For the largest part of my life, everyday, with nonchalance and negligence, I enjoyed the privileges and pleasures that the commodities of the modern world had to offer.
In 2003, while seeking reprieve from the scorching Italian sun, I read a book, The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight, which made me realize how my lifestyle was contributing to the degradation of the planet and its people.
I understood then that I needed to live a more conscious life, but I didn’t know where to start. Did I have to give up the conveniences I was enjoying? Would I find alternative solutions without going through painful changes? Did I have to downgrade my lifestyle?
In the next few months, I gained knowledge on various subjects related to environmental degradation, human rights and cultural issues, and in November 2003, I decided to learn more by enrolling in the Humane Education Certificate Program.
During the next three years in this program, I learned so much about what is happening on our planet and have made many personal choices to make a difference.
As I went through the different modules, I strived to implement the changes in my home. After going through the modules about animal and environmental issues I chose to eliminate meat and fish from my diet, and made improvements to my house to limit the waste of energy and resources. Learning about human rights abuse: I stopped shopping in the large stores that were purchasing from factories with sweatshop conditions or using child labor. Instead, I found other companies, on the web and in my town, offering fair-trade products. I completely changed the way I work, and got certification as a green business. I fixed my bike so I could ride it to work, and became very critical of the media and how they influence society.
I changed my ways without having to give up my comfortable lifestyle. The changes I applied in my home, office and outside environments have been simple and fulfilling. I discovered, in fact, that it’s not so hard for me to be “green” to be respectful and to live a more compassionate and examined life. My wife Cathleen and eight year old daughter Anna-Sofia go along with the changes, although at times I find myself having to hold back on implementing new ways of life if I feel they are not ready.
The transition, so to speak, required some adjustments, but the main struggles came with the confrontations I had with my friends and family. I was often disappointed that they didn’t care to do anything. With time, I learned that instilling change is not so easy, and that the best way is to teach by example. This has triggered many open discussions. They come in the form of questions. I raise their curiosity and always try to make them understand that it is not so hard to make the transitions, while I provide alternatives for them to choose from.
Today, I experience a sense of power in knowing my seemingly small steps are felt by my community, my friends, my home and even throughout the world. I find that people respect my choices, and often are inspired to change as well. I continuously strive to choose what I believe is better and least damaging for everyone, and in doing so, I hope to make the world a better place.
In May 2007, as I was about to complete my certificate program, I founded Provokare Presentations. With Provokare, I want to offer fun, dynamic and entertaining presentations that will inspire people to see the impact they have on all the things that touch their lives, and demonstrate how they can positively change their lifestyle. I want to use my life changes as an example.
Everyday, in the news, we read about the “green” movement in which many people, corporations, and all kinds of organizations, want to take part. Although I applaud the greening of products and services, I wonder if they really understand what “green” living really means. For them to become truly socially responsible, it is at the core of their organizations that changes also need to happen. For that, they need to include their employees, members and associates.
With Provokare Presentations, I want to address the people of these organizations to show them what they can do to live a more examined life. By having every member of their family, organization or business act as a socially responsible person, it will position them at the forefront of the green and socially responsible movement.
Here are a few things you might be interested to know about my background:
My origins and education: I am Italian and grew up in Switzerland, where I was formally educated and obtained a degree in Business Management and Administration.
My languages: I’m fluent in French, Italian and English.
My travels: I traveled extensively in Europe, Asia and North America, acquiring great knowledge and understanding of the cultures and customs of the world. In 1992 I moved to the San Francisco Bay Area where I still live with my wife and daughter.
Tour guide: One of my first jobs in San Francisco was as a tour guide. Humor and entertainment were a constant part of my tours. I enjoyed connecting with people at a personal level, and often adjusted my presentations to accommodate what my customers wanted to experience.
Computer consultant: I worked for more than ten years as a consultant in the computer software industry. My clients ranged from small businesses to Fortune 500 corporations.
Continuing education: I earned a humane education certificate from the Institute for Humane Education. This program expanded my knowledge on issues including the environment, human rights, animals in our world and a broad range of cultural and media issues.
Provoking Change: In 2007 I founded Provokare Presentations, a company dedicated to inspire and provoke changes for a better environment and a healthier life.
