Kirsty Gogan is the Managing Director of LucidCatalyst and Co-Founder of Energy for Humanity a non-profit organisation focused on solving climate change. She grew up in Dublin and Lemington Spa, and now lives in southeast London with husband Anthony and two children.
After finishing high school, Kirsty wanted a bit of freedom and to earn some money. She worked as the as the manager of an opticians, but soon realised this wasn’t for her. She read Politics at the University of West of England and loved the debate and discussion but recognised a UK-centric perspective of world events. Kirsty wanted to travel and to understand the perspective of others in a very different and sustainable culture; this led her to live in Romania to do grass roots environmental work.
Returning to the UK, Kirsty started work in the press office for the Department for Environment where she was promoted to senior press officer for the Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott. She studied for an MSc in business strategy politics and environment at Birkbeck before working as Head of PR at Futerra. Kirsty then moved on to the Department for Energy and Climate Change in the nuclear directorate, much to the surprise of her friends.
Kirsty highly recommends reading Professor Sir David MacKay’s book “Sustainable Energy Without the Hot Air” (www.withouthotair.com) which opened her eyes to the scale of the energy challenge and not being able to address it with renewables alone.
For more information about Kirsty visit: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/kirsty-gogan-alexander-8153095
Bring your whole self to work. Julianne Antrobus, Global Head of Nuclear, PA Consulting
Believe in yourself, believe that you have potential and believe that you can make a difference. Mike Tynan, Nuclear Expert and Advisor
I saw it as an opportunity to learn something new, it was a challenge but I got there in the end! Reuben Holmes, PhD Researcher, The University of Tokyo
Take the plunge, it will be okay! Have that courage. Jack Gritt, Founding Member and Former President, Women in Nuclear UK
The strength of a leader is having people in your team that are better, stronger and come together collectively. Clare Barlow, HR Director Board Member, National Nuclear Laboratory
Find the skills to connect with people. Relationships create opportunities! Andrew Sherry, Special Advisor, National Nuclear Laboratory
Contribute to a greater good! Nassia Tzelepi, Laboratory Fellow, National Nuclear Laboratory
If you really believe in something, stick to it! Professor Gerry Thomas, Director of the Chernobyl Tissue Bank and Professor of Molecular Pathology at Imperial College London
“Take every day as it comes.” Dr Sue Ion, Independent expert and advisor on nuclear power
"Take the opportunities that come your way and do not feel scared” Robert Alford, Senior Strategic and Economic Advisor, NIRO.
Keep an eye on the changing landscape. Suzy Hobbs Baker, co-founder of the Good Energy Collective
Say yes to new opportunities and keep every door open, because you never know which one you'll end up going through. Ismaeel Patel, NNL
Everyone within an organisation is responsible for the success of that organisation. Colin Bailey, President and Principal,
I can't advise or emphasise enough how important is it to pursue a career in something you enjoy as opposed to something you're good at. Annalise Beddard, Nuclear Skills Strategy Group
Enjoy the journey as you don't know where it's going to take you! Paul Howarth, CEO, NNL
Take time to reflect on what you have done and what you have gained from that. Sheila Rae, Internal Regulator for Nuclear Integrity, NNL
Never assume you know what someone's motives for doing something are! Mark Salisbury, Senior Technical Advisor, NIRO
Don't be afraid of opportunities! Stuart Crooks, Managing Director, Hinkley Point C
Just try different things. Your first job doesn't have to be your forever job! Susan Binnersley, Founding director of H2H
Make a decision and just go forward then drive it in the direction you want! Air Chief Marshall Sir Simon Bryant, a former Royal Air Force officer
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