Career profile: Gabriel LF Baraldi, ESG analyst, Inspired PLC

What has motivated you to become an environment and sustainability professional?

When I was the president of my college’s student union, I introduced reusable coffee cups and wooden cutlery, and convinced the board to embed sustainability into their strategy. That sense of achievement made me realise sustainability was my purpose.

What is your educational background, and how has it prepared you for your career?

I studied environmental management with business, which gave me a strong foundation in both sustainability and corporate strategy. An environmental, social and governance (ESG) placement at Mott MacDonald provided hands-on experience and essential skills.

What does your current role involve?

I help clients navigate sustainability and ESG initiatives, including ESG reporting aligned with various frameworks, carbon accounting and net-zero strategies.

Are there skills you’re currently learning or would like to learn to support your career goals?

I was awarded a scholarship from Santander and Cambridge Judge Business School for the Skills for the Green Transition course. I aim to deepen my expertise in sustainable finance to drive meaningful change.

How do you see your role progressing over the next few years?

With ESG regulations evolving, frameworks like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures will be central to my work. I thrive in leadership roles having been student union president at Bournemouth and Poole College and president of the University of Southampton’s Environmental Science Society. I’m eager to take on more responsibility.

What’s the best and hardest part of your job?

The best part is identifying gaps in ESG initiatives and delivering solutions that drive real impact. I also love client-facing work. The challenge? There’s so much exciting work happening, which I would like to be directly involved in.

What skills or strengths do you feel have helped you the most in your career so far?

My background in sales from the age of 15 has given me strong communication and client management skills. Additionally, as the main ESG report designer in my team, my previous marketing experience has equipped me with the capabilities to deliver strong branding with comprehensive reports.

Where would you like to be in five years’ time?

I’m committed to becoming a top ESG specialist, continuously learning and applying best practice. I also want to take on a leadership role, using my experience to drive real change.

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Ambitious. Dedicated. Creative. And, green – not just in the sustainability sense, but because I wear it most of the time!

Who inspires you in your professional life?

Those who see their work as more than a job – a vehicle for real change. These people are passionate, driven and not afraid to chase greatness.

What would be your personal motto?

Be relentless in your pursuit of greatness.

If you could go back in history, who would you like to meet?

My journey in sustainability has been guided by purpose and faith, so I’d love to meet Jesus Christ. His influence has shaped both our world and my own path in unexpected ways.