Life Relaunched: Building a Legacy with Olives
From Corporate VP to Sustainable Olive Farming
In this episode of the Career Adventurer Podcast, host Paul Fisher interviews Stefano Zenezini, co-founder of Cultura Viva, an organic farm in Umbria, Italy, producing high-quality extra virgin olive oil and raw kombucha. After a 32-year career at Procter & Gamble, including leading supply chain sustainability, Stefano and his wife Laurence pursued their lifelong dream of working with nature. Stefano shares insights on transitioning from a corporate role to sustainable farming, the challenges and joys of managing an olive farm, and the importance of quality and continuous learning. He also delves into their olive oil’s unique features and their educational efforts to promote its benefits. The episode highlights the deep satisfaction and hard work involved in their new venture, aimed at creating a lasting legacy.
00:00 Introduction to the Career Adventurer Podcast
00:06 Meet Stefano Zenezini: From Corporate to Sustainable Farming
01:34 The Dream of Cultura Viva
02:02 Daily Life on the Farm
05:37 Challenges of Sustainable Farming
08:19 Skills from Corporate Life to Farming
11:05 Learning and Adapting in Olive Oil Production
18:14 The Legacy of Cultura Viva
21:10 Challenges of Agricultural Life
21:47 Respect for Farmers
23:48 Becoming an Olive Oil Sommelier
30:15 The Joy of Harvesting Olives
33:26 Off-Season Activities
34:47 Starting the Olive Oil Journey
35:54 Where to Buy Le Clarisse Olive Oil
39:17 Final Thoughts and Reflections
