission and more distribution, something that is fundamental to allow for its decarbonization.
What is a fun fact about you?
The first time I made some ‘serious’ money was as a contestant at a TV show in my home Spain. You would be surprised by the number of people who watch those things. As soon as the show was on air (no internet back then) my phone would go bananas until it ended and back the same day.
Why do you think climate change and sustainability is such an important topic today?
Because the barn is on fire. We slept on the problem when it was one of smaller scale. Now we need all hands on deck. In 20 years, we will look back and history will not be lenient with those who do not do their part; more and more people are realizing that everyday.
What do you envision your industry looking like 10 years from now?
One way to answer that question is saying that it is the biggest money making opportunity of our lifetime since it will have such a deep effect into everything we do. Climate is not a vertical, it is going to permeate all verticals until all businesses are climate businesses.
What can the average person do to make a difference?
Electrify everything! Car, heating, stove, everything. Everything has to go.