Tatiana Siufi
Chief Strategy Officer - Vidacity
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Tatiana's introduction

I am currently the co-founder of Vidacity, a new entrepreneurship ecosystem that aims to bring together startups, businesses, investors, and the community to drive innovation and tackle sustainability challenges.

Prior to Vidacity, I worked in large organizations (HP, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Whirlpool Corporation, Optus/ Singtel) in several capacities but mostly managing and implementing sizeable projects.

My most recent role was to support Accenture to embed a sustainability mindset internally.

What brought you to sustainability?

My journey toward sustainability kicked off when I became a parent, and it completely transformed my perspective. Suddenly, my responsibility extended beyond just raising my kids; it encompassed creating a world where they could thrive in harmony with nature.

Actions often speak louder than words, so I began making changes to our own lifestyle. We started by cultivating an edible garden, exploring various composting methods, carrying our food containers when getting takeout, opting for local products, reducing disposable items, using recycled materials to decorate parties, among other actions.

When it was time to re-enter the workforce after a break to care for my children, I discovered a new passion, or perhaps a calling: to actively contribute to the movement for a better future for all. This led me to pursue sustainability courses offered by renowned organizations such as The Cambridge Institute of Sustainability Leadership and the Professional Certificate of Sustainability at MIT and work in the field.

Which sustainable actions are you in charge of or have you implemented in your organisation?

At present, I hold the responsibility of crafting Vidacity's strategic direction, with a primary focus on molding it into a pivotal catalyst for startups and innovation in sustainability.

My role also extends to establishing vital partnerships with businesses, investors, accelerators, and other multipliers within the sustainability-entrepreneurship ecosystem to create an active and vibrant community of founders and changemakers.

Which challenges did you meet and how did you overcome them?

The primary challenges I encounter revolve around the gradual pace at which sustainability changes unfold and the resistance from various stakeholder groups, who frequently prioritize short-term objectives over the broader, long-term societal and environmental benefits.

To tackle these hurdles and make progress toward our goals, I count on the power of perseverance, backed by data-driven reasoning, and influencing as well as persuasion.

What are you most proud of?

During my time at university in Brazil, I was deeply troubled by the stark inequality and the limited opportunities available to many young people, who were often unable to pursue tertiary education due to the high costs of private universities or the necessity to work long hours to support their family.

Being fortunate enough to gain admission to one of the country's top public universities, I felt a strong urge to give back to society. Alongside a dedicated group of fellow students, we initiated something truly remarkable: a not-for-profit organization aimed at providing underprivileged individuals with the chance to continue their education, thereby enhancing their prospects to gain admission to public universities and, consequently, to seek better employment.

This NGO has been operating since 2000, and it has had a profoundly positive impact on the lives of thousands of people throughout this remarkable journey.

What would be your top 3 pieces of advice to the Matcha Initiative (TMI) users?

Collaboration: is a fundamental pillar for success in the sustainability space, given the intricate nature of the challenges and the multifaceted solutions required. Make it your goal to harness TMI's extensive network and resources to bolster your sustainability endeavors.

Educate Yourself: Knowledge is a powerful tool for sustainability. Take the time to educate yourself about environmental issues, sustainable practices, and the impact of your actions. Stay informed about current trends and innovations in sustainability.

Learn & Share: In this journey, we discover as much from others as they do from us. Everyone possesses a unique wealth of experiences and ideas to offer. Consider TMI as a platform for both learning and sharing.

In which field could you help The Matcha Initiative users as a buddy?
  • Kick Start Help
  • Experience Sharing
  • Expertise Sharing

Please describe how you could help The Matcha Initiative users as a buddy?

I can assist sustainability-focused founders in growing their businesses, connecting with potential business partners, finding physical spaces to prototype or display solutions and recommending relevant programs or grants tailored to their specific needs.

Tatiana's 3 main sustainability skills

Circular Economy / Ecosystem / Startups

Tatiana kindly accepts to answer your questions.

If you need additional insights, you can send her a message.