Project Title:
Gridware
Inaugural Head of Communications & Marketing/Chief of Communications & Marketing
The Context
Gridware, a company specializing in security & micrometeorology, expanded its operations to the U.S. to support wildfire mitigation and grid modernization efforts. As the inaugural Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, I was tasked with building and leading the department from the ground up. This involved establishing a consistent voice across external media, internal operations, and policy channels. My responsibilities extended beyond communications to include executive development, systems design, and thought leadership strategy, all aimed at enhancing trust, alignment, and visibility across the organization.
The Challenge
As media scrutiny intensified regarding wildfire resilience and utility accountability, Gridware faced the challenge of navigating a complex landscape that included regulatory engagement, federal lobbying, and public perception. At the same time, the startup rapidly scaled its team and expanded across six time zones while contending with rising expectations from venture capital backers and public-sector partners. Internally, Gridware lacked a centralized communications structure, and externally, the executive voice was underdeveloped. This limited the company's ability to shape narratives related to micrometeorology innovation, cybersecurity concerns, and environmental equity.
The Approach
I partnered directly with the CEO and co-founders to define Gridware’s market identity, positioning the company not only as a wildfire detection platform but also as a policy-aligned climate resilience partner. This included creating the strategic architecture for all public-facing communication (executive speeches, op-eds, media campaigns) and guiding senior leaders through narrative development and speaking preparation for high-profile policy briefings, press engagements, and investment meetings.
Internally, I built Gridware’s global communications infrastructure from scratch, standardizing messaging and operational workflows across Sydney, Tokyo, Munich, London, and U.S. offices. I developed a NIST-aligned cybersecurity narrative for biotech and teletherapy clients, led integrated reputation strategy across product and marketing teams, and translated complex technical innovation into narratives that resonated with regulators, investors, and utility partners. At the executive level, I coached senior leaders on communicating through ambiguity, aligning internal narratives with external milestones, and using communications as a proactive tool for influence and trust-building.
The Impact
My work increased Gridware’s media visibility by 40% and stakeholder trust by 35%, driving stronger public support during pivotal funding rounds and regulatory audits. The executive leadership team emerged as credible spokespeople in the energy innovation space, with Gridware earning coverage and partnership opportunities at the intersection of climate tech, equity, and infrastructure. Our narrative work helped clarify the role of micrometeorology in wildfire prevention and cybersecurity readiness, resulting in deeper traction with the DOI, DPH, CalFire, and other public sector agencies.
Internally, the communications systems I designed enabled faster executive alignment, reduced cross-functional ambiguity, and supported the development of a scalable brand and leadership identity. The communications function became a strategic lever for both growth and operational resilience, cementing Gridware’s position as a forward-thinking partner in the future of public safety and sustainable technology.
