Adrian Frey, MSc MSc is a graduate of the first class of the MSc Environmental Technology & International Affairs (ETIA). After 15 years in the global energy industry, he left the corporate world and started his own business. He has been an "edutainer" since 2020 and is committed to a sustainable future.

What career stages have you completed since graduating from the MSc Environmental Technology & International Affairs?

The old vs. the new world of Energy, Mobility and Leadership were forming my way since graduating from ETIA, and there was never a dull moment. I spent 15 years in the global energy industry with various HSSE (Health, Safety, Security, Environment) leadership roles, with long durations “in the field” at remote offshore and onshore locations. This was followed by a shift to Future Energy & Mobility in 2017, topics that have been close to my heart for a very long time. In 2020 I left the corporate setup to start my own endeavor as “edutainer” for a sustainable future, focusing on climate action through personal commitment, innovation leadership and advanced mobility/energy solutions. 

When you look back on your studies: What do you still benefit most from today? How did completing the MSc ETIA contribute to the realization of your career goals? 

“You can only connect the dots looking backwards”, as Steve Jobs famously said. For me, ETIA seemed like one dot of many – however a very substantial one, which made it possible for many other dots to connect down the line, which I am glad and thankful for. 

What particularly positive memories do you associate with your postgraduate studies and with the CEC? 

The discussions over a good glass of wine with Prof. Puxbaum and colleagues… 

Suppose you could repeat one day in your life – what would it be?

As cheesily as it may sound: Our wedding day. And then the day when our first child was born… and then the second one. Those days showed me the reason why I was born in the first place. All professional and personal modest achievements are great. But for me, they only reveal their full sense in relation to private fulfillment and the legacy you want to act on.  

From today's perspective, what advice would you give to your 25-year-old self?

Grab a copy of the book “The top 5 regrets of the dying” immediately when it will be released in 2011…  And: Ignore the nay-sayers: Simply trust in yourself, even more!

What book would you definitely recommend to other alumni?

Any book that calls for action and solutions around the climate crisis, just like from my amazing ETIA-fellow Bernice (note: Maxton-Lee): “Resetting our future – A chicken can’t lay a duck egg”.