An award-winning book about the stories and leadership traits behind the original risk takers in renewable energy.
The U.S. renewable energy industry needs us to take the risk again.
Let’s take the risk together.
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in Pre-Sales
Words
We Took the Risk dives into the personal journeys of twenty-five executives who, through their own combination of traits, took on the challenges of an early U.S. renewable energy industry. Far from being a self-improvement book or a glorified “who’s who” run down, this book provides a backdrop by which to juxtaposition your own career journey. Using advice from his own experiences starting in the early 2000s, Tom Weirich lets you view the beginnings of the renewables industry as if you were there, lock in step with these entrepreneurial leaders as they calculated the pros and cons of decisions that would forever impact the trajectory of renewables in the US.
The book is being proudly published by New Degree Press.
They weren’t afraid of the unknown and they thought they knew what should happen. They weren’t afraid that no one else had gone there before them and so they had the courage and excitement needed for their journey.
— John Cavalier, former Global Chairman,
Credit Suisse Energy Group
What Readers Are Saying
“Epic in scope and never more timely, We Took the Risk vividly reveals the decisions, technologies—and most importantly—the individuals who are shaping our energy future.”
— Mona Dajani, Partner & Global Energy and Infrastructure Leader, Pillsbury
“A fascinating exploration of the pioneering days of renewable energy and the colorful cast of characters who dared to pursue their vision for building a better world.”
— Philippe Cousteau, Ocean Explorer & Emmy-Nominated Filmmaker
“Tom Weirich is a master storyteller… His book We Took the Risk is for anyone who wants to take the first step into challenging the status quo and accelerate humanity’s journey towards sustainable energy.”
— Kian Gohar, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Competing in the New World of Work, and founder of Geolab
“… Tom does an exceptional job of weaving in a conversation about the leadership traits that empowered these visionary leaders while contextualizing their struggles against the backdrop of an ever-changing US renewables market… I would recommend this book to anyone who is aspiring to become a renewables leader.”
— Mary Powell, Chief Executive Officer, Sunrun
“Engaging, practical and a must-read for anyone in the renewable energy sector, this book is a tool kit for the ambitious looking to create an impact… Tom Weirich’s passion, intelligence and gift of storytelling shines throughout, leaving the reader empowered and ready to take a risk.”
— Laura Beane, President – North America, Vestas
“I’m frequently asked about my career path by the next generation of energy industry leaders as they map out their own futures. What I love most about We Took the Risk is that by sharing the journeys of dozens of iconic clean energy leaders it demonstrates that there are so many different career pathways as well as many different ways to have a significant impact.”
— Julia Hamm, former President & CEO Smart Electric Power Alliance
“…We Took the Risk memorializes how a visionary set of leaders gathered to question the energy status quo…. This book is a clear leader in the ranks of must-read books about our energy transformation and a guidepost for everyone committed to doing their part to move us forward towards a zero-carbon, sustainable energy future.”
— Denny McGinn, Vice Admiral, US Navy (Ret.)
“Tom skillfully tracks how and why the clean energy industry became one of the world’s most exciting and fastest-growing industries… Through careful research and beautifully written narratives, We Took the Risk offers readers a bevy of insights from the vanguards of the renewables industry.”
— Susan Nickey, Executive Vice President & Chief Client Officer, Hannon Armstrong
“Tom’s passion for renewables illuminates every page, providing inspiration for the next generation of leaders… A terrific read.”
— Kay McCall, Chairperson, Renewable Energy Alliance – Houston
“Who better to tell the story of the clean energy revolution than Tom Weirich? He was literally on the rollercoaster throughout this past quarter century. I’m giving this inspiring book to my four sons so they can know the many different ways someone can make our planet a better place.”
— Pat Wood III, Former Chairman, FERC & PUC Texas
“We Took the Risk provides the history of renewable energy from Tom’s front row seat… I found myself reflecting on the shared call to action, the many and varied challenges that have been overcome, and the amazing resilience necessary to create the thriving industry that exists today.”
— Meghan Schultz, Executive Vice President, Finance & Capital Markets, Invenergy
“…After reading this book, I now find that when I see a wind turbine or rooftop solar panel, I have a newfound appreciation for these risk-takers and their communities that have planted the seeds of our vibrant, clean energy future.”
— Peter Kelly Detwiler, Founder, NorthBridge Energy Partners, former SVP of Constellation Energy & Author of The Energy Switch
Meet the Author
Tom Weirich
I initially wrote this book as a tribute to a mentor of mine that passed away. He was one of the first leaders I encountered early in my career that embodied a number of traits that have aided in my professional success in renewables. This snowballed into me reflecting on others who have made a similar impact in the industry – and how through their struggles – they have lessons for all of us on how we can forge our own successful careers in the U.S. renewable energy sector.
Who is the book for?
You will love this book if you are looking for an easy read that is informative, entertaining and soul-provoking, If you’re looking to get inspired in your current work in renewables, or looking to launch into a career in renewables and figure out a game-plan, this is the book for you.
We Took the Risk is a nonfiction book that speaks to those entering the industry, those in the middle of their careers still looking to make an impact, and those who have been in the industry for decades, looking back to reflect on how far we have come. It holds invaluable lessons for all three audiences, but comes with one call to action: we all need to take a risk.
Join the community of risktakers.
With over 600 books sold in a 3 week pre-sale campaign this last April 2022, join the hundreds anticipating to read We Took the Risk as the book launches October 1st.
For those that purchase the book in the Fall of 2022, you’ll get access to a number of perks as one of the founding readers:
- Access to We Took the Risk Quarterly Newsletter
- Personalized Invitations to Meet the Author Events
- Follow Tom’s writing journey and learn how you too can write a book!
Sign up to be one of the first by joining below!
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