EMEA Recruitment Podcast #174 - Shaping Renewable Energy: A Career Driven by Curiosity - Christos Kosmas

We were proud to welcome Christos Kosmas, CFO at MorGen Energy, onto the EMEA Recruitment podcast. "The driving force has always been curiosity." Speaking to Paul Toms, the episode begins by exploring what led Christos to the renewable energy sector. In a nutshell, his driving force has always been curiosity. After completing his Engineering studies, Christos recognized optimization problems as an area of interest and sought to work at the intersection between the technical side and the commercial/Finance aspects. Following a role in national gas, Christos went on to complete an MBA, and eventually entered a new territory in Project Finance, where he worked with several new infrastructure and energy-related assets. After his first energy project, he was hooked - energy economics immediately captivated him. After several years in conventional energy, he realized that the future was in renewables and creating a sustainable future. In 2018, he accepted his first role in private equity and has remained in the green sector ever since. A new opportunity arose after becoming a hydrogen subject matter expert. Christos understood the necessity of hydrogen solutions was something the world needed to achieve net zero by 2050 and wanted to play a key role.  The renewable energy sector brings challenges, but Christos finds the content of the work and knowing it has a positive societal impact rewarding; it's something he can proudly speak to his children about. Onto his approach to decision-making, Christos believes effective decision-making starts with laying out all available options and assessing them objectively. While tried-and-tested solutions still have value, he emphasizes the importance of questioning the status quo, particularly in cutting-edge industries where there is no established blueprint.  Rather than thinking in black and white, instead "think in grey," balancing short-term practicality with long-term impact. Using the example of hydrogen facilities, he explains that the cheapest option is not always the best strategic decision, and that data, modeling, and careful analysis are required to making the most sensible decision. This mindset also shapes his approach to continuous improvement. Christos challenges the tendency, particularly common in Finance, to repeat processes simply because "that's how it's always been done" or because it satisfies audit requirements. He advocates for keeping an open mind and consistently looking for ways to improve year after year. Paul asks about Christos's management style. As a manager, Christos takes a people-first approach. He believes employees are more likely to leave managers than companies, and it's his responsibility to create opportunities for his team to learn, develop, and feel appreciated.  Rather than acting as a task manager, he focuses creating a supportive environment so the team can perform at their best. He values collaboration and open dialogue, encouraging team members to share their opinions before he offers his own to avoid hierarchy-driven agreement. Once a decision has been made, the team needs to understand why something is being done - that understanding ensures genuine buy-in across the team, as a shared direction is vital. For professionals hoping to follow a similar path, Christos stresses that there is no single path to success. He encourages people, particularly those early in their careers, to take calculated risks, explore different opportunities, and remain open to changing direction. Above all, he advises individuals to understand themselves, choose managers they genuinely want to work with, and seek organizations that will provide opportunities for growth and development. Listen to the end of the episode to hear Christos' opinions on an MBA, as well as his plans for the future in the renewable sector. If you're looking for a particular part of the episode, please use the timestamps below: 01:20: The last thing that made Christos smile 02:50:  Defining moments in Christos' career 07:30: Passion for the renewable energy sector 09:50: The attitude to climate change 10:55: Christos' approach to decision-making 13:55: Mindset requirements 18:05: Christos' leadership style 20:05: Personality types and field considerations 22:10: Advice for those looking to emulate Christos' career 24:50: MBA experience and perspective 28:10: Christos' plans for the future The EMEA Recruitment podcast is produced in partnership with Operation Smile, an international medical charity that provides life-changing surgery to children born with cleft lip and palate. Find out more about Operation Smile's vital work: https://www.operationsmile.org.uk/partners/emea-recruitment/ If there are any topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes, please get in touch with [marketing@emearecruitment.com](mailto:marketing@emearecruitment.com?subject=EMEA%20Recruitment%20podcast) #emearecruitment #emearecruitmentpodcast #christoskosmas #paultoms #finance #operationsmile  #operationsmileuk #recruitment