FORMULA Ep.03: The company that embraces complexity, like forests do

In the picturesque city of Padua, Italy, a company is reimagining the intersection of environmental consulting, academic expertise, and organizational culture. Meet Etifor, a spin-off from the University of Padua that has grown into a beacon of sustainable innovation.

In the third episode of FORMULA, we share what we learned.

Founded in 2011 by Lucio Brotto, Diego Florian, Alessandro Leonardi, Mauro Masiero, Davide Pettenella e Laura Secco, a group of visionary academics, Etifor has flourished into one of the most successful university spin-offs in Padua, boasting nearly 6 million euros in revenue. But what sets Etifor apart isn’t just its financial success — it’s the company’s unwavering commitment to ethics and forestry, two pillars that form the very essence of its name and mission.

In an era where “sustainability” and “climate action” often amount to little more than corporate jargon, Etifor stands out by putting substance behind these crucial concepts. The company’s team of professionals and scholars doesn’t just talk about environmental issues — they leverage cutting-edge science to develop practical, effective solutions that benefit both the environment and local communities.

Etifor’s organizational structure reflects its commitment to holistic problem-solving. The company is divided into six specialized “Programs,” each tackling a different face of environmental and social sustainability: Nature Governance, Forests, Nature Positive, WOWnature, Tourism and Supply Chain.

Supporting these programs are four horizontal units: Administration, Marketing and Communication, International Project Development (IPD), and perhaps most intriguingly, Culture and Facilitation.

One of Etifor’s most innovative aspects is its Culture and Facilitation unit, led by Riccardo, whose official title is “Good Vibe Manager.” This unit applies facilitation techniques not just to client projects, but also internally, fostering a culture of open dialogue and continuous improvement.

Riccardo speaks of “arising” — the idea that through facilitation, tensions, challenges, emotions, and solutions can naturally come to light. This approach has led to the creation of Etifor’s own cultural manifesto, which serves as a compass guiding the company’s direction and values.

Taking inspiration from the forests they work to protect, Etifor embraces a long-term perspective on organizational growth and problem-solving. The company dedicates entire years to exploring critical strategic themes. In 2024, for instance, the focus is on efficiency. This deliberate, measured approach allows for deep exploration and meaningful change.

If we were to summarize our key learnings in three points, they would be:

• People-Centric Sustainability — Addressing environmental issues starts with nurturing the people working on these challenges and fostering effective collaboration.
• Science-Based Solutions — Complex environmental problems require more than slogans — they demand solutions grounded in rigorous scientific research.
• Strategic Patience — Some issues are too important to rush. Taking the time to thoroughly explore critical themes can lead to more impactful outcomes.
• Balance is Key — Etifor demonstrates that it’s possible — and indeed, necessary — to balance serious work with enjoyment and personal fulfillment.

As we face increasingly complex environmental challenges, companies like Etifor show us a path forward — one that combines academic rigor, business acumen, and a deeply human approach to problem-solving. Their story reminds us that with the right mix of expertise, innovation, and compassion, we can create solutions that benefit both people and the planet.

Curious to know more? Listen to the first episode of FORMULA.

This first edition of Formula is produced in Italian. New episodes in English will also be coming.