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Personality

My story (so far)

I was born in 1990, and grew up in Auvergne, a volcanic region of located in the heart of France. Living between town and countryside, I had the chance to explore the wonders the regional natural park I lived in have to offer.

This curiosity for the natural world, in particular for biology, led me to pursue science studies. Studying remains in my mind as being a sort of explorer. Tales from the expeditions and naturalists are a profound source of energy to fuel my imagination.

As I realized that the space frontier would certainly be hard to reach (since only a few humans get into space), the Nature all around me, especially its underground hidden part, started to trigger my curiosity.

The diversity and the ingenuity of plants, animals and microorganisms began to strike me more and more, month after month. At the same, I was becoming an adult and I started to reflect on my human condition and that of my fellow humans.

A decisive realization in my young philosophical journey had been that we are agricultural creatures. Without agriculture and the access of a sufficent, safe and nutritious food source, our prosperity, our fulfilment would be certainly limited. To have the opportunity to develop and realize ourselves, we need to ensure that this fundamental need if satisfied.

This reflexion and curiosity for our use of Nature led me to specialize in agriculture and environment engineering, to contribute to the work of my fellow humans, to try to find effective ways to use ressources “offered” by our planet, in a sustainable manner.

Currently, soil science is the topics which is taking most of brain time. Soils are such a complex but important topic, where the “non-living” and the living, the mineral and the organic world meet in a close  and intimate manner. Scientifically, it is an intellectual shortcut, but I use this image to illustrate how fascinating it is. From this mysterious underground world springs, spurts, stems a large part of our resources (not sure which verb to use, I am still a french guy with a broken English). Some scientists say that, with space and deep oceans, soils are the next frontier, and I am determined to be part of this adventure.

Strengths and weaknesses

Strengths

Weaknesses

Interesting facts

1. I am left handed but I use my right arm for strength and to throw stuffs. There might be some weird connections in my head.

2. I never broke a bone. The only time I went to hospital was to extract wisdom teeth. I actually had five removed plus one in the chin, due to my father’s genetics (prone to supernumerary teeth).

3. I am french but my grandparents immigrated from Italy, which is why I have an italian last name. Quite not widespread to make things easier.

4. I have watched thousands of documentaries, ranging from history to nature, and would like to film one myself someday.

5. I am afraid of heights but one of my dreams is to paraglide over the most famous volcanoes of the world (that could a great documentary topic though).

6. I am a decent drawer. Sketching was my #1 activity when I was bored at school. Some of the pieces can be found in the portfolio section.

7. I used to grow bonsaïs and carnivorous plants. This passion led me to plant biology and agronomy. But after moving every year, I stopped, plants couldn’t handle it. I would like to have a massive greenhouse someday though, to grow rare and weird plants.

Values

If I had to pick core values, I would say that these 5 are driving my life and shaping my priorities.

Generosity

“Generous people share information readily, share credit often, and give of their time and expertise easily. What comes across is a strong work ethic, great communication skills, and a willingness and ability to collaborate. Leaders and managers who are generous engender trust, respect and goodwill from their colleagues and employees.”

Harvard Business Review

Leadership

“Ultimately, leadership is not about glorious crowning acts. it’s about keeping your team focused on a goal and motivated to do their best to achieve it, especially when the stakes are high and the consequences really matter. It is about laying the groundwork for others’ success, and then standing back and letting them shine.”

Chris Hadfield, First Canadian Astronaut to walk in space.

Optimism

“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every diffculty.”

– Winston S.Churchill

Why optimism helps your business – The Huffington Post

Accuracy

“Without accuracy there can be no trust, and credibility is shattered.”

– Coursera lecture: The importance of accuracy

Gratitude

  1. Gratitude allows celebration of the present.
  2. Gratitude blocks “toxic” emotions.
  3. Grateful people are more stress resilient.
  4. Gratitude strengthens social ties and of self-worth.

Robert Emmons, PhD.