Filipa Serôdio Ricciardi (2004) | Executive Vice President at APAC at EDP Renewables in Singapore

Pride and responsibility were part of the St. Julian’s experience, something Filipa Serôdio Ricciardi wore, quite literally, with the school badge. For this alumna, the school was a place defined not only by academic standards, but by a strong sense of community and legacy, shaped over generations of families who passed through our gates. In this interview, Filipa looks back on the moments that left a lasting mark - from the near Olympic intensity of Sports Day to the friendships and teachers that helped shape her character. Now, as Executive Vice President for APAC at EDP Renewables, they reflect on a career marked by adaptability, perspective, and resilience, and on how the values learned at St. Julian’s continue to influence the way she leads today.

Interview

What was it like attending St. Julian’s?

Attending St. Julian’s School felt like you’re proud to wear the badge, but you’re also gently reminded that the badge comes with expectations and great responsability. 

There was always a real sense of pride and privilege, that came with an understanding that the school stood for something bigger: values academics and community.

This was reinforced by the strong legacy carried through the many families who have passed through it's gates, generation after generation, making the school not just a place of learning, but also meaningful one and very familiar!

Is there a memory you hold dear from St. Julian's?

It’s impossible not to have a memory tied to Sports Day at St. Julian’s — it was treated with the seriousness of an Olympic final! Everyone was encouraged to try, to show up, to push themselves a little further. For me personally, it helped me shape my character through teamwork, discipline, and learning how to win (and lose) with grace.

What are your career highlights and/ or achievements?

My career highlights are pretty much intertwined with my personal journey. In 2021, I was diagnosed with cancer — an experience that really “shook the tree”. When I returned to work, it wasn’t immediately clear what kind of professional I wanted to be, or even how I wanted my career to look.

What followed, though, was that I stopped being consumed by anxiety about work, or “what’s next,” and instead began to simply enjoy the ride. The experience grounded me.

Since then, I’ve had access to amazing opportunities . It gave me a greater capacity to handle pressure, a clearer sense of what truly matters, and a genuine appreciation for the work itself.

Did you have any favourite teachers?

Mrs Garcez, she helped me navigate Sofia and Madalena. Two of my best friends till today. 

Do you still keep in touch with your colleagues from St. Julian’s?

Yes — some of my classmates are still among my closest friends today. But even with classmates I don’t see often, there’s always an immediate sense of familiarity if we bump into each other.

Did attending St. Julian's influence your career path in any way? 

Yes — but not in the traditional sense of alumni networks or direct career pipelines. The influence was more subtle but also relevant.

Attending St. Julian’s helped me develop an open mindset and this mindset has had a clear impact on my career. It made it easier to move across industries, countries, and roles, and to adapt quickly in new environments, as mentioned.

Can you talk to us about your current role Executive Vice President - APAC at EDP Renewables?

I’ve been in APAC with EDP Renewables for the past four years, initially joining through the acquisition of Sunseap, a homegrown Singaporean energy company with a growing presence in the region.

I came on board as part of the board and the management team and have remained in that role since, taking on multiple responsibilities along the way. Today, I oversee our business across the majority of our operating countries in the region and also lead client solutions, managing all client-facing activities. It’s a role that blends strategy, operations, and relationship management. What I enjoy the most is the variety of the region - from Vietnam to Singapore - with very different landscapes but equally exciting opportunities.

What challenges have you faced as Executive Vice President - APAC at EDP Renewables?

One of the key challenges faced has been cultural adaptation across the region, especially navigating very different business environments from country to country. It sometimes requires resilience, and the ability to build trust and influence in contexts where leadership norms can be quite different. Balancing these dynamics while driving results and building strong teams has been challenging at times, but also incredibly rewarding, as it has strengthened my adaptability and perspective as a leader.