WEALTH October 10, 2026 0 Comments

How Carole Ann Clarke Is Quietly Powering the Future of Renewable Energy—and What It Means for Investors Everywhere

Ever wonder what it really takes to juggle a demanding career while keeping your personal life not just ticking but thriving? Carole Ann Clarke, head of people, culture, communications, and community at Power Capital Renewable Energy, offers us a fascinating glimpse into her Saturday—a perfect blend of purposeful leadership and lively connection. From navigating a weekend that’s as packed as any workday to championing the power of sport and community, Carole’s day is a masterclass in how meaningful engagement and a little domestic “training academy” can keep everything—and everyone—moving forward. Spoiler: it’s never just about the to-do list; it’s about the people you bring along the way. LEARN MORE

‘I am naturally drawn to activities that bring people together and create opportunities to connect’ – Carole Ann Clarke, head of people, culture, communications and community at Power Capital Renewable Energy, takes us through her Saturday

9am My weekend starts without an alarm clock. After a busy week balancing people, culture, communications and community engagement at Power Capital Renewable Energy, I enjoy a slower start with a coffee and the luxury of having nowhere urgent to be.

There is still some organisation happening in the background. Between sports schedules, family plans, community commitments and a washing basket that seems to regenerate every time a teenager walks past it, the weekend is shaping up to be as busy as the working week — just more fun.

I also like to think I’m running a very relaxed domestic training academy. The lads are encouraged to hoover, wash the cars and discover that towels do not, in fact, walk themselves back to the bathroom. I draw the line at letting them clean the bathrooms, though. There are some life skills best introduced slowly.

10am I head to Pilates, which is brilliant for strength, flexibility, balance and posture. It also helps to undo some of the stiffness that builds up during the working week, and I notice a real difference when I practise it regularly.

Afterwards, I brave the sea. It is cold, raining and not remotely inviting, but that makes it feel like even more of a personal challenge. It clears my head completely, and I never regret it once I’m back on dry land.

On the way home, I stop at one of the fabulous bakeries in Dún Laoghaire to pick up treats for the boys and a hot coffee to warm my bones.

Midday By midday, I’m at my local rugby club. Rugby has shaped a huge part of my life, and the lessons I carry from my time as captain of the Irish women’s rugby team continue to influence how I lead today.

Teamwork, resilience and trust are not simply sporting clichés. They are what carry teams through challenging moments, whether you are standing on a rugby pitch or working through a difficult situation in business.

I have volunteered with my local club for many years, and today I’m helping with a fundraising initiative and supporting the women’s game. I’ve always believed that sport gives back far more than it takes. The friendships, confidence and sense of belonging it creates can last a lifetime.

2pm The afternoon revolves around the boys and their sport. I take my place on the sideline at a rugby match before we head to the golf range together.

I love that sport gives us time together without it ever feeling forced. We chat in the car, talk through the match, laugh at the bad shots and enjoy being in one another’s company.

As the boys get older, I value these shared moments even more. Supporting the things they enjoy, whether that is rugby or golf, keeps our bond strong and gives us an easy and natural way to stay connected.

4pm Next, I meet friends for a game of padel. I love the combination of competition and laughter. It is one of those sports where everyone leaves the court convinced they have played much better than they actually have.

I’m naturally drawn to activities that bring people together and create opportunities to connect. Looking at my life both personally and professionally, that is definitely a recurring theme.

6pm By evening, I’m switching gears again and heading out to play a hockey match. Running around and being part of a team is a brilliant way to shake off the working week, and we stay afterwards for a Guinness and a proper catch-up.

Later I head home, where my husband is taking the lead in the kitchen. He is a fabulous cook, and I’m always very happy to let him do so. We have friends over for dinner before I head to a local fundraiser, where I’m speaking as part of a panel on women’s sport.

Sport plays a central role in
Carole Ann Clarke’s spare time

It is something I feel particularly passionate about because I know first-hand the confidence, friendships and opportunities sport creates. Women’s sport needs continued support to raise its profile, strengthen its media presence and attract greater investment.

11pm As I finally wind down, I realise that everything I enjoy — sport, family, work and community — has the same thing at its centre: people.