Work That's Worth It
You are rich in hours—around 90,000 of them! For many of you, repeating the professional paths of your parents is not appealing. Particularly because their career choices often lacked purpose and put our planet in danger. Or they devoted their lives to a great cause, but money was scarce. You are craving a broader definition of “success” and need inspiration and role models to show you a different way. That much is clear.
Thankfully many young professionals like you want careers that provide income along with impact. More importantly, you are looking for work worth your valuable time, allowing you to be part of something bigger. However, finding real examples across various industries to achieve this balance is challenging. Fortunately, the Work That’s Worth It podcast connects those dots for you.
Each episode features an inspiring ‘Disruptor for Good’ who has transformed their career hours into a powerful force for positive change. Join host Georgi Enthoven for casual, insightful interviews featuring extraordinary role models from around the globe. The hand-picked guests demonstrate how they aligned their ambitious contributions to the world with matching compensation. They will show you that it is possible to combine a worthwhile contribution with meaningful compensation by investing in yourself and making intentional choices.
Whether you're a recent graduate or an ambitious young professional eager to make a difference, Work That’s Worth It offers a roadmap to turn your career into a vehicle for personal growth and a positive impact. Don’t wait for your ‘second act’ in your career. Tune in now to unlock your potential and start creating the change you wish to see in the world from the get-go.
Work That's Worth It
S1E2: Breaking Big Law's Burnout Culture: A Renewable Energy Firm's Revolutionary Approach
Is Big Law’s relentless grind the only path for lawyers? Brad DeJean doesn’t think so. In this episode of Work That’s Worth It, we explore how Brad and the Clean Energy Counsel are redefining the legal industry by prioritizing balance, purpose, and impact, all while leading the way in renewable energy law.
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With decades of experience advising developers, investors, and lenders on renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure projects, Brad saw firsthand the inefficiencies of traditional law firms. Determined to build something better, he co-founded the Clean Energy Counsel (CEC), a values-driven firm designed to deliver industry-focused expertise and responsive service to get renewable energy projects developed, financed, and built.
Join us as Brad shares his journey from Big Law burnout to creating a thriving firm where meaningful work and a fulfilling personal life go hand in hand. You’ll also find out how the CEC’s bold approach challenges outdated norms and proves that you can have a successful career without sacrificing family time, balance, or purpose. If you’re ready to redefine your career on your own terms (and dive into the world of renewable energy law), this is the episode for you!
Highlights:
- How the CEC became a values-driven law firm focused on renewable energy.
- Brad DeJean’s path to law: from engineering to philosophy to ethics and the legal field.
- What drew him to renewable energy law and how he turned it into a business opportunity.
- Combining an impactful career with securing a sustainable future for the next generation.
- Trade-offs that CEC employees make: exchanging higher pay for the freedom of flexible time.
- Brad’s advice for anyone interested in pursuing a career in renewable energy law.
- How professional relationships and connections can open the door to a meaningful career.
- Adaptability, curiosity, kindness, empathy, and other qualities needed to thrive in this field.
- Ways that AI is changing the legal landscape and why human judgment will remain critical.
- The vital role that ethics and mission alignment play in guiding the CEC’s decisions.
- Early remote work as a key differentiator that set the CEC apart from traditional firms.
- Brad’s recommended reads to better understand the urgency of the climate crisis.
- A recap of our key takeaways from this inspiring conversation!
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Our Fragile Moment: How Lessons from Earth's Past Can Help Us Survive the Climate Crisis