Meet edie’s 30 Under 30 Class of 2019: Charlie Jardine, EO Charging

This series profiles the members of edie's 30 Under 30 - a nomination-based community of 30 hugely talented young sustainability and energy professionals who have already achieved great things or are showing fantastic promise. Next up: Charlie Jardine, founder and chief executive of EO charging.


Meet edie’s 30 Under 30 Class of 2019: Charlie Jardine, EO Charging

Charlie founded EO Charging in 2015 and has grown the business from a small start-up to a firm present in more than 30 countries around the world.

The future of business leadership starts right here. Earlier this year, edie unveiled the inaugural members of its brand new 30 Under 30 initiative – a group of bright and ambitious rising sustainability and energy stars from across the UK.

After being nominated by their colleagues and impressing judges from Global Action Plan and the Institute of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability (ICRS), this cohort of youthful visionaries now benefit from an unrivalled opportunity to connect with one another and co-develop solutions to some of the most pressing environmental and social challenges of our time.

In this weekly series, we will be sharing their stories and successes beyond the group, giving edie readers insight into the minds of those who will be leading the charge in creating the low-carbon, resource-efficient economies of the future.

This week, it’s the turn of Charlie Jardine, founder and chief executive of electric vehicle (EV) charging manufacturer EO Charging, and winner of edie’s 2019 Rising Sustainability Award. 

How I got to where I am now:

“Before EO, I was working at another UK-based electric vehicle charger manufacturer, it was there that my eyes were opened to the potential of the industry. I left that role out of frustration at the unreliability of charging infrastructure and founded EO with a pledge to make charging simple and reliable.

“I’d say I got to where I am now out of sheer persistence.”  

My biggest career achievement to date has been:

“That’s a tough one, there’s been many –  although seeing one of our chargers on an EDF Energy TV advert after we became their home charging partner earlier this year was pretty special.

“It was surreal to see our chargers during a Love Island advert break!”

The biggest challenge I have encountered along the way is:

“We always knew EVs were the future, but the biggest challenge was remaining patient whilst the market caught up.

“Only now does it feel like the market is in full momentum and we’ve had to endure some tough times to get to this point.”

If I had to describe my generation in one word or phrase, I would say:

“Conscious.”

A successful 2019-20 for me looks like:

“For me, a successful 2020 will be pinned on positive customer feedback and a happy team at EO.

“We don’t just measure success in terms of units sold and installed, we place a huge emphasis on customer experience and how we make our customer feel.” 

In five years’ time, I would like to be:

“Supporting the wider team in launching the EO brand into new markets around the world.

“We’re already present in more than 30 countries but the potential for electric vehicle charging on a global level is colossal. Whilst we’ve come a long way, we actually feel like we’ve only just got started.”

Outside of my career, I enjoy:

“I’ve recently got back into golf in a big way. I used to play a lot when I was younger – bordering on obsessed – and I’ve reignited my love for the sport. If I can, I’ll play twice on the weekend as it’s a great way to clear the mind and get a digital detox.

“I’m also into running and have completed three marathons – London, LA and Paris. My mission is to cross the line in less than three hours but I’ve got a long way to go. I’m running San Francisco next year.”

My ‘Mission Possible’ message for business is:

“As Tim Ferris said: The fishing is best where the fewest go and the collective insecurity of the world makes it easy for people to hit home runs while everyone is aiming for base hits.”

My key piece of advice for any young professionals entering my industry today is:

“I think the key for anyone starting out is to be user-centric in everything you do and always listen to your customers. They are ultimately the ones that will purchase or use your service so it’s important you’re actually helping them solve a problem.

“For those starting a business – it’s going to be the hardest thing you’ve ever done but also the most rewarding.”

The full Class of 2019 series can be viewed here.

To stay in the loop for 2020 nominations for the 30 Under 30, email edieleaders@fav-house.com.

edie staff

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