Sustainability and CSR, Sustainability, Vestas Asia Pacific
My Choice
When I applied for the Graduate Programme, I had in mind exactly what the programme turned out to be: a perfect mix of challenges, opportunities, personal growth and fantastic new experiences! I decided to join Vestas because of the unique opportunity of growing professionally and at the same time experience three different aspects and locations of the company – a rare chance of building knowledge and competence at the same time.
Vestas attracted me because of its name and its reputation as a leader in Sustainability, and also because of its multi-cultural and international work environment. Being surrounded by fellow-Graduates is the greatest feature of the programme: not only do we share locations, but no matter the distance, the time zones, the different languages and cultures, we always manage to find the Graduate at the other end of the world that can support our work, give insights and advance our development. Becoming a global company is of course no piece of cake: challenges seem never ending, people come and go, the culture needs to adapt to all the new inhabitants of the Vestas world, and operating in new, unfamiliar contexts requires new skills and resources. However, being part of this change and supporting the steps that are taking us towards a new energy future is what motivates and gives more value to my job.
My Role
I am currently based in Singapore, working with the Sustainability team in Vestas Asia Pacific. This is my second rotation, following an engaging first one with the Corporate Social Responsibility department in Group Sustainability, in Aarhus, Denmark, and preceding a rotation with Blades, Lem, Denmark. As a leader in the renewable energy sector, Vestas has committed to sustainability – not least by being included in the LEAD initiative of the Global Compact in 2011. Supporting this strategy and elevating our sustainability processes has been the focus of my first rotation, whereas I am currently supporting the implementation of various sustainability initiatives at an operational level in the Asia Pacific region, particularly in India and with a focus on social sustainability – human rights, business ethics and community relations.
Being a sustainable business is not just a communication exercise: we need to make sure that while we deliver solutions to today’s climate challenge, we do it consistently with our obligations towards our people and planet. I am proud to be part of a team that advances this commitment every day and is dedicated to a sustainable future.
My everyday work life
If you don’t mind getting up in the morning, commuting shoulder-to-shoulder in a crowded bus for 30 minutes, because you know that you’re soon going to pass those sliding doors and sit at your tiny but highly-decorated cubical – well, chances are you like your job. And how could I not like my job at Vestas? I have worked with colleagues from more than 20 different countries, I speak an average of 4 languages every day, and I never have a chance to get bored.
Moments are never dull at Vestas, especially when supporting the organization in managing safety in project execution for example. Decisions are made fast, maybe suddenly, but fortunately Vestas is made of people, managers and specialists that can move at the same speed and deliver on our targets. And most importantly, people surrounding me in my job are true inspirers. They inspire me in improving myself at what I do every day and pushing me for bigger ambitions when a milestone is reached. It really feels like sky is the limit.
My opportunities
When I complete the Graduate Programme, I hope to remain part of the Sustainability organization and keep supporting our strategy. Vestas has different leadership paths towards becoming a specialist or a people/project manager. The Graduate Programme and the mentoring which is a great part of it, has been helping me to understand which path suits my professional vision better and where I am a more valuable asset to the organization. No matter what path I will end up choosing, there will still be a significant focus on personal development, as I have experienced so far: Vestas nourishes its talents by promoting education and training at all levels and I already had the opportunity of being part of this growth process.
My life
Fluctuating between extremes of stability and unpredictability is probably the best definition of my life. I enjoy being at home and with my family, mastering the art of cooking (I’m Italian, after all!), reading, and I love theatre. At the same time I like to explore and know this world and the many colourful cultures it contains: travelling is a big part of my life and I am grateful to have a job that allows surfing the world. Scattered pieces of my heart can still be found in all the places I truly loved to live in, especially Kenya and the USA.
