Julia Illman

Business Director

“Already as a student I knew that sustainable business was something I wanted to be involved in. I finally found what I was looking for at Gaia: a small, more personal company, where I could continue to develop my expertise in sustainability and work with brilliant and witty people.

While researching environmentally sound technologies for my thesis, I decided to give up my position as a Manager of share-based incentive schemes at an investment bank. I was fortunate to be able to do an internship at the United Nations in Nairobi focusing on climate change. This paved the way to my entry into sustainability and risk consulting.

One of the most intriguing things about working for Gaia is finding myself in strange and wonderful situations I would most likely not be in otherwise and meeting people I would not encounter in other circumstances. The projects that we get to work on deal with exciting new topics, and sometimes I feel like I have made a small difference somewhere. Having fun with colleagues at work is one of the most powerful motivators, making all the difference even on those days that feel overwhelming.”