2.11 On Fueling the Energy Revolution Through Startups with Claire Broido Johnson

A senior operations and finance executive, Claire Broido Johnson is the director of the University System of Maryland Momentum Fund. (MMF). She has a proven track record in creating and managing successful businesses and driving operations: including as founder of SunEdison and program executive at the Department of Energy during the Obama Administration.  At DOE, Claire guided the deployment of $11 billion in economic stimulus funds in 2009-2010 to improve the economy through the deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
 
A bottom-line focused innovator, Claire also runs CBJ Energy where she developed an energy efficiency financing product for Serious Energy, launched new products and new states for Next Step Living, and managed energy projects and research for Katerra.  Recognized for financial and operational expertise, she currently serves on the boards of BlocPower.io,  the National Sierra Club Foundation, and Living Classrooms. Claire is also on the advisory board of Upsurge Baltimore, a Baltimore-based incubator, and a member of Blu Ventures network of early-stage DC/Baltimore investors 
 
Claire earned a B.A. in environmental science and public policy from Harvard College, where she helped to create that major, and an M.B.A. from the Harvard Business School.   

 Claire recommends Rocket Fuel: The One Essential Combination That Will Get You More of What You Want from Your Business by Gino and Mark C Winters to supercharge your entrepreneurial efforts.

Quotables

“I think finally even the most unresponsive person is realizing that climate change is here and there need to be solutions.” – Claire Broido Johnson

“I think all of us who are mentors and who care about climate change have to support early stage startups with good ideas.” - Claire Broido Johnson

“I have believed for a long time that the way we do innovation in this country, in general, is broken.” – Amy Simpkins 

“I am trying to innovate the process of innovation.” – Amy Simpkins

“I move fast and break things.” – Claire Broido Johnson

“The small scrappy startups are here because we believe we can make a difference fundamentally.” – Amy Simpkins

“If you have one of those great ideas there’s no time like the present to find your mentor, fill your toolbox, and go make it happen because the world depends on you.” -Amy Simpkins


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