We Took the Risk

The Stories Behind the Early Risk Takers in the U.S. Renewable Energy Industry and the Leadership Traits that Made Them a Success

By: Tom Weirich

Narrated by: Tom Weirich

Renewables are not for everyone. It takes a passionate professional that’s ready to take on risk and truly commit to impacting the world around them. But how do you assess the risks that are worthwhile to take? How did renewables start in the US and who took the first risks in growing the industry? What traits did they embody?

We Took the Risk dives into the personal journeys of 25 executives who, through their own combination of traits, took on the challenges of an early US renewable energy industry. Far from being a self-improvement book or a glorified “who’s who” run down, this book provides a backdrop by which to juxtaposition your own career journey. Author Tom Weirich lets you view the beginnings of the industry as if you were there, lock in step with these entrepreneurial leaders, as they sift through decisions that would forever impact the trajectory of renewables in the US.

We Took the Risk serves to empower and remind that no matter where you are in your own renewables journey, we all have the power to make an impact. We just have to take the risk.

©2022 Tom Weirich (P)2023 Tom Weirich

What a story!

Tom masterfully brings together and narrates the fascinating stories of 25 executives who took the risk and helped build the renewables industry in the US. Having been in the same industry for a decade, I found Tom’s story to be insightful and inspiring. Thank you Tom for being our storyteller!

Highly Motivational and Engaging - I Learned a TON

This book is such a wealth of information about the roots of the solar industry. As an entrepreneur in this space, working on a solution for the end-of-life and recycling of PV panels, I found it fascinating to learn about the audaciousness and persistence of the early risk-takers who laid the foundation for renewables in the first place.

Every chapter is a deep dive into the motivations and strategies that led to the massive increase in solar adoption today. I'm impressed by the quality of the research in Weirich's writing and the level of authenticity he drew out in each character.

I can see this book being a long-term reference for influencer names and networking connections, not to mention a constant reminder that we have to have first movers when we need to change the status quo. It's ok to be different. It's ok to put ideas out into the world.

I found the writing style and approach easy to digest, and a text I will come back to again and again as I move through the entrepreneur roller coaster!

Informative and Inspiring

Yes, this is a book about renewables, but it is also about personal perseverance, renewing commitments to ourselves, getting back up when you fall, seizing the opportunities available to us, leaning into life, and friendship.

This is testament to Tom’s love of renewables, passion for life and embrace of the American entrepreneurial work ethic. An uplifting tale and medicine for the soul.

An inspiring chronology of our renewable energy industry risk takers!

While taking brain breaks in the past week when traveling and after a long workday, I couldn't stop listening to the audiobook version of We Took the Risk by Tom Weirich. It’s an inspiring chronology of how the renewable industry has grown significantly from the very beginning, benefiting from the many risk takers interviewed by Tom in this book. It gives one a great sense of what the next few decades could become with the momentum we have going forward in the industry! Highly recommended especially for those who are coming into the industry or are already in the industry!

Essential listening for clean energy career paths

Fearlessness. Grit. Innovation. Adaptability. Determination. Whether you're a longtime renewable energy professional or just entering the dynamic industry, Tom Weirich's "We Took the Risk" is an essential read/listen. The audiobook brings the listener/reader even closer to the storyteller's compelling lens and insights. It connects you with the people who laid the foundation and persevered through boom-and-bust cycles to take the (oak tree!) seed of an idea and grow it into a major force in our global economy that renewables have become today. At a time when the climate crisis is hitting home for most people across most regions worldwide, "We Took the Risk" is much more than a historic look at what and who created the clean energy industry; it's a how-to guide for anyone who refuses to accept problems and wants to be part of advancing real-world solutions shaping a sustainable future on Earth today. By detailing the character traits and facts of the renewable energy story with great logic, intelligence and personal connection, this audiobook reinforces reasons for hope and optimism. Takeaways that resonated include perspective on the powerful role strong mentorship played for the author in formative years, a reminder to anyone in a position to elevate and empower new generations to succeed. Also fascinating is Weirich’s perspective on how political corruption and an uneven playing field for renewables must be addressed and resolved to deploy proven clean energy solutions at the scale and speed needed to succeed for our planet's preservation and people's security. As someone who had a wonderful introduction to renewable industries as a young professional - thanks to a great mentor and community - but left for a few years in other sciences, "We Took the Risk" beautifully captures why I returned to renewables. The people, their mindsets, mission and impact are incomparable. Who wouldn't want to be part of it? I highly recommend this audiobook to anyone seeking inspiration or aiming to energize their thinking, doing and impact.