E146 - Greg Jackson, CEO of Octopus Energy Group.

This the second episode in our CEO Series, in which we will be deep diving into what it takes to be a CEO.

Greg Jackson is the founder and CEO of Octopus Energy Group, which currently has over 3.1 million UK customers. Octopus are on a mission to bring cheaper, greener power to all. In this episode Greg shares not only what it means to be a successful leader and team player, but how to live a more authentic life altogether. During this episode Greg shares a key life lesson: “Be more like your Gran”. Older people are always happier and fulfilled as they are confident in themselves whilst being able to admit their own flaws, he states this is something we should all aspire to be. 

Greg shares how integral creating a world where we are all equal is and why we should seek to get rid of any power dynamics. He discusses with Jake and Damian how crucial respect, compromise and authenticity are within his personal and professional life. 

Thank you to PwC for sponsoring this special CEO Series. PwC’s purpose is to build trust and solve important problems, and their global strategy - The New Equation - is bringing this to life for their clients, people and society. By combining technology with human ingenuity, passion and experience, PwC works with organisations to deliver more intelligent, sustained outcomes.

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# Navigating Leadership and Authenticity: Insights from Greg Jackson, CEO of Octopus Energy

In this episode of the High-Performance Podcast, Greg Jackson, the founder and CEO of Octopus Energy Group, joins Jake Humphrey for an in-depth conversation about leadership, authenticity, and creating a more equitable world. Jackson emphasizes the importance of authenticity, vulnerability, and creating a culture where everyone feels equal and respected.

**Key Takeaways:**

1. **Authenticity and Vulnerability:** Jackson stresses the significance of being true to oneself and embracing vulnerability as a leader. He shares an experience where a colleague pointed out that he was not being his genuine self, leading him to reflect on his behavior and make a conscious effort to stay authentic.

2. **Creating an Equal and Inclusive Workplace:** Jackson believes in fostering a work environment where everyone feels equal, regardless of their background or position. He encourages the use of accessible language, avoiding jargon and exclusive terms that can create barriers. He also emphasizes the importance of addressing issues openly and admitting mistakes when they occur.

3. **Purpose-Driven Leadership:** Jackson highlights the importance of having a clear mission and purpose that drives the organization. He believes that leaders should focus on creating a positive impact on the world, rather than solely pursuing profit.

4. **Balancing Personal and Professional Life:** Jackson recognizes the challenges of balancing personal and professional life, especially as a leader with significant responsibilities. He emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, making time for family and personal well-being, and ensuring that work doesn't consume all aspects of life.

5. **Learning from Mistakes:** Jackson acknowledges that mistakes are a natural part of the learning process and encourages individuals to embrace failures as opportunities for growth. He believes that the fear of failure can hold people back from achieving their full potential.

6. **Relating to Customers and Employees:** Jackson stresses the importance of understanding the perspectives of customers and employees. He believes that leaders should listen actively, empathize with their concerns, and strive to create a positive and supportive work environment.

7. **Avoiding Power Dynamics:** Jackson emphasizes the need to eliminate power dynamics and hierarchies that can create barriers and hinder collaboration. He believes that leaders should foster a culture of respect, compromise, and open communication, where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute.

8. **Leading with Compassion:** Jackson highlights the importance of leading with compassion, especially during challenging times like the energy crisis. He believes that leaders should prioritize the well-being of their employees and customers, and take proactive steps to support them through difficult situations.

Overall, Greg Jackson's insights provide valuable lessons on authentic leadership, creating an inclusive workplace, and driving positive change through a clear mission and purpose. His emphasis on authenticity, vulnerability, and empathy resonates with the core values of high-performance individuals and teams.

# Summary of the Podcast Episode: "The CEO Series: Greg Jackson, Founder and CEO of Octopus Energy Group"

**Introduction**

* This episode is part of PwC's special CEO Series, exploring what it takes to be a successful CEO.
* Greg Jackson, founder and CEO of Octopus Energy Group, shares his insights on leadership, authenticity, and creating a more sustainable world.

**Key Points**

* **Authenticity and Transparency:**
* Jackson emphasizes the importance of authenticity and transparency in leadership.
* He believes that companies should be honest about their mistakes and challenges, rather than trying to cover them up.
* This approach builds trust and credibility with customers and stakeholders.

* **Creating a Level Playing Field:**
* Jackson advocates for eliminating power dynamics and creating a level playing field within organizations.
* He believes that respect, compromise, and authenticity are crucial for fostering a positive work environment.

* **Prioritizing Sustainability:**
* Jackson acknowledges the contradiction of Octopus Energy Group selling gas while aiming to be a green energy company.
* He explains that the company is working towards a future where gas is no longer necessary by investing in renewable energy sources and developing innovative technologies.

* **Engaging Customers:**
* Jackson shares his belief that customers can care about energy and make a difference.
* He highlights the company's efforts to connect with customers on a personal level and encourage them to use energy more efficiently.

* **Overcoming Cynicism:**
* Jackson discusses the challenge of overcoming cynicism and skepticism towards the company's mission and approach.
* He emphasizes the importance of demonstrating genuine commitment to sustainability through actions and initiatives.

* **Handling Criticism:**
* Jackson acknowledges that criticism is a part of being a leader and that it can be difficult to deal with.
* He explains that he tries to focus on the heart of his decisions and the positive impact they aim to achieve.

* **Developing a Positive Organizational Culture:**
* Jackson shares his approach to developing a positive and engaged organizational culture at Octopus Energy Group.
* He highlights the importance of regular communication, open dialogue, and a shared sense of purpose.

* **Putting People First:**
* Jackson emphasizes the importance of putting people first, even during challenging times.
* He believes that taking care of employees and customers during difficult periods fosters loyalty and long-term success.

* **Addressing Climate Change:**
* Jackson expresses his concern about the urgency of addressing climate change and the need for collective action.
* He emphasizes the availability of renewable energy solutions and the importance of economic signals that encourage sustainable practices.

**Conclusion**

The podcast episode provides valuable insights from Greg Jackson on leadership, authenticity, and the importance of sustainability in business. It highlights the challenges and opportunities faced by CEOs in creating a positive impact on their organizations, customers, and the environment.

# Navigating the Complexities of CEO Leadership: Insights from Greg Jackson of Octopus Energy Group

## A Conversation Centered on Authenticity, Empathy, and Relentless Pursuit of Change:

This episode of the High-Performance Podcast features Greg Jackson, the founder, and CEO of Octopus Energy Group. Greg engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Jake Humphrey and Damian Hughes, delving into the intricacies of leadership, personal growth, and the pursuit of a higher purpose.

## Key Themes Explored:

- **Authenticity and Empathy:** Greg emphasizes the significance of authenticity and empathy in leadership. He believes that successful leaders should be genuine and relatable, fostering a culture of respect and understanding within their teams.

- **Relentless Pursuit of Change:** Greg highlights the importance of being relentless in driving positive change. He encourages leaders to set ambitious goals, embrace challenges, and continuously strive for improvement.

- **Purpose-Driven Leadership:** Greg underscores the value of leading with a clear sense of purpose. He believes that leaders should be driven by a higher calling, inspiring their teams to work towards a common goal that transcends individual interests.

- **Avoiding Power Dynamics:** Greg emphasizes the need to eliminate power dynamics within organizations. He advocates for creating a level playing field where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their ideas.

- **Compromise and Collaboration:** Greg discusses the importance of compromise and collaboration in achieving success. He believes that leaders should be willing to find common ground and work together to find solutions that benefit all parties involved.

- **Learning from Mistakes:** Greg shares his belief that mistakes are an inevitable part of the learning process. He encourages leaders to embrace failures as opportunities for growth and development.

- **Work-Life Balance and Personal Well-being:** Greg stresses the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and prioritizing personal well-being. He believes that leaders need to take care of themselves to be effective and sustainable in their roles.

## Memorable Quotes from Greg Jackson:

- "Be more like your Gran. Older people are always happier and fulfilled as they are confident in themselves whilst being able to admit their own flaws."

- "I think the first one is respecting other people, really understanding that if people have got the talent, brains to survive in today's society, to pay mortgages, bring up kids and everything else, they can do pretty much anything a company asks of them."

- "And the reason I say that is, look, people think of compromise as a good thing, but the reality is it means neither person is getting what they want. And actually by having a longer conversation and really digging into what we want, we can often find solutions that meet both people's needs."

- "I think it's to be relentless. For example every morning I get up the moment the alarm goes off, I don't hit the snooze button."

- "It's like, it's really easy every day and every week to start with a to-do list, which is all the things that you have to do. The really hard bit, but the bit that's most important, is to create a to-do list of the stuff that's going to make the world different tomorrow than it was yesterday."

## Overall Message:

Greg Jackson's insights provide valuable lessons for aspiring and current leaders. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity, empathy, and a relentless pursuit of change. By embracing these principles, leaders can create high-performing teams, drive innovation, and make a positive impact on the world.