Purpose, Profit & Impact: The Tom Dawkins Story

Purpose, Profit & Impact: The Tom Dawkins Story

What does it take to build not just a company, but an entire ecosystem for change? In this episode of AFF Winds for Change, Afonso Faria sits down with social entrepreneur and ecosystem builder Tom Dawkins. As the co-founder of StartSomeGood and LendForGood, Tom has spent more than two decades helping changemakers launch ventures, raise capital, and scale impact. Tom shares the personal experiences that shaped his entrepreneurial mindset, the challenges of building mission-driven organizations, and the lessons he’s learned from supporting hundreds of founders around the world. The conversation also explores the rise of impact investing, the importance of community in entrepreneurship, and why purpose-driven business is becoming increasingly important. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, nonprofit leader, or simply someone passionate about creating positive change, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of impact-led innovation. If you’ve ever wondered how business can become a force for good, this conversation is for you.

From Wind Turbines to Algorithms: The Next Industrial Revolution in Energy

Artificial intelligence is beginning to reshape the global energy industry. From predictive maintenance in wind farms to optimisation of complex energy systems, AI is becoming a critical layer of intelligence behind modern infrastructure. In this episode of AFF Winds of Change, host Afonso Faria speaks with Uchenna Ngubane, Founder and CEO of Somahorse Nexus, a company building an AI talent operating system designed to identify, train, and deploy developers capable of building real enterprise AI solutions. We explore how AI is transforming industrial sectors, why the biggest challenge may not be technology but talent, and what this means for industries like wind energy and renewable infrastructure. If you want to understand how artificial intelligence could reshape the future of the energy transition, this episode is for you.

Why Renewable Energy Infrastructure Must Grow with the Energy Transition

In recent weeks, Portugal has experienced severe storms that have reminded us of something the renewable energy industry often discusses but sometimes overlooks: energy generation alone is not enough. Cities across regions such as Leiria and Marinha Grande have been hit by intense windstorms and heavy rainfall. Rivers have flooded, agricultural fi elds have been submerged, and many homes have suffered damage. In some rural communities, residents have spent several days without electricity or water after power lines collapsed under the force of extreme winds. For a country that has made signifi cant progress in renewable energy deployment, this raises an important question: How can communities located near wind farms and solar parks remain without electricity for days? The answer lies not in the availability of renewable energy, but in the strength of the infrastructure that supports it. Renewable Growth Is Only One Part of the Energy Transition Portugal has made remarkable progress in expanding renewable energy capacity. Over the past decade, solar installations have increased signifi cantly, wind energy remains a major contributor to the national grid, and new technologies such as wave energy are being explored. Across Europe, the shift toward renewable energy is accelerating as governments and industries work toward ambitious climate targets. However, recent storms highlight a critical reality: generation capacity must be matched by resilient infrastructure. Even the most advanced renewable energy system can fail to deliver power if: * Transmission lines are damaged * Distribution networks are outdated * Substations lack redundancy * Local grids cannot absorb or distribute energy effectively In the communities affected by the storms, temporary solutions have included diesel generators connected directly to power lines to restore electricity. This situation highlights a paradox of the energy transition: even as renewable capacity grows, the reliability of energy delivery still depends heavily on infrastructure resilience. The Missing Conversation: Distribution and Resilience Much of the public discussion around renewable energy focuses on generation — how many wind turbines, how many solar panels, how many gigawatts installed. But the conversation must also include: * Grid resilience * Energy storage systems * Substation capacity * Underground transmission infrastructure * Emergency response capabilities Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent across Europe. Whether attributed to climate change or natural climate cycles, the impact on energy systems is undeniable. Countries investing heavily in renewable energy must also invest in grid modernization and disaster-resilient infrastructure. Without it, renewable energy production cannot fully translate into reliable energy access for communities. Building Infrastructure for the Energy Future Urban growth adds another layer to the challenge. Many regions in Portugal, including the coastal areas north of Lisbon, have experienced rapid expansion in recent years. New housing developments, tourism infrastructure, and commercial buildings continue to emerge. Growth is necessary. Economic development is essential. But infrastructure must evolve alongside that growth. Energy distribution networks, drainage systems, flood mitigation infrastructure, and urban planning must all work together to create resilient communities capable of withstanding extreme weather events. The energy transition is not just about installing renewable generation. It is about building a complete energy ecosystem capable of supporting modern societies. A Re

Embracing Reflection and Growth in the Wind Energy Industry

As the year draws to a close, it's a natural time for reflection, both on a personal and professional level. This introspective practice is crucial for growth and improvement, especially in the dynamic world of wind energy. In our latest episode of "FF Winds of Change," we explored these themes in a solo reflection that resonated deeply with the winds of transformation sweeping through our industry. Here, we delve into some key takeaways from this thought-provoking discussion. Reflecting on the Past Year "FF Winds of Change" invites listeners to tune into the evolving landscape of wind energy. Our recent solo episode was a personal reflection on the year 2025 and the strides made within FF Wind Services. The value of looking back cannot be underestimated—it allows us to understand what worked well and where we have room to grow. This retrospective process is not just about identifying what went wrong but celebrating successes and strategizing for future enhancement. The Importance of Reflection Reflection is not just an end-of-year task; it's an integral part of ongoing growth. Writing down the positives and negatives helps prepare us better for the coming year. This practice is about recognizing the valuable lessons from both successes and mistakes, viewing them objectively, and using these insights to bolster future endeavors. Building a Culture of Improvement A culture that fosters improvement involves nurturing team synergy and personal development. The podcast touched upon the importance of ensuring everyone on a team is operating at their optimal level and is aligned with the company's vision. This includes encouraging time management and supporting each other, strengthening both the team and the organization as a whole. Leadership and Growth A pivotal topic discussed was leadership and its role in fostering company growth. Leadership is about more than driving results; it involves setting a vision and preparing teams to take on bigger roles. A leader must be prepared to step aside and let others shine, cultivating a nurturing environment where everyone feels supported and empowered to go above and beyond. Embracing Change and Encouraging Teamwork Growth demands embracing change and maintaining a shared frequency with new opportunities. It's about continuing the journey without becoming complacent at fulfilling a set target. This mindset fosters flexibility and adaptability, crucial traits for thriving in the ever-evolving wind energy sector. Learning from Reflection The episode highlighted the significance of letting go—be it of individuals, contracts, or even management approaches that no longer align with the company’s evolving goals. By pruning ineffective elements, companies can position themselves for growth and innovation. Looking Ahead The podcast concluded by looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, emphasizing that continuous improvement hinges on the fearlessness to take new opportunities and the commitment to personal and professional growth. We need to remain open to learning and adapting, respecting the lessons of fear, and seeing challenges not as obstacles but as stepping stones. Join the Conversation "AFF Winds of Change" invites you to reflect on these insights with us. As the wind industry continues to change, how we navigate these transformations will define our success. We welcome your thoughts and discussions on these topics. Let's engage, learn, and grow together, ensuring that we support each other as we steer through this vibrant and pivotal time in wind energy. Thank you for joining us on this reflective journey through the wind energy world. Tune in to our next episode as we continue to unpack these insights with more engaging discussions. Until then, may you keep riding the winds of change!

The People Behind the Blades: Rethinking Talent in Wind Energy

In this episode of Winds of Change, host Afonso Faria is joined by Dave Reece — wind industry veteran, blade specialist, and founder of BHiveLive — for a thoughtful conversation about the people who truly power the wind sector. Together, they go beyond turbines and technology to explore the human side of wind energy. From Dave’s hands-on experience in blade inspection and repair to his journey launching a digital hiring platform, the discussion highlights how leadership, culture, skills, and workforce quality directly shape project success. This episode dives into: * The changing realities of working in the wind industry * Why skills shortages and talent retention remain major challenges * What makes high-performing teams in wind energy * The role of leadership, supervision, and safety culture on site * How digital platforms like BHiveLive are rethinking recruitment and workforce development * What the future wind workforce needs to look like as the industry continues to scale With decades of combined experience, Afonso and Dave share honest insights, real field lessons, and forward-looking ideas that resonate with technicians, supervisors, project managers, and anyone involved in renewable energy. If you’re interested in how wind energy is evolving — not just in megawatts, but in people, culture, and leadership — this is an episode you won’t want to miss. 🎧 Tune in, learn, and join the conversation.