#143 From Jazz to Infrastructure: David Karlsgodt’s Unconventional Career Path

About this episode

David Karlsgodt discusses his unconventional career journey from jazz to energy infrastructure leadership.

We covered David’s unique journey from studying jazz and playing music to building a career in software and ultimately becoming a leader in energy infrastructure and public-private partnerships at Brailsford & Dunleavy. We got into how universities are approaching major infrastructure challenges today, especially around district energy systems, and how P3 models are evolving to focus more on execution, transparency, and true partnership. David also shared insights on what makes a winning project team—from finance and development to engineering—and how institutions are thinking more strategically about long-term assets, costs, and collaboration.

People in this episode

Hosts: Jim Schafer, Nenni & Associates

Guest: David Karlsgodt

Topics covered

• career path
• energy infrastructure
• public-private partnerships
• district energy systems
• project team dynamics
• strategic asset management

Keywords

• jazz
• energy infrastructure
• public-private partnerships
• district energy systems
• project team
• collaboration
• long-term assets

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Brailsford & Dunleavy

Places: universities

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