The Future of Battery Tech & Climate Impact

(un)conversations podcast | S1.E12 - The Future of Battery Tech & Climate ImpactIf you're ready to challenge the status quo, champion women in leadership, and dive deep into the future of climate tech—don’t miss this episode. Tune in, get inspired, and be part of the movement driving bold innovation for a more sustainable world.Join us for a powerful conversation with Virginia Klausmeier, visionary founder and CEO of Sylvatex Inc., as we explore what it takes to lead the future of climate tech and drive bold innovation in the clean energy space. Virginia is pioneering smarter, cleaner battery and manufacturing solutions—and in this episode, she opens up about the urgency of the global energy transition, the necessity of being unapologetically ambitious, and how transformational leadership begins by questioning the status quo.Together, we dive into the realities of building an environmentally conscious business, the complexities of cathode production in North America, and the critical need for collaboration and effective system design to avoid replicating outdated models. Virginia shares her personal journey and the challenges she’s faced as a woman CEO in a male-dominated industry—offering insights into the grit, vision, and support required to lead with purpose.We also explore the power of strategic pivots in navigating market disruptions and scaling innovation. Virginia recounts a pivotal shift in her company—from alternative fuels to lithium-ion battery materials—made possible through the National Science Foundation funding and a deep understanding of market timing. Our conversation reveals how adaptability and clarity of mission drive long-term growth.Whether you're a CEO, founder, or purpose-driven leader, this episode is a blueprint for leading with intention, challenging norms, and building what’s next.You will Learn:*How to navigate rapid market shifts and make strategic pivots that keep your business ahead—essential for CEOs and founders in fast-evolving industries.*What it takes to lead through disruption, including how Virginia handled funding challenges, market resistance, and organizational transformation.*How climate tech innovation is reshaping outdated systems, and how you can adopt similar bold thinking within your own company or sector.*Why purpose-driven leadership fuels long-term, scalable growth, especially in high-impact industries like energy, tech, and manufacturing.*What inclusive, resilient leadership looks like in action, through the lens of a trailblazing woman CEO breaking barriers in a male-dominated space.

Catch full episodes of the (un)conversations podcast playlist here on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYM7hRUlXcb3mIe7sGrws-NxOac8lUufv 📺Listen to the (un)conversations podcast while you're on-the-go! https://open.spotify.com/show/5xkI3Kg3e4VCUY5hXFGUaS?si=c51de07f1d8d4665 🎧 Available wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts: Apple podcast, Amazon Music & iHeart Radio. New episodes dropping every month.

Follow Dr. Alison Schmidt, CEO of Unconvention & (un)conversations podcast Instagram: / @alsphdbcc /@unconventionllc / @unconversationspodcastPersonal Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-l-schmidt-phd-bcc/TikTok: / @alschmidtphd Facebook: / Alison L. SchmidtWebsite: http://unconventionllc.com

Learn more about Virginia Klausmeier and Sylvatex, Inc.

Website: www.sylvatex.comEmail: [e-mail] Virginia Klausmeier Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedIn.com/in/virginia-klausmeier-2a34ab9/Sylvatex LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/virginia-klausmeier-2a34ab9/

Episode Chapters

(0:00:10) - Intro

(0:00:11) - Unconventional Leaders in Energy Transition

(0:15:05) - Leadership in Sustainable Energy Innovation

(0:24:14) - Overcoming Barriers to Innovation Leadership

(0:32:02) - Navigating Strategic Pivots in Business

(0:48:36) - Empowering Conversations on Future Voices