Unique perspective from the first employee of our subsidiary Laketricity Italy : Giacomo Barbi
In this employee testimony, you will discover Giacomo Barbi’s experience as Laketricity Italy’s first employee. After obtaining his Master’s degree in Economy and Management in Università degli Studi Roma Tre, Giacomo joined Laketricity Italy in March 2022. He oversees territorial and business development for floating solar projects all over Italy.
Soon after Giacomo joined Maarten Van Cleef, Country Manager, the team expanded. Giacomo accompanied the consolidation of the subsidiary as his new colleagues were taking up various positions: Permitting Manager, Engineer, Project Manager.
Find out more about his vision of the company by reading his answers to our questions, as well as his motivations that led him to continue working for Laketricity Italy after already over two years.
Key success factors as seen by Giacomo Barbi, Laketricity Italy’s first employee
As the first employee in Laketricity Italy, what attracted you to join the company?
I liked the idea of joining a truly innovative company. Laketricity has given me the opportunity to contribute to changing the world through the work I carry out every day with my colleagues. Besides that, I found it interesting to start working in an office that would later grow, and it was a privilege for me to have witnessed the consolidation of the Italian division. You breathe an atmosphere of innovation every day, with the consciousness of working in a constantly changing environment. Day after day, I am more and more convinced that I have made the right choice, because I always find new challenges and new motivation to grow, learn and get involved.
As someone who has witnessed the growth of the Italian affiliate firsthand, what do you see as key factors that have contributed to our success as a team?
There are several aspects that have allowed us to have success: first of all, we have brought unparalleled experience to the Italian market. Indeed, we have been able to study the market on the field and develop tailored strategies very quickly. We have had the opportunity to diversify fields of application, and this has allowed us to learn a lot about sectors different from our own. By understanding the difficulties and needs of the sectors with which we interact, we can provide a truly adapted and impactful offer.
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Can you share a specific project or task you’ve worked on since joining that you found particularly rewarding or challenging?
One of the projects we are pursuing is the complete integration of a photovoltaic plant on a fish farm. It is exciting not only because we can make real innovation, but also because we are helping an industry that is experiencing difficulties. Developing floating PV systems is nice, but it is even better to be able to develop synergies like this. Of course, the hardest part was convincing people who have been doing the same job for years and getting them to embrace a new idea with belief.
An inclusive, respectful and empowering company culture according to Giacomo Barbi
What aspects of the company culture stood out to you the most when you first joined and how do you feel they’re still true today?
I think one of the most consistent aspects of our corporate culture is the focus on building a more sustainable future for everybody. We strongly believe that floating solar can become a key resource to help the energy transition. To make this happen we try to be not only detail-oriented, but also creative without forgetting Laketricity’s DNA which is innovation. This can be seen every day in the company, both in the work environment and in the value proposition we offer to the market. We’re also paying particular attention to the integration of our floating photovoltaic projects into the site’s existing biodiversity (flora and fauna). In addition to this, the company makes small gestures every day to improve the impact of its workplaces on the environment. In our Italian offices, for example, we’ve opted for second-hand furniture instead of buying new, and it’s still very useful to us day-to-day.
How does Laketricity encourage feedback and continuous improvement among its employees?
Laketricity encourages feedback and continuous improvement among its employees through a variety of effective strategies and practices. The company maintains an open-door policy where employees at all levels are encouraged to share their ideas, concerns, and feedback directly with management. This approach fosters an environment of openness and trust. Laketricity has recognition programs in place to celebrate employees who contribute valuable feedback or innovative ideas. This encourages others to share their insights and take an active role in the company’s improvement. Leaders at Laketricity are actively engaged in soliciting feedback and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. They lead by example, showing a commitment to personal development and encouraging their teams to do the same.
By implementing these strategies, Laketricity creates an environment where feedback is valued and continuous improvement is a shared responsibility. This not only enhances individual performance but also drives the overall success and innovation of the company.
How does Laketricity foster a sense of inclusivity and belonging for employees at all levels?
For me Laketricity fosters a sense of inclusivity and belonging for employees at all levels through several key initiatives and practices. Laketricity actively seeks to build a diverse workforce by implementing inclusive hiring practices. This involves recruiting from a wide talent pool, ensuring equal opportunities for candidates from various backgrounds, and mitigating unconscious bias in the recruitment process.
The company provides onboarding programs designed to integrate new employees smoothly into the organization, to give a clear vision of the company. These programs include mentorship, training, and resources that help new hires feel welcomed and supported from the first day. Laketricity offers ongoing learning and development opportunities that are accessible to all employees. It maintains open and transparent communication channels, encouraging employees to voice their opinions, share feedback, and participate in decision-making processes. Integrating these practices into its organizational culture, Laketricity ensures that every employee, regardless of their role or background, feels included, valued, and part of the company’s success.
In-depth support upon arrival and lasting through the employee’s entire professional life with Laketricity
Can you describe your onboarding process and share about the support you received?
My onboarding process was firstly particularly marked by a very practical approach. I immediately started to have my first on-field experiences, and this allowed me to have a much clearer vision later. The training carried out in France, during which I had the opportunity to meet my colleagues and to share with them the challenges and missions, was fundamental. The dialogue took place with people in charge of different functions and having known each of their areas in depth, also helped me to understand how the ‘Laketricity machine’ works. I believe that this is the secret of our success, the real interconnection of the different functions that originates from the continuous dialogue with our colleagues.
How does Laketricity support work-life balance?
I find that Laketricity is profoundly committed to respecting a healthy work-life balance, prioritizing the well-being of its employees to foster a harmonious and productive working environment. Instead of imposing rigid schedules, Laketricity demonstrates remarkable understanding and flexibility, accommodating our unique requirements whenever necessary. This thoughtful approach extends beyond mere policy; it is integrated into the company’s culture, reflecting a genuine concern for the well-being of its employees. By actively supporting our personal and professional lives, Laketricity creates an atmosphere where employees feel valued, respected, and empowered.
This not only increases our personal satisfaction and mental health but also contributes to a more positive and supportive workplace culture. The emphasis on work-life balance ultimately leads to more productivity and a sense of community within the organization, making Laketricity a truly exceptional place to work.
What advice would you give to someone considering joining Laketricity, particularly in the Italian office?
Joining our team will give you the opportunity to make a difference, to see innovative things and above all to meet fantastic people.
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Author : Giacomo Barbi