The Pathways blog

In energy, we often excel speaking with those who are already fluent. 

That’s not surprising. Over decades, the industry has refined its messaging for regulators, analysts and technical peers that are fluent in its logic. But those are no longer the only primary audiences. In a landscape where more people are searching—and reacting to—energy decisions, companies can’t afford to communicate in shorthand.  

Energy powers every facet of modern life, and yet for many, how it works and where it comes from remains a mystery. In an industry as critical—and complex—as energy, the role of the corporate brand marketer is no longer a nice to have, it's essential.

In today’s environment, companies face a familiar tension: can profitability coexist with evolving corporate responsibility priorities?  

Veteran financial journalist Alix Steel brings two decades of storytelling expertise and a sharp executive messaging focus to DrivePath Advisors. 

We’re thrilled to welcome Alix Steel to our team. With a career spanning Bloomberg, TheStreet, and interviews with leading CEOs, Alix brings a rare blend of industry insight, media savvy, and a passion for energy markets. We sat down with Alix to discuss her journey from financial journalism to shaping corporate narratives, what drew her to DrivePath, and how she plans to help our clients uncover—and share—their most compelling stories. 

The U.S. economy can only grow as fast as it can be powered. Our economic ambitions to lead in artificial intelligence, to onshore manufacturing, and to ensure energy independence and security all depend on one thing: more electricity. At the 2025 EEI Annual Meeting in New Orleans, technology, energy and political leaders delivered a clear message to the power sector: move faster or risk falling behind. Future success will depend on innovation, collaboration, and clear communication as the power sector reinforces its role in U.S. economic growth and competitiveness. 

Shareholder activism is on the rise, with more than 250 public campaigns in U.S. markets in 2024. While often seen as disruptive to the company, there is no doubt that it has proven to be an effective way to influence strategic direction, CEO transition, board refreshment and industry consolidation.

While you can never predict when this might happen to you, every IRO should take these steps to get and stay ahead of any activist threats.

Earned media matters, maybe more than ever, as investors, journalists, policymakers turn to AI for their search needs.

Energy reliability is energy security, and Sarah McFarlane from Reuters has a story on suspicious solar equipment that everyone thinking about energy, and energy security, should read.

Why Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) won’t take off without structural support and airline passengers driving demand.

“A good plan executed today is better than a perfect plan executed next week.” - General George S. Patton.

A realistic approach to navigating today’s volatile world.

Electricity providers were surging. Natural gas producers and transporters had some swagger. Oil companies were swirling. Cleantech was in the shadows. And the energy “transition” was being restated.

Next week, the leading lights of global energy will rendezvous in Houston. And so will our DrivePath team.

The energy industry’s power complex — the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity — is facing a perfect storm.

We believe the most effective pathways will be those that balance innovation with pragmatism and vision with experience.

There’s no question of where demand for energy is headed in the 21st century. There is a question of whether supply can meet the demand.

We believe the most effective pathways will be those that balance innovation with pragmatism and vision with experience.