040: Why Communication Comes First with George Hawkins
George Hawkins is the Harvard educated Founder of Moonshot LLC and just recently, Moonshot Partners, a Professor of Practice at American University and former head of DC Water. He facilitated the transformation of DC Water and Sewer Authority to DC Water and oversaw taking DC Water from some very challenging times to the national and international reputation it now enjoys. George wants to help other enterprises tell their story, create replicable roadmaps and reach their dreams.
Top Takeaways:
As water nerds passionate about communication, obviously, our chat with George Hawkins is ripe with takeaways:
Show Notes:
[4:15] Life after DC Water: how entrepreneurial life has treated George Hawkins this past year.
[8:21] George shares how his perspective of the industry has changed given his new role in it this past year.
[12:46] George gives us examples from his experiences that made him an advocate for communication in the water industry.
[22:23] In his own words: advice on how water educators and communicators can win over upper management.
[28:56] Why it’s so important for an organization, especially in the water industry, to not only believe in the mission but more importantly, act on it.
[35:58] George shares how can utilities earn back their communities trust, given the fact that people are sort of wary, of us but we need their trust to move forward with new infrastructure and technology.
[44:06] Hear George’s take on why customer service is so vital to utilities today, especially related to adopting new technology and addressing funding needs.
[57:00] With all he has seen and been introduced to, hear what has THE George Hawkins the most excited about the future of water.
[1:05:12] George speaks directly to all you men and women in the field, braving all conditions, and working tirelessly in a thankless job. He shares with you why what you do matters so much.
Resources:
The Ghost Map: The Story of London’s Most Terrifying Epidemic–and How It Changed Science, Cities, and the Modern World by Steven Johnson
Sponsor:
The Alliance for Water Efficiency is a non-profit organization and North America’s authoritative resource for water efficiency. Their mission is to promote the efficient use of water to achieve more resilient communities, businesses, and ecosystems.
Learn more and join the network by visiting www.allianceforwaterefficiency.org or emailing membership@a4we.org.
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