Grace Labeodan, Essex Castle Point - In this special episode of Energy Speaks Back, Paul returns to his home territory in Castle Point to highlight the vital work happening within his own community. After travelling the world podcasting and exploring global energy challenges, this conversation brings the focus back to local sustainability.

Paul is joined by Grace Labeodan, a key figure within Castle Point’s environmental leadership. Grace plays an important role in shaping local sustainability efforts, supporting residents and businesses, and helping drive practical action across energy efficiency, waste reduction, and community resilience.

Together, they explore the challenges, opportunities, and progress being made at a local authority level — showing how meaningful change often begins close to home. This episode demonstrates how strong leadership, collaboration and clear community engagement are essential components of successful sustainability delivery.

A grounded, community-focused conversation that reinforces the importance of local action in the wider energy transition.

🎧 Episode 181 – Energy Management and Sustainability in Nigeria with George Okon

In this episode of Energy Speaks Back, host Paul Webb sits down with George Okon, a passionate advocate for sustainable energy in Nigeria. Together, they explore how innovation, collaboration, and policy are transforming the nation’s energy landscape.

From renewable energy adoption to community engagement and future development goals, George shares his experience and vision for building a cleaner, more resilient Nigeria.

💡 A powerful discussion that highlights the importance of local action in driving global sustainability.

Episode 180 | Michael McGowan – Leading Sustainability Through People

In this episode of Energy Speaks Back, we meet Michael McGowan, former Sustainability Manager at Ibstock, who has built a remarkable career by combining technical insight with a people-first approach to energy and sustainability.

Our conversation explores how Michael has inspired large-scale reductions in energy consumption across complex industrial operations — not through technology alone, but by empowering people, building culture, and turning passion into performance.

From his early steps in manufacturing to leading sustainability strategies for one of the UK’s largest brick producers, Michael shares valuable lessons on leadership, collaboration, and driving measurable change in high-energy environments.