Mike Zaura serves as Senior Strategic Energy Advisor at Nania Energy Advisors, a respected energy services firm founded in 1999. Based in the greater Chicago area, he helps organizations reduce energy costs, navigate complex procurement decisions, and achieve meaningful sustainability goals.
A Certified Energy Manager (CEM) and Certified Renewable Energy Professional (REP), Mike brings technical depth and strategic insight to every client engagement. He guides businesses in sourcing renewable energy projects, securing incentives, and developing long-term sustainability roadmaps that deliver measurable value.
Mike regularly hosts and contributes to industry webinars and internal video segments, where he breaks down topics such as capacity cost mitigation and solar integration. His expertise spans energy procurement, bundled and unbundled RECs, solar consulting, energy risk management, energy efficiency, and more.
At his core, Mike is driven by a single mission: to make energy easy, so his clients can focus on what matters most.
Why This Episode Matters
This episode highlights the power of adaptability, persistence, and clarity. When professionals define their goals, embrace rejection as part of the process, and continuously refine how they communicate, they create stronger opportunities for growth and success.
In this Episode, We Discuss:
- Navigate energy with intention
- Adapt your pitch to your audience
- Sustainability starts with strategy
- Rejection is part of the path
Conversation Takeaways
- In deregulated markets, businesses can shop for better electricity and gas rates or lock in prices to gain financial stability amidst uncertainty.
- Sales success grows when you tailor your approach to different personalities, building trust and resonance.
- Whether through solar, renewable energy certificates, or carbon offsets, companies can align energy choices with long-term environmental goals.
- A “no” in sales isn’t failure—it’s often “not yet.” Use it to refine your message, deepen understanding, and try again wiser.
A Quote To Remember
“If you don’t ask, you can’t get a no or a yes. The worst anybody’s ever going to tell you is no, and if you can’t handle the word no, you shouldn’t be in sales.” – Mike Zaura
Light Bulb Moments – Episode 95
Power, Pitch, and Purpose: A Smarter Path to Energy and Sales with Mike Zaura
The Light Bulb Moment of This Episode
Clarity and adaptability create opportunity. When you define your goals first, learn to handle rejection, and adjust your approach to the people you’re working with, you build momentum in both business and life.
Light Bulb Moments & Reflections from the Episode
- Create certainty where you can.
In uncertain environments, finding stability helps businesses operate with confidence.
- Start with your goal and work backward.
Define what matters most first, then build the path to reach it.
- Use experts to navigate complex decisions.
Specialized knowledge can simplify complicated industries.
- Learn to live with rejection.
Rejection is a natural part of growth and opportunity.
- If you don’t ask, you won’t get a yes.
Opportunity begins with the courage to ask.
- Adapt your approach when selling or persuading.
Different personalities respond to different communication styles.
- Be flexible in how you present ideas.
Adjusting your method can improve outcomes.
- “No” often means “not yet.”
Timing plays a major role in decision-making.
- Understand personality types.
Recognizing how others think improves communication.
- Master your profession.
Expertise builds trust and credibility.
- Simplify complex topics for others.
Clear explanations make difficult subjects more approachable.
Connect with Mike Zaura:
Website: https://www.naniaenergy.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikezaura/
Connect with Me:
Website: https://www.fornarolaw.com/
Podcast Website: https://lbmpodcast.com/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/philipfornaro/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fornarolaw3002
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fornarolaw
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fornarolaw/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FornaroLaw
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