Real Assets, Real Leaders

Greenfield, Grit, and Growth Equity: Emma Tinker, CIO and Co-Founder of Asper Investment Management

In this episode of Real Assets, Real Leaders, we’re joined by Emma Tinker, Chief Investment Officer and Co-Founder of Asper Investment Management, to explore how specialist investors are backing the people and platforms shaping Europe’s energy transition.
Emma shares Asper’s mission to build the new - developing greenfield infrastructure that delivers real decarbonisation and long-term value. From spinning out of a major private equity house to managing €1.3bn across Europe, Emma offers a rare inside look at how conviction, patience, and culture come together to create lasting impact.
She talks us through: From spin-out to scale-up – The story of Asper’s evolution from a renewable energy strategy inside HG Capital to an independent platform investing across Europe.
Building the new - Why greenfield investment in clean power and heat decarbonisation is vital for real change, and how Asper makes it investable.
Backing founders with conviction - What defines the teams Asper partners with, and the traits that separate resilient founders from the rest.
Risk, reward & resilience - Lessons from building projects at the earliest stages and managing capital through complexity.
Leadership that lasts - Emma’s reflections on courage, curiosity, and long-term kindness as cornerstones of effective leadership.
This conversation dives deep into the realities of infrastructure growth equity - from how to manage risk in uncharted markets to how to build teams that thrive under pressure. Whether you’re in private equity, renewables, or leadership yourself, Emma’s perspective blends wisdom, humility, and grit in equal measure.

Thorpe Marsh - a new template for UK BESS projects: Chris Elder, CEO Fidra Energy

In this episode of Real Assets, Real Leaders, we’re joined by Chris Elder, CEO of Fidra Energy, to explore how Thorpe Marsh , the UKs largest battery storage project is setting a new benchmark for clean power infrastructure.
Fresh from financial close on one of the largest battery storage projects, Chris shares the story behind Fidra’s bold vision, the conviction it took to scale up, and the leadership lessons learned along the way.
He talks us through:
From coal to clean power – How a former coal station in South Yorkshire is being transformed into a 1.4GW, 3GWh battery that can power 800,000 homes.
Raising record-breaking capital – Lessons from securing £750m in financing, navigating offtake contracts, and proving bankability at scale.
Building at unprecedented scale – Managing partners, supply chains, and a thousand-container construction challenge to deliver by 2027.
Leadership & culture – Chris’s journey from lawyer to energy CEO, and why courage, conviction, and team culture are the cornerstones of Phaedra’s growth.
This conversation dives deep into the realities of developing gigawatt-scale storage: from structuring finance and choosing the right partners, to shaping a company culture fit for rapid scale. Whether you’re in infrastructure, finance, or renewables, Chris’s candid reflections offer a playbook for turning bold vision into bankable projects.
🔗 Connect with Chris Elder & Fidra Energy → https://fidraenergy.com/🌍 Our Links → sonderandmetric.com

Off-site Private Wire Solutions: Ed Pateman-Jones, CEO of SONAURA Energy

In this episode of Real Assets, Real Leaders, we’re joined by Ed Pateman-Jones, Founder and CEO of SONAURA, to explore how innovative energy procurement is reshaping industrial decarbonisation across Europe.
With deep expertise in clean infrastructure and a commercial lens honed through years of development and advisory.
Ed shares practical insights on:
•⁠ ⁠Transforming industrial power supply – How Sonora is delivering off-site private wire projects to help manufacturers access cheaper, cleaner energy at scale. •⁠ ⁠Why one-size-fits-all doesn’t work – Navigating regulatory, cultural, and economic nuances across the UK, France, and Germany—and why localised strategy is key. •⁠ ⁠From startup to scale-up – Lessons from raising capital, building a cross-border team, and growing a business with replicability and impact in mind. •⁠ ⁠Leadership in action – How Ed is shaping Sonora’s culture with transparency, ownership, and a commitment to diversity from day one.
This episode is full of candid reflections on energy markets, startup leadership, and how to move beyond pilot projects toward real decarbonizsation. Whether you’re in infrastructure, ESG, or renewables, Ed’s journey offers a blueprint for scaling sustainable solutions with commercial edge.
🔗 Connect with Ed Pateman-Jones: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-pateman-jones/ ⁠https://sonauraenergy.com/⁠
🌍 Our Links: ⁠https://www.sonderandmetric.com/⁠
https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-foulkes-46273388/

Purpose Driven Investment: Dan Wells, Partner @ Foresight Group

In this episode of Real Assets, Real Leaders, we’re joined by Dan Wells, Partner at Foresight Group, to explore how strategic infrastructure investing is shaping the energy transition.
With decades of experience across global markets, Dan shares thoughtful insights on:
•⁠ ⁠Deploying capital for impact – How Foresight is scaling clean energy and natural capital investment across Europe and beyond.
•⁠ ⁠The shift from early to mid-transition infrastructure – Why storage, grid, and long-duration assets are essential for the next chapter of net zero.
•⁠ ⁠Lessons from global project development – What Dan learned from investing in Asia, managing multi-country portfolios, and navigating cultural nuance.
•⁠ ⁠Building a purpose-driven investment career – How values, perseverance, and leadership shaped his journey from history major to energy fund partner.
This episode is packed with reflections on sustainable investing, team-building, and how to lead with intention in a rapidly evolving market. Whether you're in infrastructure, finance, or simply curious about the forces driving net zero, Dan’s journey offers practical wisdom and perspective.
🔗 Connect with Dan Wells:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-wells-0118396/
https://foresight.group/
🌍 Our Links: https://www.sonderandmetric.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-foulkes-46273388/

Risk, Reward and Renewables: Richard Burrell, Executive Chairman of Bring Energy

In this episode of Real Assets, Real Leaders, we sit down with Richard Burrell to explore the evolving landscape of renewable energy investment and infrastructure.
With deep expertise in financing energy projects, scaling sustainable businesses, and navigating the energy transition, Richard shares valuable insights on:
The role of investment in clean energy growth
How capital is shaping the future of renewables.
Navigating risks & opportunities in the energy sector .
What investors look for in large-scale projects.
The evolving grid & energy storage market.
Why infrastructure innovation is crucial for net zero.
Lessons from leading energy businesses
Strategies for scaling and sustaining success in a dynamic industry.
Whether you're an investor, entrepreneur, or energy enthusiast, this episode offers strategic takeaways on funding, infrastructure, and the road ahead for the energy transition.
🔗 Connect with Richard Burrell
https://bringenergy.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-burrell-39487330/
🌍 Our Links:
https://www.sonderandmetric.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-foulkes-46273388/

BESS, Data Centres & a 10GW pipeline: Giles Hanglin, CEO of Apatura

In this episode of Real Assets, Real Leaders, we sit down with Giles Hanglin, CEO of Apatura Energy, to explore the challenges and opportunities of scaling a high-growth renewable energy business.
With extensive experience in battery storage, infrastructure development, and energy transition, Giles shares valuable insights on:
•⁠ ⁠Scaling a business in the renewable energy sector – Growing Apatura Energy from 12 to 40+ employees in just a year.
•⁠ ⁠The future of battery storage & energy resilience – Why large-scale storage is critical for net zero.
•⁠ ⁠How AI & data centres are shaping energy demand – The surprising connection between tech and energy infrastructure
•⁠ ⁠Funding challenges & strategies in the energy sector – What it takes to secure investment in a fast-changing market.
•⁠ ⁠Leadership lessons from a rapidly growing company – Building a strong team, adapting to change, and staying ahead in the industry.
⁠Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or passionate about the future of renewable energy, this episode is packed with actionable insights and strategic takeaways. Giles’ leadership journey and experience in building a 10.5GW energy portfolio make this a must-listen!
Giles’ Links:
🌍 https://apatura.energy/
🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/giles-hanglin/
Our Links:
🌍 https://www.sonderandmetric.com/
🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-foulkes-46273388/

‘Untapping Potential’ to reach Net Zero: Mike Cooke, MD of Vital Energi

In our first episode of Real Assets, Real Leaders, we sit down with Mike Cooke,MD, CEO of Vital Energi, to explore the future of sustainable energy and leadership in the infrastructure sector. With decades of experience driving innovation in energy solutions, Mike shares invaluable insights on:
- The role of decarbonisation in shaping the energy landscape
- Leadership lessons from running a high-impact company
- How Vital Energi is tackling climate challenges with cutting-edge solutions
- The importance of collaboration in delivering large-scale infrastructure projects
- Advice for aspiring leaders in sustainability and energy
Whether you're a business leader, energy enthusiast, or just curious about the future of sustainable infrastructure, this episode delivers actionable insights and thought-provoking discussions. Mike’s hands-on experience and leadership wisdom make this a must-listen!
Mike’s Links:
⁠www.vitalenergi.co.uk/⁠
⁠www.linkedin.com/in/mike-cooke-b7831835/⁠
Our Links:
⁠https://www.sonderandmetric.com/⁠
⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-foulkes-46273388/⁠