Importance of Collaboration

Can the fittest still survive in this age without collaboration? According to the Darwinian theory of the survival of the fittest, the best outcomes result from competition. I don’t believe this is true, given the state of our world.  We stand at a critical juncture, where we are grappling with global challenges at the intersection of health, the environment and inequality. In the midst of these interrelated crises, it has never been more pertinent that we work together. It is collaboration, rather than competition, that is the cornerstone to future progress.  Why? A change in temperature affects plants, which in turn affects the food and habitat of animals. Water, air, flora and fauna, and even soil must be in harmony to work together. Us humans obtain our food, fuel and vast resources from the Earth too. More than that, just like the Earth’s ecosystems, humanity itself is connected in a myriad of ways. No man and no nation is an island—we are each dependent on one another.  In order to solve these pressing issues that stretch beyond borders, we must put collaboration front and centre of our efforts.  This rings true in many settings. In the workplace, bringing diverse voices together opens up opportunities to brainstorm solutions and develop unique approaches. In events, roundtable discussions and panels that focus on a multitude of perspectives spark the much-needed exchange of new ideas and boosts inclusivity.  In the global arena, I see the future of progress being driven by strategic partnerships that transcend geopolitical divisions, business sectors and national borders. This is why I feel most personally connected to #SDG17: Partnerships for the Goals.  As we approach the deadline for the SDGs in 2030, we must recognise the interconnected nature of all things on our planet. Biodiversity, food security, climate change, economic stability, the prevention of disease and global health are all connected. Failure to see our Earth as One will only hamper meaningful progress towards achieving the SDGs. So, why not bring in collaboration days? Of course, we should really be prioritising teamwork every day. But dedicated collaboration days might just push us one step further to turn competition into streamlined cooperation. With this stronger focus on unity, we can create deeper partnerships on all levels to shape the future we want to see on Earth.  #Collaboration #Sustainability #SDG17

🌍 Accelerating Industry Decarbonization: Collaboration Is the Key The World Economic Forum's latest report, United for Net Zero: Public-Private Collaboration to Accelerate Industry Decarbonization, outlines a roadmap for tackling industrial emissions, which account for 30% of global greenhouse gases. The report highlights the urgent need for collaboration between governments and businesses to overcome barriers like insufficient funding, regulatory fragmentation, and slow technology adoption. 8 key opportunities to accelerate progress: ✨ Understand and leverage public financial mechanisms: Governments must provide tailored incentives like tax breaks and subsidies to make decarbonization projects financially viable. ✨ Engage your sector to co-develop financial mechanisms: Industries should work with stakeholders to design financing models that align with sectoral needs and drive innovation. ✨ Facilitate carbon tracking adoption within your value chain: Promoting standardized carbon measurement tools and tracking systems can improve transparency and drive efficiency. ✨ Contribute to harmonizing carbon accounting standards: Aligning global standards for carbon reporting will reduce costs and improve accountability. ✨ Proactively support net-zero solutions across value chains: Companies must help decarbonize supply chains, particularly by supporting SMEs with knowledge and funding. ✨ Collaborate with governments on value chain decarbonization policies: Businesses should actively shape policies that accelerate emissions reduction while ensuring fairness. ✨ Co-invest in climate technologies and market creation: Joint investment in technologies like green hydrogen and renewables will be key to achieving net-zero goals. ✨ Help create enabling policies for climate technology adoption: Governments and industries must design policies that reduce risks and boost demand for climate innovations. 🌱 My Reflections 💭 1. Mobilizing Consumer Influence Consumers hold untapped power to drive change. A globally recognized "carbon-neutral certified" label could transform purchasing habits. Transparent certifications and awareness campaigns could accelerate demand for sustainable products. 💭 2. Ensuring Equity Across Borders Global supply chains must help developing economies transition fairly. Capacity-building, knowledge-sharing, and financial support can ensure all regions—not just wealthy ones—meet net-zero goals. 💭 3. Fast-Tracking Green Innovation Regulatory bottlenecks remain a major hurdle. An international fast-track mechanism for green projects could streamline approvals and accelerate innovations like green hydrogen and carbon capture technologies. The challenge is immense, but so are the opportunities. What do you see as the most critical steps toward net-zero industries? 🌟 #NetZero #Sustainability #ClimateAction #Decarbonization #Innovation #Collaboration

A few thoughts on the recently released bipartisan #AI Policy Roadmap. Congratulations to Sen. Chuck Schumer, Sen. Mike Rounds, Sen. Martin Heinrich and Sen. Todd Young for leading a thoughtful and deliberative process to advance much-needed federal AI legislation. I'm gratified to see legislators adopt many of the provisions I advocated for when I spoke at one of the policy forums on AI held late last year. https://lnkd.in/eU5jCZCy POSITIVES •  A rational and thoughtful discussion of AI risks: The approach avoids hyperbole and scaremongering and insists that regulatory approaches align with potential risks without inhibiting innovation. •  Thoughtful and Balanced: The approach is thoughtful and balanced, and avoids calling for a new AI regulatory agency or broad, one-size-fits all regulatory regimes. When it comes to AI regulation, we need a ‘Goldilocks’ approach. That means clear rules of the road, but avoiding European-style regulations so rigid that they constrain innovation. •  Leverages Existing Laws: The framework recognizes existing laws that cover automated systems and AI, and urges AI developers and deployers to follow these laws to identify gaps. This is a good approach, and Congress should identify remedies in existing law and the gaps where laws might be strengthened. •  Bipartisan Approach: Great to see Congress take a bipartisan approach to AI principles, with broad participation. That kind of across-the-aisle collaboration is what’s needed to move us forward. •  Focus on Innovation: The principles recognize the importance of technology innovation as a key catalyst for the U.S. economy. •  Spotlight on Immigration: Highly skilled immigration will be key to maintaining American leadership in cutting edge tech fields like AI. Great to see that explicitly recognized in the policy. NEGATIVES •  Overreliance on Spending: The U.S. has already racked up major debt. Policy approaches that suggest throwing tons of money at industry aren’t the best approach to supporting innovation. •  Opens the Door to Burdensome Regulation: While the framework finds a happy medium when it comes to AI guidelines, I’m concerned that vague calls to “review whether other potential uses for AI should be either extremely limited or banned” encourages Congressional committees to pile on new laws and regulations. •  Lack of Focus on Startups: AI policies should recognize that new regulations tend to benefit established industry leaders and bigger companies that can absorb compliance costs. This framework doesn’t talk enough about the importance of AI-focused startups or identify ways to reduce barriers to entry. •  Possible other ‘Yellow Flags’: Provisions on copyright and a few other sections, if not handled with enough nuance, could be barriers to AI development.

Unlocking the Future of Telecom: A Strategic Alliance Between BSNL and VI #SynergisticSpectrumAlliance In an era where digital transformation dictates the pace of progress, strategic collaborations have emerged as the cornerstone of innovation and competitiveness. Today, I'm excited to share insights into a groundbreaking partnership that promises to redefine the telecommunications landscape in India: the alliance between Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Vodafone Idea (VI). This collaboration is not just a testament to the power of synergy but a strategic move to leverage the unique strengths of both telecom giants. By sharing spectrum resources, BSNL and VI are setting a precedent for how strategic partnerships can facilitate the rapid deployment of advanced technologies, such as 4G and 5G, ensuring that both companies stay at the forefront of the telecom revolution. Key Highlights: BSNL's customers will gain access to VI's extensive 4G network, enhancing their connectivity experience. BSNL will pivot its focus towards rolling out 5G services, utilizing the valuable 700 MHz band, marking a significant step forward in India's 5G journey. VI will leverage BSNL's emerging 5G network to offer its customers unparalleled service quality, thanks to the superior coverage of the 700 MHz band. This partnership embodies the essence of collaboration, with both entities complementing each other's capabilities to not only preserve but enhance their competitive edge in the market. As we delve into the nuances of this alliance in my latest article, we explore the immense potential and mutual benefits that BSNL and VI stand to gain from this venture. The strategic spectrum synergy between BSNL and VI is a beacon of innovation, showcasing how collaborative efforts can lead to collective success in the digital age. #StrategicPartnership #DigitalTransformation #TelecomInnovation #BSNL #VI #4G5GIntegration #MarketCompetitiveness #FutureReadyTelecom

Navigating Energy Trade Dynamics Amid Geopolitical Shifts The global energy landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, influenced by a mix of geopolitical tensions, technological innovation, and climate change goals. With rising geopolitical rivalries and conflicts in key energy-producing regions, countries are increasingly seeking to diversify their energy sources to ensure energy security. This diversification is giving rise to new energy corridors and innovative trade routes that can mitigate disruptions in traditional supply chains. At the same time, technological advancements—particularly in renewable energy, storage solutions, and digital grids—are revolutionizing how energy is produced, stored, and distributed. These changes are opening up new opportunities for countries to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and foster a transition to a more sustainable, low-carbon energy future. The path ahead requires collaboration, strategic risk management, and an embrace of innovation to tackle climate change while securing energy needs. Countries that can navigate these shifting dynamics through diversification, infrastructure investment, and international cooperation will lead the way in shaping the future of energy trade. Let's explore how geopolitical shifts, technology, and climate policies are reshaping energy trade globally and what it means for the future of energy. #EnergyTrade #Geopolitics #Sustainability #RenewableEnergy #EnergySecurity #ClimateChange #Innovation #GlobalEconomy #EnergyTransition #FutureOfEnergy

How European Telecom Companies Are Powering Startup Innovation Europe's telecom sector is a great example of how collaboration between large telecom players and startups can lead to groundbreaking innovations. Unlike many regions, where the relationship between telecom giants and startups is limited, European companies are actively investing in, mentoring, and partnering with emerging startups to drive the industry forward. 🌍🚀 🔍 Key Examples of Empowerment: 1. Bouygues Telecom (France) Bouygues Telecom’s “Initiatives” incubator program has been a game-changer for startups, facilitating collaboration and co-development across areas like IoT, cybersecurity, and customer experience. Through this initiative, Bouygues has helped over 100 startups, many of which have gone on to form successful partnerships. 2. Orange Group (France) Orange goes beyond just financial support—they offer startups mentoring, networking, and even investment opportunities. Their robust ecosystem allows emerging businesses to grow and scale in a dynamic environment, helping push the boundaries of telecom innovation. 3. Deutsche Telekom (Germany) T-Labs, Deutsche Telekom’s R&D arm, collaborates with startups and academic institutions, focusing on areas like decentralized systems and spatial computing. Their commitment to open innovation has led to the creation of spin-offs and new technologies that are shaping the future of telecom. 4. Telefónica Germany Telefónica Germany is working on groundbreaking projects like quantum technology and future 6G networks, in collaboration with startups and academic partners like AWS. These initiatives promise to reshape mobile tower placements and secure telecom networks. 5. Telecom Italia (Italy) Telecom Italia supports the Startup Europe Partnership, helping connect large telecom companies with startups in the digital space. This open approach fosters innovation and collaboration, benefiting both established players and new entrants. 🌐 Why This Matters: These European examples highlight how telecom companies can thrive by empowering startups. By sharing resources, offering funding, and actively working together, they help nurture the next wave of technological advances. This creates a win-win ecosystem where innovation flourishes and the telecom industry remains at the forefront of technological development. It’s time for India to follow suit. We need a telecom ecosystem where collaboration, not just competition, drives growth. Startups should be given the support they need to innovate and disrupt the status quo. In India this responsibility has been taken by BSNL in working with startups, a clear policy towards the same is helping drive innovation. Any other Indian Telco working towards empowering the startup eco system?? Let’s embrace open innovation and pave the way for a brighter, more dynamic telecom future! 💡📶 #TelecomInnovation #StartupSupport #EuropeanTelecom #OpenInnovation #FutureOfTelecom #TechCollaboration

In today's polarized political climate, cybersecurity is an area of rare bipartisan alignment. This week, Ilona Cohen, Michael Woolslayer, and I met with leaders at the White House, on Capitol Hill, and with international policymakers. Despite differing politics and agendas, lawmakers agree that cybersecurity is a vital national interest. Four reflections from these conversations: 1️⃣ Cybersecurity is bipartisan. Across party lines, there’s recognition that increasing cyber threats require concerted action. The unity around improving security outcomes is real—and refreshing. 2️⃣ Vulnerability Disclosure Programs (VDPs) are foundational. Every leader we spoke with agreed the importance of secure, accessible channels for vulnerability disclosure. It’s not a nice-to-have—it’s an essential practice for any robust information security program. 3️⃣ Trust is the differentiator. Organizations want partners they can trust to deliver outcomes aligned with their priorities—especially as the stakes rise in AI, national security, and global supply chains. 4️⃣ AI is top of mind—but solutions are elusive. Policymakers agree any AI framework must reduce harm without stifling innovation. Until then, the burden is on organizations to take ownership: human oversight, rigorous third-party testing, and secure-by-design principles can’t wait for regulation to catch up. #Cybersecurity #VDP #CVD #AI #OffensiveSecurity #PublicPrivatePartnership #SecurityLeadership #SecureByDesign #HackerOne

After two decades in the energy industry, I’ve seen firsthand how innovation can be both accelerated and stifled—not by lack of ideas, but by silos. This Harvard Business Review article on the 3 types of silos that stifle collaboration hit home. It describes: 1. Systemic silos – rigid structures that prevent cross-functional work. 2. Elitist silos – where expertise is hoarded, not shared. 3. Protectionist silos – where fear of change overrides progress. It struck me how closely these dynamics mirror what we see in the energy sector. These aren’t just business challenges—they’re woven into the very fabric of how our energy systems function. Systemic silos emerge when grid operators, utilities, DERs, and prosumers operate in isolation. Elitist silos keep critical data—like from smart meters and EVs—locked in proprietary systems, making optimization impossible. Protectionist silos appear when innovation is blocked to protect legacy revenue models. But there’s hope. The article offers practical ways to dismantle these silos: ✅ Shared goals: Aligning incentives across stakeholders—from regulators to startups. ✅ Cross-functional teams: Integrating policy, tech, and ops early to drive aligned, collaborative solutions.  ✅ Transparent data sharing: Building trust through open platforms and secure APIs. The energy transition isn’t just about electrons—it’s about collaboration. If we want a resilient, decarbonized future, we need to rethink how we work together. This is the challenge of our time. Let’s ensure we’re not just building new systems—but building them in alignment, with shared purpose and collective action. I’d love to hear: Where have you seen silos slow down progress in your work—and how did you break through? https://lnkd.in/dFMFqFTm

EV charger manufacturers are hit by a perfect storm Over the last months, we’ve seen it everywhere: from legacy giants to agile newcomers. EVeryone is suddenly facing the same triple storm: 🔹 ISO 15118-20 (soon mandatory through AFIR) 🔹 OCPP 2.0.1 / 2.1 (rapidly becoming the new baseline) 🔹 EU Cyber Resilience Act (touching every connected product) Each of these alone would be a major software challenge. Together, and on a ~ one-year timeline, they are a perfect storm. Most teams are discovering that what used to be a firmware task is now a full software platform problem. You need security updates, protocol versioning, certificate management, OTA rollout, automated testing, and end-to-end integration. That is not “just an update.” That is a complete rewrite of the charger’s digital foundation. And yet, the deadlines are not moving. So what do we do when the bar rises faster than any single company can climb? We collaborate! That is why EVerest Project exists: an open-source operating system for EV charging, developed by the industry, for the industry. It turns regulatory chaos into shared progress. Instead of solving the same puzzle a hundred times, we solve it once, together. And when companies need to take that shared foundation into production, Pionix helps to make it happen — with enterprise-grade builds, certification support, and engineering partnerships that scale. AFIR, OCPP, and Cybersecurity/CRA will shape the next generation of chargers. The question is not if you will need to comply, but how fast and how sustainably you can do it. Let’s stop pretending that compliance is a competitive advantage. It is infrastructure! And open collaboration is how infrastructure scales. #EVCharging #EVerest #Pionix #AFIR #OCPP #ISO15118 #CyberResilienceAct #SoftwareDefinedCharging #OpenSource #Collaboration

The Senate has passed the bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act, a significant legislative step aimed at expanding housing supply, improving affordability, and strengthening oversight of federal housing programs. On October 9, 2025, the U.S. Senate passed the ROAD to Housing Act - a landmark bipartisan bill designed to address the nation’s housing challenges through targeted reforms and increased regulatory efficiency. The legislation previously advanced through the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs with unanimous bi-partisan support (24–0), underscoring broad consensus across party lines. 🔍 What the ROAD to Housing Act Means for Housing Counseling Stakeholders The bill includes provisions that may directly or indirectly impact HUD-approved housing counseling agencies and their clients: Boosts Housing Supply: By incentivizing development and streamlining regulatory barriers, the bill aims to increase the availability of affordable housing units—potentially expanding the pool of clients eligible for pre-purchase counseling and financial capability services. Improves Affordability: Measures to reduce housing costs could enhance access to homeownership and rental stability, aligning with the mission of housing counselors to support sustainable housing decisions. Strengthens Oversight: The legislation calls for improved transparency and accountability across federal housing programs, which may lead to updates in reporting standards, data collection, and program evaluation—areas where housing counseling agencies play a key role. Modernizes Federal Housing Infrastructure: The bill supports modernization efforts that could complement HUD’s ongoing initiatives to streamline systems, reduce administrative burden, and improve service delivery, including expanding the availability of foreclosure prevention counseling services. 🏛️ Next Steps The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. If enacted, HUD and its partners—including housing counseling agencies—may be called upon to support implementation, educate consumers, and align services with new federal priorities. This is an important moment for housing stakeholders. The ROAD to Housing Act reflects a shared commitment to tackling affordability and access through practical, bipartisan solutions. Housing counselors will continue to be essential in translating these reforms into real-world impact for households nationwide. For more details, A section-by-section analysis of the bill can be found at https://lnkd.in/e6DqQzRc and the Bill text can be found at https://lnkd.in/esKX4Pr6 #NHRC #HUDCertifiedProud #HousingCounseling #Housingforall