We operate at the forefront of the food-forests nexus, supporting our clients in making informed decisions about complex issues that involve a multitude of organizations.
We are a team of experienced consultants with specialist skills in strategy consulting, facilitation and research relating to food systems, biodiversity and land-use.
Through our experience, we bridge the gaps between a number of worlds: academic and corporate; government and civil society; the productive sector and supply chain; and between Brazil and its major international markets.
James Allen
For the last 20 years at the forefront of policy making, multi-stakeholder dialogue and land-use strategies across Latin America, Africa and Europe. James has a political science degree from the London School of Economics, and an MPhil. in Development Studies from the University of Sussex. James is co-founder of Olab, with a focus on organizational strategy and mediation.
Michelle Sampaio
15+ years’ experience in sustainability and dialogue. Biologist, Doctorate in Ecology, Associate Professor at UNIRIO, and Coordinator of the Sustainable Action Lab. Michelle is a partner at Olab and leader of facilitation projects.
Fernanda Vidal
15+ years of consultancy and research experience in the analysis, implementation and evaluation of sustainable supply chain strategies. Industrial Engineering and Philosophy bachelor’s degrees, Business Management specialist and Masters in Economics for Transition (Schumacher College, UK). Fernanda is a partner at Olab and leads projects in food systems and intelligence.
Fausto Amadigi
20+ years’ experience in sustainability, strategy and organizational development. Masters in strategy and sustainability, MBA in environmental management, History and Law bachelor’s. Fausto is a partner at Olab and leads projects in Nature-based Solutions, strategy and development.
Jhon Duque
Experience in Environmental Analysis, Evaluation in Public and Finance Management. Business administration bachelor and researcher in Public Policies. Jhon is project assistant at Olab, supporting project execution and is responsible for administrative processes.
Jess Oliveira
10+ years of experience in project planning and execution, people management and process facilitation. Expertise with start ups, non-profits and other industries. Civil Engineer with an MBA in Business Management from USP. Jess is also a graphic facilitator and consultant for business models and strategy design.
Cristiana Martin
10+ years of experience designing and running social research and evaluations for the public sector, non-profit sector, corporate social responsibility and international cooperation agencies. For the past five years, a facilitator of food systems related processes. Social Sciences bachelor (PUC-SP/Paris Nanterre), Masters in Sociology (USP).
Samuel Golodne
5+ years of experience in technology and as a tech-host facilitator. Expertise in organizing, producing and delivering online, hybrid and in-person events, ensuring technical and operational viability of large multi-stakeholder forums and online processes.
João Silva
Specialist in research and data analysis, particularly in socio-biodiversity supply chains and deforestation. Economist (Unicamp) and CNPq researcher. At Olab, João executes projects in strategy, research, evaluation and intelligence.
Cris Saturnino
20+ years of experience as project manager, human development facilitator and therapist. Cris’ work focuses on leadership empowerment, youth, inclusion and diversity.
History
Since its founding in 2011, Olab has come to establish itself as the leading strategy consultancy working on food & forests in Brazil.
2011
Corporate engagement through social investment
Olab is established to meet a growing need for dialogue facilitation between the private sector, government and civil society – particularly in the design and implementation of private social investment strategies.
2015
Food
Systems
Olab facilitates the creation of the UN Food and Agriculture Business Principles, with stakeholders from all stages of the supply chain in dialogue over food security, human rights and sustainability. This was a turning point in our story, leading to countless projects in food systems subsequently.
2018
Organizational Development
We amplify and diversify our client base, with new offers involving organizational development projects with startups and fast-growing companies.
2021
Food, Nature
& People
With 10 years of experience, Olab is now a reference in facilitation for multi-sectoral platforms in food and agriculture in Latin America. We partake in projects in Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, Peru and European countries.
2025
15 years of Olab!
Olab celebrates 15 years of work in the intersection of food and forests, in a moment where Brazil and Latin America are crucial for the design of future-proof solutions. We have covered more than 300 projects, with a solid network of recurring partners and clients.
Vacancies
Follow Olab on LinkedIn to check vacancies, opportunities and content.
