Berkner Group

Startup hiring is always a challenge. Is 2024 shaping up to be even harder? Share your experience! #climatetechjobs, #climatetechhiring, #cleantechjobs

Aether Fuels, a leader in sustainable fuels technology, needed a hands-on catalyst expert to drive their research. We introduced them to Richard Zhang. Envisioning a net-zero world, Aether Fuels creates sustainable liquid fuels from low-cost and abundant waste carbon streams. Backed by AP Ventures, Chevron Technology Ventures, JetBlue Ventures, Foothill Ventures, TechEnergy Ventures, Doral Energy-Tech Ventures, CPD Ventures, Zeon Ventures Inc., and Xora Innovation, their solutions are making eco-friendly aviation and ocean shipping fuels more cost-effective. They needed a Catalyst R&D engineer with deep expertise in catalyst development, process scale-up, and a passion for sustainable solutions. Richard Zhang, with over 20 years of experience in catalyst research and development at industry leaders like Honeywell UOP and W.R. Grace, was the ideal match. Richard’s track record in formulating new catalysts, scaling up processes from bench to plant, and troubleshooting in production environments made him an invaluable asset. His drive to develop sustainable fuel technologies and solve complex technical challenges aligns seamlessly with Aether's important mission. We're excited to have connected Richard with Aether Fuels. His passion for hands-on technical leadership will undoubtedly accelerate the company's progress in decarbonizing industries and building a cleaner future. Congratulations to both Richard and Aether Fuels! We partner with climate tech innovators to build exceptional leadership teams. Looking for guidance on how to find the right leaders for your team? Our employer brand guide is in the works. Sign up to be notified when it's available for download: https://lnkd.in/gV3qsQrK #CatalystEngineering #SustainableFuels #CarbonTransformation #HiringSuccess #ClimateTech #Startups #AetherFuels #BerknerGroup

A strong employer brand starts with your employees — how do you keep your climate tech team excited about growing with you? You’re developing a promising technology, you have a bold vision for the future and now—maybe after you took our advice the last couple of weeks—a solid employer brand foundation (aka employee value proposition). Now it’s time to put your EVP into action. Need a refresher on employer branding and EVPs? Check out our previous posts! Before you share your employee value proposition with the world, it’s important to share it with your most valuable asset - your team. Why does your current team come first? Your team members are already behind your mission and have been with you in the trenches, pushing your technology forward….even on days it seemed impossible. They are your most powerful brand ambassadors. Your first team members create your culture with you. Their feedback will not only help you refine your messaging (to attract even more incredible talent like them), but they can also let you know if the brand foundation you built actually reflects your company. How do you share your EVP with your team? Put together a presentation (an experienced pitch deck designer or employer brand consultant can help you with this) and meet with your team to share it. Emphasize your values and how they connect to your company’s ultimate vision, such as decarbonizing the energy sector or making batteries safer and more sustainable for future generations. Imagine your company as a living, breathing human being and share their story. How did they get here? Where do they want to go? What do they value most in life? How do they want to change the world? When you’re done presenting, get your team’s feedback and listen. Be curious and open. Ask questions to understand their perspective. Encourage team members to give feedback in the way that’s most comfortable for them, whether it’s email or a 1:1 meeting. And last but not least - celebrate their contributions and how they’ve demonstrated your company’s values.  This shows them that you value their input and you’re committed to building a workplace that works for them. By empowering your team, you can create a team of advocates who will help you attract the best minds for your company and technology. Looking for guidance on developing your EVP or employer brand? Our employer brand guide is in the works. Sign up to be notified when it's available for download: https://lnkd.in/gV3qsQrK #EmployerBranding #ClimateTech #Startups #Hiring #EVP

At Terra, we believe that affordable, consistent, high-quality, and more sustainable concrete will come from true innovations in materials and technology and not from incremental improvements to the existing cement supply chain. Over the past year, we've spoken with experts, conducted research, and taken a deep dive into what it’s going to take to unlock true construction decarbonization and disrupt the carbon footprint of cement. From policy to technology and process, we believe deeply in the responsibility and opportunity of this industry to make a remarkable change for the world at large. We're excited to share a full report on these topics and even more excited to start the conversation. #cementforhuamnity #zerowasteconstruction #greencement #netzero #greenbuilding 

At Terra, we believe that affordable, consistent, high-quality, and more sustainable concrete will come from true innovations in materials and technology and not from incremental improvements to the existing cement supply chain. Over the past year, we've spoken with experts, conducted research, and taken a deep dive into what it’s going to take to unlock true construction decarbonization and disrupt the carbon footprint of cement. From policy to technology and process, we believe deeply in the responsibility and opportunity of this industry to make a remarkable change for the world at large. We're excited to share a full report on these topics and even more excited to start the conversation. #cementforhuamnity #zerowasteconstruction #greencement #netzero #greenbuilding 

How do you stand out as an employer in climate tech? Last week, we outlined the importance of developing a compelling Employee Value Proposition (EVP) for your climate tech startup. Now, let's explore the four key ingredients that make an EVP truly stand out: The importance of your mission. Climate tech professionals are passionate about making a difference, like moving us closer to a net-zero economy. What are they doing that’s bigger than themselves? Showcase your company's impact on the environment and how employees directly contribute to a larger purpose – whether it's reducing carbon emissions, developing sustainable energy solutions, or preventing plastic waste in the environment. How will employees learn and grow? Highlight opportunities for learning, skill development, the chance to work with groundbreaking technology or career advancement. Do you offer opportunities employees can’t find anywhere else? What’s it like to come to work every day? Talk about your culture, what you value, and what your employees value. Are you supportive of employees choosing to work where they feel best or is an in-person, close-knit environment important to you and your ideal teammates? Bring your community to life. Write about the employee experience in a voice that reflects who you are. Or, better yet, make a video. If you’ve got a quirky sense of humor, your statement should reflect that! Compensation and benefits: Last but not least, fair compensation and benefits are essential. It might not be everything to employees, but they want to live comfortably and feel valued. Consider offering equity, performance bonuses, and unique perks like carbon offset programs or volunteer time off. Involve your team in shaping your EVP. Their insights can provide valuable perspectives and ensure your EVP is authentic and resonates with potential hires. Need a little inspiration? Our clients Eden and Factorial Energy have compelling EVPs that bring these companies to life and help candidates imagine working there. It’s a good idea to run your EVP by your employees and partners before including it on your website and marketing materials.  Looking for guidance on developing your EVP or employer brand? Our employer brand guide is in the works. Sign up to be notified when it's available for download: https://lnkd.in/gV3qsQrK #EmployerBranding #ClimateTech #Startups #Hiring #EVP

Attract the Right Climate Tech Team for Your Company. Build an Unforgettable Employee Value Proposition.  Last week, we discussed the importance of employer branding for attracting top talent. Now, let's talk about the foundation of a strong employer brand: your Employee Value Proposition (EVP). What is an EVP, and why does it matter? Your EVP answers the big question on every employee's and candidate's mind: "What's in it for me, and why should I work for you over another company?" Your EVP statement reflects the rewards and experiences you offer your employees. Unforgettable and undeniably you, this is an experience employees can’t find anywhere else. It shouldn’t cater to every employee. You're not looking for just anyone; you're seeking the perfect fit for your mission, team, and future. Your EVP should resonate with those who share your values and aspirations. This is what will inspire the right talented people to join and stay with your company. A compelling EVP is crucial for climate tech startups, helping you compete with larger, more established companies for top talent. How do you create an unforgettable EVP? 1. Start with self-reflection: What challenge does your technology solve? What impact will it have on the world? What kind of culture and work environment do you envision? 2. Inventory your offerings: What can you offer employees in terms of compensation (e.g., equity), benefits (e.g., carbon offset programs), personal growth and development (e.g., training, mentorship), and culture and community (e.g., remote work, retreats)? What sets you apart from competitors? 3. Build an ideal candidate profile: Define the skills, values, and motivations of your ideal employee. Who is most likely to thrive in your environment and be passionate about your mission? 4. Conduct research and get employee feedback: Your research should answer the question - what's most important to our ideal employees? This can be a challenge at a startup, but you can get creative! Consider: -Hiring surveys: Ask candidates about their experience with your application process and what they value in a workplace. -Current employee surveys (if applicable): Gather insights from your existing team about what they love about working for you. -Informal conversations: Talk to people in your network over coffee to get their perspective on what attracts top talent in the climate tech space. Stay Tuned for Part 2! Next week, we'll share actionable steps to refine your EVP and ensure it resonates with the right climate tech talent for you. We'll cover the four key ingredients of an unforgettable EVP and how to communicate them effectively. #EmployerBranding #ClimateTech #Startups #Hiring #EVP

Let's talk about one of the hardest challenges I faced as a turnaround CEO... and the big lesson I learned. Hint: It involves finding the right leaders for product and engineering and why I don’t recommend going it alone. I'm sharing some hard-earned wisdom in this video, so make sure to watch and leave your thoughts below! We'd love to hear other perspectives and experiences. Looking for your next head of product or engineering? Connect with Chris Berkner.

Branding vs. Employer Branding: Why Climate Tech Startups Need Both Curious about employer branding and how to attract exceptional talent? Over the coming weeks, we’ll give you tangible tips on strengthening your employer brand. To start, let’s talk about the differences between corporate branding and employer branding. Branding might seem like a "nice-to-have," especially for early-stage startups. It can be expensive and may even seem frivolous. But it's your company's heart and soul– how your customers, investors, and future employees connect with you. Your corporate branding is your company’s North Star, guiding everything you do. It's your mission, offerings, and impact and how you communicate your value. A strong brand builds trust and credibility with customers, investors, and partners, ultimately driving growth and sales. Employer branding, on the other hand, is your reputation as a workplace. It's your culture, values, and employee experience and how you communicate that experience. In the competitive climate tech space, a strong employer brand attracts exceptional talent who are passionate about what you stand for. It helps you build a team of innovators and problem-solvers who will drive your company forward. Your employer brand is built on the foundation of your overall brand. A clear identity and purpose helps you attract employees who share your vision and resonate with your culture. That's why investing in branding early on is helpful. If you need help figuring out where to start, consider working with a climate tech-focused brand strategist or agency to help you define your identity and develop compelling messaging. Depending on your budget, they can create a roadmap with actionable steps or execute the entire process for you. Already have a well-defined corporate brand? Creating your Employee Value Proposition (EVP), the foundation of a strong employer brand, is a significant next step. An EVP defines why your startup is a great place to work, such as compensation and benefits, career development opportunities, work-life balance, culture, and impact.    How do you develop a strong EVP? We’ll walk you through it next week! #EmployerBranding #ClimateTech #Startups #Branding #EVP

There are 3 types of startup candidates you’ll likely encounter. Learn how to identify each and which one is most worth pursuing. At Berkner Group, we have the expertise and insights to help you navigate the complexities of startup hiring. If you’re ready to hire, connect with Chris Berkner. #climatetech #startuphiring #talent #recruitment #leadership