Shaping the Energy Transition: Lessons from a CU 91Ҹ Alum
“Your next step is not your last step.”
That’s one of many reflections from Dave Smith (MBA '19), a graduate of CU 91Ҹ’s Sustainable Entrepreneurship MBA program and now a key player at Schneider Electric’s renewable energy advisory practice. In a recent conversation with CESR, Dave shared insights from his journey through the world of sustainable business, the role CU played in launching his career, and the critical challenges he’s working to solve today.
Starting Off
For Dave, Leeds was more than a business school; it was the launchpad for a mission-driven career. "What was really cool was understanding how the power of business and private enterprise can be used to solve so many social and environmental problems,” Dave recalled. “The networking opportunities were very strong.”
It was through one of those connections, a coffee chat sparked by Leeds career services, that Dave eventually landed his “dream job” at Schneider Electric. A year after graduating, that seed blossomed into a full-time role helping major corporations shift toward renewable energy.
Powering the Private Sector
Today, Dave works in business development for Schneider Electric’s global sustainability consulting team, helping companies develop and implement clean energy strategies across the world.
“We help businesses understand the financial opportunity,” Dave explained. “Cost savings, risk mitigation, access to capital -these are some of the value streams that come from adopting renewable energy in addition to ESG benefits.”
His work includes everything from helping a large apparel company achieve 100% renewable electricity usage across 45 counties to designing supplier-facing initiatives like Target Forward Renew — a program that supports decarbonization across Target’s global supply chain.
Navigating a Volatile Market
Despite recent political shifts and policy uncertainty in the US, Dave remains optimistic and busy. “We’re in a tremendously volatile time politically, which impacts energy and clean energy,” he said. “But that volatility also creates opportunity. In periods of market disruption there are winners and losers. Companies have a time sensitive opportunity to proactively engage in US wind and solar projects before tax credits expire and capitalize on strong risk-adjusted returns.”
Dave emphasized the growing importance of aligning business strategy with environmental and social responsibility. “Companies that excel at sustainability, both environmental and social, will achieve a competitive advantage over their peers, which will become increasingly evident as time goes on.”
Sustainability from Any Seat
Even in roles not traditionally labeled as “sustainable,” Dave believes every job can contribute to a greener world. “If you're in finance, you're looking for low-risk cash flows. Sustainability can help you get there. If you're in marketing, it helps with brand value. There are always connections and cross functional value.”
His advice to students: Embrace it. “Lean into your passion,” he said. “Even if you’re not in your dream job right away, every step you take can build toward it.”
That mindset led Dave to leave a corporate role at Amazon and start cold-calling solar companies looking for opportunities, a leap that eventually funded his degree and launched a career rooted in impact.
Looking Ahead
As a new father, Dave says his work feels more urgent and personal than ever. “It’s not just environmental - it’s social, too. Climate justice, access to clean energy - that’s embedded in everything we’re doing.”
Whether helping global brands navigate energy procurement or encouraging the next generation of business leaders to stay committed to their values, Dave embodies the CESR mission: building a more sustainable, just, and prosperous future through business.