Fueling her passion with horseback riding

Meet Celeste LoTurco

Even though Celeste’s job in supporting governments with their sustainability agenda fills her life with purpose, horseback riding has been a passion of hers for a long time. She shares her story of personal and professional development with us here.

Celeste, tell us more about yourself 

I am Italian, born and raised in Milan, but I moved to the region ten years ago. I have a Master’s degree in Economics and a PhD in political theory. In my career, I’ve worked for different institutions, from family businesses, to governments and most recently financial services with PwC Middle East. Even though my job in supporting governments with their sustainability agenda fuels my life with purpose, I am very passionate about sports in general and horses and horseback riding in specific. 

Working in the sustainability industry naturally requires an interest in future tech progressions, including client support to achieve environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals, and I’ve seen first hand how this technology has created a positive impact for them. With these advancements, comes lots of opportunities and projects to be involved in. However, it’s important to recognise there’s a fine line for ensuring I’m giving my best to each client project and not overstretching myself.

One of the most important things I have learnt is how to evaluate opportunities and make an informed decision about whether to commit and say yes, or whether it’s an unrealistic ask given my current commitments and to say no, even if the opportunity sounds interesting.

How are you balancing your passions? 

Led by the firm’s value of care, we’re encouraged to speak up for what’s important and to incorporate healthy habits into our routine. With all the effort and deadlines that our line of work involves, I try to finish my to-do list as early as I can in the day in order to have some time for myself. This involves some exercise and horseback riding activities, reading a good book before heading to bed or simply disconnecting for a couple of hours in the afternoon. 

What is a recent challenge that you underwent? 

Recently, I took my passions to another level when I decided to participate in the “Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup 2022” competition to break my boundaries even further and challenge myself. It’s a 120km two stars international competition for endurance riders from around the world, which is considered one of the most difficult challenges. In this ultimate test of human and horse against time and the elements, riders navigated 120 km of AlUla’s rugged desert terrain in pristine nature, stunning canyons and untouched desert. 

Even though my most recent challenge was not a work one, the support I got from my PwC family was invaluable: 

• My colleagues have been by my side since day one, pushing me forward, giving me motivation, cheering me on, supporting with logistics and so much more - they really made me feel like a family and supported me through my entire journey. 
• We all have different commitments and schedules, but the flexible framework that the firm offers, I was able to juggle my busy work schedule with the intensive and long training hours for the challenge. This would not have been possible elsewhere, and I am work for a company that helps unlock my full potential. 

What are some key lessons that you learned from this endurance test? And how are you putting them to work? 

This test was a reminder: 

• To be bold, and never give up
• That life is like an endurance competition, you see people going faster at the beginning but it is only at the end that you will really know who the winner is
• To trust yourself, and have faith
• That there is no result without passion, hard work and team support!

The lessons I learnt from this endurance competition far outreach the 120km race. They are things that I have started applying and acknowledging in my work and personal life. Without the support of the firm, my teammates, friends and family, I would not have been able to succeed, and that is something I’m forever grateful for.