We Took the Risk: The Stories Behind the Early Risk Takers in the U.S. Renewable Energy Industry and the Leadership Traits that Made Them a Success

A very detailed perspective on some of the key players who built the U.S. renewable energy industry, "We Took the Risk" helps us understand the leadership traits that helped build a trillion dollar industry. The book weaves together the stories of these diverse founders across industries and timespans, from policy and finance to technology/engineering and marketing.Each chapter focuses on an individual or team and their renewables journey, and highlights one key leadership trait they possessed. Newcomers to the renewables space may need to read the book twice (or might benefit from knowing this before starting to read) - once to focus in on the leadership traits and once to absorb the historical timeline and key players in the U.S.'s renewables history. I'm an audiobook kind of person, but I dove head first into the paper copy, which allowed me to go easily go back to previous chapters as I began connecting the dots from a historical perspective throughout the chapters. I'm definitely taking another read once the audiobook is available.What I liked most about reading this book is that Tom's style is approachable. He deconstructed my feelings of imposter syndrome as a new entrant into renewables right up front with his references to gathering around the oak tree, a concept I understood immediately as a child of the 80s. Though I found the sheer amount of detail somewhat overwhelming at first (e.g., names and acronyms of all the organizations, tax credits), I was constantly reassured by Tom's narrative that the renewables space was built by and would be carried into the future by a "coalition of the willing" - those who believe in the industry and choose to be part of it, no matter how we got here or where we are in our career journey, because ALL of our skillsets (and traits) are needed to advance the vision of decarbonization.I believe Tom has succeeded in creating the proverbial "oak tree" with "We Took the Risk" - and the timing is right. Not only are Gen Z and the Alpha generation being raised with a heightened awareness of climate change, more experienced professionals are turning their eyes to using their unique gifts and talents to combatting climate change and to the booming opportunities in the renewable energy industry. This book provides a great foundation for understanding what it took to get us here, and what it will take to get us to a net zero future.

As a graduating college student with a passion for renewable energy, I have been on the hunt for materials to help me gain a solid understanding of the industry. For anyone else hoping to do the same, I highly recommend you add "We Took The Risk" to your reading list.Guided by talks with leaders who have been instrumental in the advancement of clean energy, Tom provides an enlightening discussion of not only what each individual did but how they did it–highlighting the leadership qualities that enabled them to instill positive change. What better way to learn about renewable energy than to hear directly from those who shaped the very industry?Upon finishing the book, I feel both well-equipped and inspired to begin my work in the renewables space, building off of the foundation that has been laid by those included in "We Took The Risk".

Tom does an excellent job of telling the stories the pioneers who took risks and led the way in renewable energy. It's great read. Made more interesting by the personal stories of the 25 executives profiled along with the experiences of the author. A must-read for anyone who is changing the world in renewable energy and wants to be inspired.

A wonderful journey from the grassroots of the renewable energy industry to present day's trillion dollar, global marketplace. Whether you are exploring a career in the renewable space or have been in the industry for several years, this book provides a unique and valuable perspective on the skills and traits needed to be successful. Many thanks to the author for bringing so many renewable energy leaders together and for bringing his passion to each and every page.

“We took the risk” is a unique, inspiring and eye-opening perspective on how #renewables came to be, told through the stories of courageous #innovators and #entrepreneurs who worked hard to transform the sector from niche to no-brainer.There are so many parallels with the technologies we are working to scale up today, and this is a treasure trove of insights and lessons learnt. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

The author, Tom Weirich, is the most extroverted and well connected person in the Renewable Industry I have had the pleasure of meeting. I could not think of a better, more in-tune, person to bring to light the ways in which pioneers have been willing to stand out to make changes in the U.S. Energy Industry via his insight, and to highlight how, and why, we in the U.S. need to follow their lead in risk taking to embrace sustainability and bring that example to the world.

Great work, Tom. Thank you for sharing your personal journey and that of some many others whose shoulders we stand on. This book left me reenergized to continue on the journey and take the risk.

An exciting collection of stories on the pioneers who paved the way for renewable energy. Thank you Tom for bringing together such a great group of leaders and telling their stories in an accessible and informative way. Would recommend for anyone new to the industry or who wants to know more!