EPISODE · Mar 25, 2025 · 51 MIN
From Silicon Valley to Sustainability: How Tessa Clarke is Disrupting Waste Culture
from Becoming Radical · host Michael Gaizutis
Food waste is one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. But what if there was a simple way to connect surplus food with those who need it? What if a single app could spark a movement that transforms communities and the way we consume?In this episode of Becoming Radical, host Michael Gaizutis sits down with Tessa Clarke, co-founder and CEO of Olio, to explore how she turned her personal values into a global mission. From her upbringing on a farm in rural England to scaling a business that has facilitated the sharing of millions of meals, Tessa shares the highs, the challenges, and the radical thinking behind Olio’s success.Tessa discusses the early-stage hurdles of launching a food-sharing platform, the importance of community engagement, and the game-changing role of mission-driven leadership. She also delves into how Olio’s innovative Food Waste Heroes program is helping businesses reduce waste, all while fostering local connections.As Olio continues to grow, Tessa shares her predictions for the future of the sharing economy, the power of aligning personal and professional values, and the mindset shifts necessary to drive real impact.If you’re passionate about sustainability, purpose-driven business, or building a movement that matters, this episode is packed with insights to help you think bigger and take action. Key Takeaways How Tessa’s childhood on a farm instilled a deep-rooted passion for sustainability.The unexpected challenges of launching a hyperlocal food-sharing platform.Why mission-driven businesses have a superpower in attracting talent and investment.The Food Waste Heroes program and its role in reducing food waste at scale.How COVID-19 accelerated Olio’s growth fivefold and shaped its future.The role of profit with purpose in the 21st-century business landscape.Predictions for the future of the sharing economy and the transition to circular consumption.The importance of mission-obsessed leadership in overcoming obstacles.How individuals and communities can take action today to reduce food waste.In This Episode [00:00] Introduction to Becoming Radical[18:30] Environmental and social impact[26:21] Recruiting for shared values[36:59] Future plans and international expansion[40:15] Personal habits for success[44:24] Aligning personal values with business objectives[46:33] Final thoughts and advice[48:14] Where to find Olio and the conclusionOur GuestTessa Clarke is the co-founder and CEO of Olio, the world’s leading food-sharing app that connects neighbors and businesses to redistribute surplus food. Since launching, Olio has facilitated over 100 million meals shared, with a network of over 135,000 trained volunteers helping to tackle food waste at scale. Tessa’s vision is to create a more sustainable and connected world, where every resource is valued and shared.Notable Quotes [00:08:15] “I didn’t set out to be an entrepreneur—I set out to solve a problem. And once I found a problem that mattered enough, there was no turning back.” — Tessa Clarke[00:16:45] “We had a food-sharing app with no food. That was our existential crisis. But instead of giving up, we found a way to turn our biggest challenge into our greatest advantage.” — Tessa Clarke[00:26:30] “Profit with purpose isn’t a buzzword—it’s the future of business. Companies that don’t align with people and planet simply won’t survive the next decade.” — Tessa Clarke[00:36:25] “The sharing economy isn’t a trend—it’s inevitable. The way we consume today is simply not sustainable.” — Tessa Clarke[00:49:50] “Forget what society tells you success should look like. Look deep into your soul and ask—what will I be proud of at the end of my life?” — Tessa ClarkeResources and LinksTessa ClarkLinkedInDownload Olio: Olio App StoreOlio Website: www.olioapp.comMichael GaizutisLinkedInWebsiteBecoming Radical LinkedInInstagramFacebook Twitter
What this episode covers
Food waste is one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. But what if there was a simple way to connect surplus food with those who need it? What if a single app could spark a movement that transforms communities and the way we consume?In this episode of Becoming Radical, host Michael Gaizutis sits down with Tessa Clarke, co-founder and CEO of Olio, to explore how she turned her personal values into a global mission. From her upbringing on a farm in rural England to scaling a business that has facilitated the sharing of millions of meals, Tessa shares the highs, the challenges, and the radical thinking behind Olio’s success.Tessa discusses the early-stage hurdles of launching a food-sharing platform, the importance of community engagement, and the game-changing role of mission-driven leadership. She also delves into how Olio’s innovative Food Waste Heroes program is helping businesses reduce waste, all while fostering local connections.As Olio continues to grow, Tessa shares her predictions for the future of the sharing economy, the power of aligning personal and professional values, and the mindset shifts necessary to drive real impact.If you’re passionate about sustainability, purpose-driven business, or building a movement that matters, this episode is packed with insights to help you think bigger and take action. Key Takeaways How Tessa’s childhood on a farm instilled a deep-rooted passion for sustainability.The unexpected challenges of launching a hyperlocal food-sharing platform.Why mission-driven businesses have a superpower in attracting talent and investment.The Food Waste Heroes program and its role in reducing food waste at scale.How COVID-19 accelerated Olio’s growth fivefold and shaped its future.The role of profit with purpose in the 21st-century business landscape.Predictions for the future of the sharing economy and the transition to circular consumption.The importance of mission-obsessed leadership in overcoming obstacles.How individuals and communities can take action today to reduce food waste.In This Episode [00:00] Introduction to Becoming Radical[18:30] Environmental and social impact[26:21] Recruiting for shared values[36:59] Future plans and international expansion[40:15] Personal habits for success[44:24] Aligning personal values with business objectives[46:33] Final thoughts and advice[48:14] Where to find Olio and the conclusionOur GuestTessa Clarke is the co-founder and CEO of Olio, the world’s leading food-sharing app that connects neighbors and businesses to redistribute surplus food. Since launching, Olio has facilitated over 100 million meals shared, with a network of over 135,000 trained volunteers helping to tackle food waste at scale. Tessa’s vision is to create a more sustainable and connected world, where every resource is valued and shared.Notable Quotes [00:08:15] “I didn’t set out to be an entrepreneur—I set out to solve a problem. And once I found a problem that mattered enough, there was no turning back.” — Tessa Clarke[00:16:45] “We had a food-sharing app with no food. That was our existential crisis. But instead of giving up, we found a way to turn our biggest challenge into our greatest advantage.” — Tessa Clarke[00:26:30] “Profit with purpose isn’t a buzzword—it’s the future of business. Companies that don’t align with people and planet simply won’t survive the next decade.” — Tessa Clarke[00:36:25] “The sharing economy isn’t a trend—it’s inevitable. The way we consume today is simply not sustainable.” — Tessa Clarke[00:49:50] “Forget what society tells you success should look like. Look deep into your soul and ask—what will I be proud of at the end of my life?” — Tessa ClarkeResources and LinksTessa ClarkLinkedInDownload Olio: Olio App StoreOlio Website: www.olioapp.comMichael GaizutisLinkedInWebsiteBecoming Radical LinkedInInstagramFacebook Twitter
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From Silicon Valley to Sustainability: How Tessa Clarke is Disrupting Waste Culture
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