The Future Focused CXOs Podcast | Episode 15 |Chris McConnachie, CFO, National Grid, New York

The Future Focused CXOs Podcast

Mar 12 2024 • 25 mins

Discover the winning strategies used by top CXOs to drive growth in their companies, even in the toughest of times! Join us on this must-listen podcast as we learn from the best in the business world. Highlights: 1. Introduction: Chris McConnachie introduces himself as the CFO of National Grid, a utility company in New York that serves around 4 million electric and gas customers. Chris discusses his finance background, including his career in financial markets and his experience at PricewaterhouseCoopers before joining National Grid in 2008. 2. Storm Preparedness: Jay asks Chris how National Grid plans for extreme weather conditions and natural disasters, emphasizing the importance of reliable utilities during such events. 3. Balancing Sustainability and Grid Modernization: Steve inquires about how Chris, as a CFO, manages the challenge of balancing sustainability, responsiveness, and grid modernization while ensuring affordability. 4. Challenges and Opportunities in Renewable Energy: Steve asks Chris to share his insights on the key challenges and opportunities in the renewable energy space, focusing on achieving net-zero goals and building a capable workforce. 5. Technology's Impact on Customer Experience: Chris talked about the impact of technology on the customer experience and how it's changing customers' perspectives, particularly in making environmentally conscious choices. 6. Career Advice: Steve asks Chris to provide advice to individuals aspiring to leadership roles, especially in finance and the energy sector, highlighting the importance of exploring, learning, networking, and building depth.