Michael Terrell

Energizer
DISC Type : I

Head of Advanced Energy at Google

Mountain View, California, United States

Overview

As Googles Head of Advanced Energy, Michael Terrell spearheads the companys ambitious 24/7 carbon-free energy goal for its global data centers. A 20-year veteran in energy technology and policy with a J. D. from the University of Michigan, he architects innovative deals in fusion, geothermal, and advanced nuclear power.

Michaels interest in energy was shaped by his familys coal mining business in Alabama, where he was raised. This unique background influenced his career trajectory toward clean energy solutions. Now based in the Bay Area, he is also a regular lecturer on climate and energy at Stanford University.

He was named to the TIME100 list of the most influential climate leaders in business for his pioneering work in securing 24/7 carbon-free energy for Google.

Personality Overview

Believer

Enthusiastic

Relationship Oriented

They are people oriented, friendly and like creating new connections.  They excel at seeing the bigger picture, and the long-term impact of their decisions. They are naturally enthusiastic, so take their promise with a pinch of salt.

Topics They Care About

24/7 Carbon-Free Energy
He is the visionary behind Google's goal to operate on carbon-free energy by 2030, matching data center electricity use with clean power on an hourly basis.
Advanced Energy Tech
He has architected first-of-their-kind corporate agreements for next-generation technologies, including enhanced geothermal, advanced nuclear fission, and commercial fusion power to ensure reliable clean energy.
Grid Modernization
He advocates for making large energy users more flexible to reduce grid stress and enable faster integration of renewables, viewing it as an underutilized climate solution.

Media Appearances

Michael Terrell - Google - Energy Impact. Featured in Apple Podcasts

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EP.177 Michael Terrell, Sr. Director for Energy and Climate, Google. Featured in YouTube

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Episode 167: Michael Terrell, Google - MCJ Collective. Featured in MCJ Collective Podcast

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Work History

4-2025
Head of Advanced Energy at Google
5-2022 - 5-2025
Sr. Director of Clean Energy and Carbon Reduction at Google
4-2021 - 5-2022
Director of Energy at Google
4-2019
Board Chair at Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA)
5-2004 - 6-2007
Associate at Van Ness Feldman

Education

B.S. from The University of the South
J.D. cum laude from University of Michigan Law School

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 9 Location : Mountain View, California, United States Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : Head of Advanced Energy at Google
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Insights For Selling To Michael

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Do some small talk, ask them how things are going on their side
  • Invite them for a lunch or a drink/coffee
  • Be friendly and entertaining in your conversation

DONT's

  • Don’t assume a yes just because they have not said no
  • Avoid cutting into their flow
  • Don’t be excessively objective, be a storyteller

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Michael is

  • Relationship and trust can be vital with them, sometimes more than anything else.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Michael

  • They are unlikely to say no directly, you have to make that decision yourself.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Michael move?

  • They are not the fastest decision makers, their friendly approach can give false positive signals.
  • Can Michael take some risk or not?

  • They can take certain risks that are unlikely to have personal consequences.

You And Michael

Personality Compatibility


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