CEO Global Network Podcast
🎙 Hosted by John Wilson, founder of CEO Global Network and author of GREAT CEOs and How They Are Made, this podcast delivers powerful insights for CEOs and executives looking to grow as leaders and drive lasting success.
Each episode features candid conversations with high-performing business leaders, expert speakers, and industry trailblazers—all focused on sharpening your leadership edge, building resilient companies, and improving your life, your team, and your impact.
Join a community of CEOs helping CEOs succeed.
CEO Global Network Podcast
Andrew Moles, VP & General Manager of PCL Solar - Pushing Boundaries in Solar Energy and Leadership
In this episode of the CEO Global Network Podcast, John Wilson sits down with Andrew Moles, Vice President and General Manager of PCL Solar at PCL Construction, to explore the rapidly evolving world of renewable energy. With Andrew's leadership, PCL Solar has made remarkable strides, delivering over 10 gigawatts of utility-scale projects. In this conversation, Andrew shares insights on pushing the boundaries of solar energy, balancing large-scale projects with community impact, and the leadership lessons he's learned from global expansion. Tune in for an in-depth look at the future of solar energy and the power of adaptable leadership.
00:00
John Wilson: Welcome Andrew to the CEO Global Network podcast. It’s great to have you with us. I know you're a very busy person, and so we really appreciate you being here today to share your thoughts about the solar industry and leadership. For those on the call, Andrew is the vice president and general manager of PCL Solar at PCL Construction. Thanks again, Andrew.
Andrew Moles: Thanks for having me, John.
00:26
John Wilson: First question I have for you today is, you've helped lead PCL Solar to close to 10 gigawatts of utility-scale projects, which is huge. What is one project that maybe pushed the boundaries of what you thought was possible in this business?
Andrew Moles: It’s really hard to pick just one, but I'd say the Traverse project in southern Alberta remains Canada’s largest project. We built that from first pile to last pile in 16 months, producing around 12,000 PV modules a day at peak.
01:13
John Wilson: That’s impressive! Now, PCL has expanded solar across Canada, the U.S., and Australia. How does building in different markets shape your approach to leadership and execution?
Andrew Moles: Leadership is fundamentally the same across countries, but you need to adapt to local cultures. The execution is more about sharing knowledge and improving continuously across borders.
03:16
John Wilson: Great point. When you think about the legacy of your work in renewable energy, what do you hope people will remember about your contributions?
Andrew Moles: I want people to see me as a positive force, someone who’s always striving to drive things forward and put people first. I focus on developing individuals to unlock their potential in all areas of life.
04:24
John Wilson: That’s wonderful. You and your team at PCL Solar have delivered over $6.5 billion in projects. How do you balance the scale of those numbers with the human and community impact of renewable energy?
Andrew Moles: It’s humbling, and it’s a direct result of our team's effort. Our “each one teach one” philosophy has been key to our success, fostering leadership in every project.
05:06
John Wilson: What was the turning point when you knew that solar was where you wanted to focus your career?
Andrew Moles: Initially, we thought solar might be short-lived. But as the cost of solar dropped and the demand grew, we saw the potential, especially after opening PCL’s solar division in Australia. Around 2013, I realized this was where I wanted to focus.
06:29
John Wilson: Very interesting! Finally, when future generations look back at today’s solar leaders, including yourself, what do you hope they’ll say about your work and its impact on the world?
Andrew Moles: I hope they view us as leaders who took risks, embraced change, and positively impacted communities. It’s about taking risks for the greater good of future generations.
07:35
John Wilson: Andrew, congratulations on everything you’ve achieved so far in your career. Thank you so much for being with us today on the CEO Global Network Podcast. We really learned a lot from this conversation.
Andrew Moles: Thanks, John. I really appreciate the time.
