We recently had the opportunity to interview Rodolfo Belcastro, a PR and Corporate Communications expert, and the Executive Advisor at Una Terra Early Growth Capital, a fund that invests in market-ready innovations that significantly impact the environment. With over two decades of global experience in this field, Rodolfo’s skill set focuses on advancing corporate goals aligned with local market needs. At Una Terra, Rodolfo leverages his expertise in promoting sustainable technologies and impact finance through strategic stakeholder engagement.
Early Life And Educational Background
We started the interview by asking, “Could you share some background about yourself, including your early life and educational journey?”
Rodolfo Belcastro shared, “I was born in Sicily, in the city of Palermo—an island at the crossroads of the Mediterranean, shaped over millennia by Arab, Norman, Roman, Greek, and Spanish influences. Growing up in such a culturally layered environment instilled in me a deep awareness of how narratives, identities, and power structures evolve and interact. That early exposure sparked a lifelong drive to understand and shape how stories influence perception, behavior, and ultimately, the world around us. This led me to a degree in Communication Sciences at the University of Palermo and a Master’s in Journalism. I started as a reporter with ANSA and later contributed as a journo to several national and international publications and newsletters.
Over time, I moved into strategic communication and public affairs. As I recently shared in an interview with the Italian daily Il Riformista, I believe that communication is not a tactical tool—it’s a decision-making process and a strategic function that defines positioning, reputation, and even business models. That vision has shaped more than twenty years of my career advising companies, institutions, and now impact finance initiatives.”
More About Rodolfo Belcastro’s Current Role
We requested Rodolfo Belcastro to tell us more about his company and its role in the region.
“Currently, I serve as Executive Advisor to Una Terra Early Growth Capital, a $200 million venture capital fund that invests in climate-tech and circular economy solutions across Europe. Una Terra supports market-ready innovations capable of measurable environmental impact—its goal is to reduce 2 gigatons of CO₂ and eliminate 1 million tons of plastic waste by 2030 while delivering superior financial returns (25%+ IRR).
My role focuses on corporate communication and stakeholder engagement in Italy, helping to align our messaging with our mission and increase visibility in a country with enormous potential for sustainable innovation. Una Terra isn’t just a fund—it’s a catalyst for systemic change.” Rodolfo Belcastro mentioned.
Leadership In A Dynamic Market
We further asked, “In your view, what qualities define a successful leader in your industry?”
“Leadership today, especially in public affairs and sustainability, means being a translator between different worlds: business, institutions, civil society, and media. A successful leader needs strategic clarity, empathy, and resilience. I truly believe that communication leadership isn’t about crisis management—it’s about creating the conditions so that crises don’t arise in the first place. It’s about understanding the long game, shaping culture, and aligning stakeholders around common goals. That’s especially true when working in sectors undergoing deep transformation, such as ESG and impact investing.” Rodolfo Belcastro explained.
Adapting To Tech-Driven Innovations
Interested to learn how Rodolfo Belcastro’s organization adapts to the latest innovations at his organization, we posed the question, “How has your organization adapted to the ongoing digital revolution and technological advancements?”
He shared, “Digital is not just a tool—it’s the environment we operate in. At Una Terra, we leverage ESG and impact tracking platforms, data analytics, and scalable digital storytelling to enhance both performance and transparency. But this digital evolution doesn’t happen in isolation—it’s deeply connected to how organizations communicate, engage, and make decisions.
Across my previous experiences with organizations like Cassa Depositi e Prestiti Group, CIR Group, or the Italian Export Credit Agency, I helped lead or support transformation programs that modernized stakeholder interaction and institutional positioning. Today, as a strategic advisor and consultant, I continue to work alongside companies, funds, and public institutions to help them embrace digital not just as innovation, but as a culture—a way of thinking, listening, and engaging that puts people and purpose at the center. The most impactful strategies are tech-enabled but human-driven, and that’s the balance I focus on helping organizations achieve.”
Message To Aspiring Professionals
Lastly, we asked, “What advice would you offer to someone beginning their career in your field?”
Addressing the aspiring beginners, Rodolfo Belcastro responded, “Be curious. Be generous with your ideas. And never lose the habit of asking ‘why.’ Whether you’re working in communication, public affairs, or sustainability, your role is to build bridges and tell the truth with purpose. You’ll need a mix of disciplines: storytelling, economics, sociology, and technology. Above all, protect your integrity. As I often tell younger professionals: your credibility is built word by word, and lost in a moment. Communication can open doors—but only if people trust you enough to walk through them.”
Follow Rodolfo Belcastro on LinkedIn and visit his website https://www.rodolfobelcastro.eu
Find Una Terra Early Growth Capital on LinkedIn and visit their website https://www.unaterra.vc
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