Federico Marques: From NASA Intern to Pioneering the Future of Food on Earth and in Space

Connect with Carmen SederinoWebsite: illuminatedstory.com LinkedIn: Carmen Sederino YouTube: Illuminated Story Instagram: @illuminatedstory Free Masterclass: Beyond the Keynote MasterclassConnect with Federico MarquesWebsite: moonflowerfarms.com LinkedIn: Federico Marques Instagram: @moonflowerfarmsFederico Marques: From NASA Intern to Pioneering the Future of Food on Earth and in SpaceEpisode DescriptionCarmen Sederino sits down with Federico Marques, founder and CEO of Moonflower Farms, the first indoor vertical farm in Texas. Federico's path into hydroponics started with a chance visit to NASA's Stennis Space Center as a college intern, where he discovered how plants could clean air, water and eventually grow food in space.That experience shaped a career at Bayer, where he built a hydroponic greenhouse inside a chemical plant to clean industrial wastewater at 26, hired former NASA scientists to work alongside him, and rose to head quality and innovation. He went on to found Moonflower Farms in 2016 and now works with NASA, universities and governments worldwide. Carmen and Federico dig into the role speaking has played throughout his career, from being physically shoved onto a stage in college to presenting to boardrooms, hostile audiences and inspired high school students who now show up at his farm as interns.Key MomentsBeing an extremely introverted child who spent all his time in the library and never imagined standing on a stageA chance visit to NASA's Stennis Space Center that changed the entire direction of his careerBuilding a hydroponic greenhouse inside a Bayer chemical plant at 26 and hiring former NASA astronauts to work for himBeing pushed into acting classes by his thespian friends and performing in a four-night community playDelivering a TEDx talk at a high school that triggered a wave of interns who simply started showing up at his farmSpeaking to his team during COVID about whether the business would survive, and choosing to pivotQuotes to Remember"If you really believe in what you're talking about and you're knowledgeable in what you're talking about, it doesn't matter what type of audience. Someone's going to leave with something.""Rockets get you there. Hydroponics will keep you alive."Federico's JourneyGrew up shy and introverted, originally on track for a tennis career. A college internship at Bayer led to a visit to NASA's Stennis Space Center, where he learned about bioregenerative life support systems. He built his first hydroponic greenhouse inside a Bayer chemical plant, cleaning industrial wastewater with plants. That project launched his rise to NAFTA Head of Quality and Innovation. In 2016 he founded Moonflower Farms, creating the first indoor vertical farm in Texas. His mission: enable anyone to grow anything, anywhere, all the time. He now works with NASA, universities and delegations from countries including Mozambique, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Estonia and Azerbaijan.Advice for SpeakersBelieve in what you are talking about and be deeply knowledgeable. When those two things are present, speaking becomes almost effortless. Warm up your body and voice before you go on stage. Use props, video and real people to make your message tangible rather than relying on slides alone.Free Resource Beyond the Keynote MasterclassAbout the Host Carmen Sederino is the founder of Illuminated Story, transforming high-stakes presentations into unforgettable performances. With a background in theatre and corporate leadership, she helps leaders create impactful, memorable speaking experiences.Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the guests and host, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Illuminated Story.