In this exclusive interview, Daniel Kitwa, Manager – Energy & Climate Change at Intellecap, a Nairobi-based, young Kenyan leader shares his insights into leadership and career change during a pandemic, his opinion on the current energy landscape, and how innovation can play a significant role in funding mechanisms.
This interview was originally published in The Global Power & Energy Elites 2022
WHAT’S THE BEST BOOK YOU’VE READ OR THE BEST PODCAST YOU’VE LISTENED TO THIS YEAR?
I’ve just finished ‘The Art of Thinking Clearly‘ by Rolf Dobelli. In summary, this short masterpiece tackles the most common thinking errors and biases we often face in our journey through life.
As for podcasts, I recently came across The Pomp Podcast hosted by crypto expert and investor, Anthony Pompliano. The podcast has greatly shaped my understanding of bitcoin and more specifically how the crypto world interfaces with modern geopolitics, monetary policy, global philanthropy, ESG risks and energy usage.
WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES A SUCCESSFUL LEADER?
Several qualities make a successful leader. Key among them, however, is self-awareness, and being able to be humble and conscious enough to understand one’s strengths and weaknesses. In this way, the leader clearly defines their circle of competence and thereby only focuses on what they’re good at. They can then delegate the other areas, hence saving time and energy.
HOW HAS THE PANDEMIC CHANGED YOUR VISION OF THE FUTURE FOR YOUR COMPANY AND THE SECTOR AS A WHOLE?
The pandemic has arguably demonstrated how fragile the world can be. The shockwaves this pandemic has caused further solidify our resolve to work at mitigating the global threat of climate change.
From a sector perspective, I can see the future including more collaborations, synergies and partnerships between governments, corporations, research institutions, investors etc. The magnitude of the problem will not allow us to continue operating in silos because no government or institution can tackle this problem on its own.
I also see innovation playing a role here. For example, innovative funding mechanisms such as carbon monetisation, extended producer responsibility methodologies, among others. There will also be innovation from a product perspective. For instance, decarbonisation of transportation through e-mobility as well as an increasing push towards product recycling and a more circular economy in general. These are just a few examples.
Read Daniel Kitwa’s full interview here
Access the full digital publication here
Request a copy of the print publication here
About Daniel Kitwa
Daniel Kitwa, a Nairobi-based, young Kenyan leader, is working at the intersection of energy, climate change and agriculture. His work involves supporting enterprises, investors, governments, and other stakeholders across Africa by providing a variety of structured competencies. Daniel has supported over thirty enterprises in various technical and innovative interventions, facilitated $10 million in capital deployment, mentored other emerging leaders in East Africa, and contributed to a wide array of innovative thinking through research, articles and publications across the broader energy, climate change, conservation and agriculture themes.
