How Greg Jackson runs Octopus Energy with no HR, no bonuses, and no succession plan
The serial founder relies on “family dinners,” accessibility, and a disdain for bureaucracy.
Greg Jackson, the founder and CEO of Octopus Energy, has built his 13,000-person company without the typical trappings of a large enterprise: no HR department, no bonuses, and no succession plan. The company, which now powers 12 million homes in eight countries, manages wind and solar farms and even manufactures heat pumps, smart meters, and electric vehicles.
Despite its wide-ranging operations, Jackson insists the underlying theme connecting all these disparate parts is the idea that electrification can bring substantial cost savings, provided a new system is built.
Jackson's leadership style is hands-on and focused on customer relationships, with weekly "family dinner" sessions to align his 13,000 employees and keep them energized. He prioritizes the company's mission over individual advancement, giving equity to every employee but refraining from paying bonuses. Jackson also relies on a proprietary technology platform called Kraken, valued at $8.7 billion, to maintain a single view of the company's operations and customer service.
His leadership approach, centered around understanding customers, setting company vision, and building a skilled and innovative team, ensures Octopus Energy remains agile and competitive in the rapidly evolving energy sector.
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