I am inspired by the idea of the ‘multiplier effect’, beautifully captured in the Arabic word barakah. This signifies an abundance that emerges when actions are carried out with sincerity, creating a ripple effect that amplifies positive outcomes.
Last year, inspired by my growing passion for sustainability, I launched ESGLibrary.com (ESGL). This is an online meta resource that brings together reliable content from the internet and social media and promotes platforms that add value and clarity to the sustainability cause. We see ourselves as collaborators with everyone in the field of environmental, social and governance (ESG), and aim to help professionals make informed decisions towards the achievement of the ‘four Ps’: purpose, people, planet and profit.
A major challenge for ESG is there is too much ‘noise’ and an excess of acronyms
A major challenge for ESG is that there is too much ‘noise’ and an excess of acronyms. It is easy to lose sight of the ‘why’ and get caught up in the ‘what’ and ‘how’ without fully understanding what we are trying to achieve.
I was drawn to accounting as a child by my uncle, a Big Four partner who introduced me to his firm in Portugal’s capital Lisbon. I moved to the UK to take my degree in economics at the University of Leicester before returning to Lisbon and working in a variety of roles. However, after five years of exploration, I was drawn back to accounting and returned to the UK to begin my ACCA studies.
My early career was spent in the UK, initially with British Airways (BA), where I gained my ACCA qualification in 2003. After six years at BA, I moved to National Grid, a UK electricity utility company, joining the financial consolidation team as a financial analyst. This led me to Monitor, the independent regulator of the UK’s National Health Service foundation trusts.
The role at Monitor was immensely fulfilling. I had the opportunity not only to focus on financial analysis but also to take a strategic view, evaluating business plans and assessing the long-term ambitions of hospital trusts to determine if they were ready to transition to semi-autonomous status as foundation trusts. This work was much more intellectually challenging than preparing disclosure notes and working in Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance!
In 2010 I left the UK and joined Deloitte in Abu Dhabi. Then, after a spell as an independent consultant working on diverse projects, I joined a consulting company to focus on internal audit and corporate governance assignments, leading to my current role as director of internal audit at SEE Holding, an international group that develops sustainable cities.
Being able to reinvent myself has been critical to my growth
I left my comfort zone when I moved to the UAE, as I knew little about the country. Setting up ESGL has also taken me into new territory: by day I work at SEE, and in the evenings I focus on developing my startup, with the help of a small team.
In my day job, I thrive on the challenges of leading internal audit. It is fulfilling to witness the impact of my work, especially when I advise on critical matters and influence decision-making by speaking truth to power. I also value my work at ESGL, researching and innovating to help organisations make more balanced decisions that contribute to a healthier planet.
I think my biggest achievement is my ability to stay alert to new trends and concepts. Being able to reinvent myself – even when it takes me outside my comfort zone – has been critical to my growth.
If I had the power, I would create a law to unify the world into a single nation. Everyone would hold world citizenship and be permitted to move freely across borders. It may sound unconventional, but I believe it could foster understanding and peace among diverse cultures.
If I weren’t a finance professional, I would dedicate myself fully to ESGL.
In my spare time I love riding my bicycle. I also enjoy reading while savouring a delicious cup of coffee, specifically a cortado. I believe the simple pleasures in life are truly invaluable.
