Gioia Zagni is a climate scientist and sustainability leader with a deep-rooted passion for food systems, environmental science, and data-driven impact.
With a background spanning hospitality, sustainable chemistry, and corporate circular economy projects, she brings a rare blend of hands-on experience and academic rigour to her role as Chief Scientific Officer at Klimato.
Known for her collaborative leadership and pragmatic approach, Gioia leads Klimato’s research team in developing the scientific foundation behind the company’s platform, helping food businesses across Europe make smarter, evidence-based decisions to reduce their climate footprint. She’s passionate about bridging the gap between science and real-world application and is committed to making complex climate data both actionable and accessible.
How did you land your current role? Was it planned?
I started at Klimato as an Environmental Specialist. When the opportunity to become Chief Scientific Officer arose, it wasn’t something I had strategically planned, it felt like a natural next step in my journey with the company. I’ve now been in the role for two years.
What are the key roles in your field of work, and why did you choose your current expertise?
Some of the key roles in sustainability and climate science include Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO), Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) practitioners, sustainability researchers, and regulatory analysts.
I chose to specialise in LCA within the Software space because I’m passionate about sustainability, food systems, and data-driven decision-making. It’s the perfect intersection of science and impact. It enables companies to truly understand their environmental footprint and empowers them to make better choices.
Did you (or do you) have a role model in tech or business in general?
Yes – Susi, a higher education manager I met during a summer school on entrepreneurship. She gave me the confidence to step up as a leader and provided tools and encouragement that have stayed with me to this day. Her belief in me helped shape how I see my potential and the type of leader I want to be.
What are you most proud of in your career, so far?
I’m proud of my pragmatism. In a field that constantly evolves, it’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of perfection. I focus on balancing scientific rigour with practical outcomes. That mindset has helped move both my team and our company forward, even when conditions aren’t ideal.
What does an average workday look like for you?
My day usually includes check-ins with my team to review project progress and plan next steps, as well as meetings with the leadership team to align on company-wide priorities. I also meet with clients to answer science-related questions and spend time researching new regulations, frameworks, and sustainability trends. I support the commercial and marketing teams by reviewing or developing science-based content.
A big part of my role involves working closely with our tech team to make sure the scientific models we develop are translated effectively into our software. This collaboration helps ensure that our tools are both accurate and usable, bridging the gap between theory and application.
Are there any specific skills or traits that you notice companies look for when you’re searching for roles in your field?
It’s been a while since I last looked for a job, but from my experience in hiring for several roles, the traits that stand out most are proactivity, curiosity, and strong technical skills. People who take ownership, ask questions and genuinely care about the impact of their work tend to thrive in this field.
Has anyone ever tried to stop you from learning and developing in your professional life, or have you found the tech sector supportive?
I’ve always found my work environment supportive of continuous learning, especially since climate science evolves quickly. My company has encouraged me to take courses and expand my knowledge, although like many others, I often need to do that in my own time.
Have you ever faced insecurities and anxieties during your career, and how did you overcome them?
Absolutely. Working in a technical, fast-evolving field comes with a lot of uncertainty, and that can lead to self-doubt. But I often remind myself that expertise in Life Cycle Assessment is quite rare, and that I belong to a small group of professionals who deeply understand it. That keeps me grounded.
Entering the world of work can be daunting. Do you have any words of advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed?
I know how frustrating it can be to send out hundreds of applications and not hear back. Don’t be discouraged by rejections, my advice is to focus on companies and fields you’re genuinely passionate about. That passion and commitment will come through in your application and interviews, and when it does, it’ll connect you to the right opportunity.
What advice would you give other women wanting to reach their career goals in technology?
Technology is just one of many fields – it doesn’t require you to be anyone but yourself. Stay curious, stay confident, and don’t be afraid to take up space. You belong here!
