Leslie Nelson is a global energy private equity executive and entrepreneur with a serious resume—but outside the boardroom, he’s just as passionate about sports, TV, and family life. A British citizen with Ghanaian roots, Nelson grew up competing in football (or soccer!) and tennis before shifting his focus to golf. These days, he balances his work in Africa’s energy sector with travel, movies, and time with his Family.
In this interview, Nelson gives a peek into his entertainment tastes, favorite apps, and the little rituals that keep him inspired.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?
I’m a private equity and energy executive with a global background but an African focus. I’ve worked in finance and infrastructure for over 25 years, but outside of work, I’m a big sports and culture fan. I grew up playing football, tennis toyed with boxing as a schoolboy, and now I play golf. I love traveling, watching films with my family, and finding new shows to binge.
How would you describe your personal or professional vibe in 3 words?
Curious. Loyal. Playful.
What’s one fun fact about you most people don’t know?
In high school, I held the high school record for the 100-meter hurdles. I don’t think many of my colleagues today would picture me sprinting down a track; until this day my competitors in that race swear I got a false start maybe I did, maybe I didn't ! (with a huge smile).
What’s your favorite TV show right now?
I’ve been rewatching The Wire. It’s still one of the greatest shows ever made. The way it connects politics, crime, and the everyday lives of people in Baltimore is brilliant. It reminds me that systems are connected, whether you’re talking about a city or a business.
What’s your most-used social media app these days?
LinkedIn. That’s where I keep up with business news, but I also like how it has more human stories now—people sharing lessons, career paths, or even mistakes.
What was the first social media app you ever joined?
LinkedIn. It was the easiest way to stay professionally connected across continents when I first started working internationally.
Are there any influencers or creators you never miss content from?
Trevor Noah. He’s sharp, funny, and he makes serious issues accessible. I think humor is a powerful tool, especially when you’re talking about politics, culture, or inequality..
Are there any must-follow accounts or pages for people in your industry?
For anyone interested in energy or sustainability, I’d recommend the International Energy Agency (IEA). Their data and reports are clear and eye-opening..
Do you listen to any podcasts related to your field or niche?
Yes, The Energy Gang. It covers renewables, policy, and the big shifts happening in global energy. But I also mix it up with lighter podcasts on sports and comedy to balance things out.
What’s the best advice you’ve heard from a podcast or interview?
That "perfection is the enemy of progress." It really stuck with me—sometimes you just have to start and improve as you go.
If you could collab with any influencer or celeb, who would it be?
Trevor Noah, without question. He’s global, he’s funny, and he brings people together. I think we’d have some great conversations about Africa and its future.
What’s a habit, hack, or tool you swear by for staying informed or inspired?
Morning walks. I usually put on BBC News or a podcast, and by the time I’m done, I feel like I’ve already caught up with the world before the workday starts.
Closing Thoughts
For someone who has managed billion-dollar businesses and spearheaded energy projects across Africa, Leslie Nelson stays refreshingly down-to-earth. He’s just as likely to talk about a favorite TV show as he is about clean power solutions, and his answers reflect a mix of humor, focus, and curiosity. “Sports, TV, family—those things keep me balanced,” Nelson says. “They remind me not to take myself too seriously.”
