What got you started with energy?
Growing up, I had three coal power stations on the horizon—Drax, Eggborough, and Ferrybridge. My dad had worked at all three as a contractor, so power has always been very visible to me. I started a master’s in Renewable Energy in my late twenties, after seeing how wind was expanding across the North of England and how the offshore wind industry was developing in the city where I studied, Hull.
How has your journey been with Volt?
I joined Volt in October 2023, and the first year was a rollercoaster. It was my first startup, so it was very different from any of my previous roles. No two days were the same—we had to race to go to market and build a recognised and respected brand. There were a few days and nights where we were unsure we’d survive 😅, but thankfully we powered through the tough times. It’s extremely important for a young company to build and manage client data in a structured way, so from day one, sales operations and marketing go hand-in-hand.
What is a day at Volt like?
No two days have been the same so far. As a small (and growing 😉) team, we have the mentality of getting on with the job in front of us—if something needs doing, you find a way to get it done. One day I might be drafting a LinkedIn post, the next I’m using AI tools to build a dashboard and get the best overview of our client base.
Fun facts about energy
Hull was home to the first ever public power company, founded in 1877, which distributed high-pressure water around the city centre for use with hydraulics.
About Tom
Tom A. Donnelly is Head of Marketing and Sales Operations at Volt Power Analytics. He joined the company in 2023 and plays a key role in building Volt’s brand, managing sales infrastructure, and supporting the company’s growth in energy analytics markets. He holds a master’s degree in Renewable Energy and brings experience at the intersection of energy, marketing, and commercial operations.