The Fungi Connection: weaving networks, regenerating systems | 017

How cross-sector connectors like Marc act as story-amplifiers for quiet pioneers

In this episode, I speak with Marc Violo, founder of MycoStories and a true connector across sectors. From high-tech startups in Asia to fungal research in the Amazon, Marc’s journey has been anything but linear—and all the more inspiring. He shares how fungi became his unlikely but powerful focus, not just as a biological marvel but as a metaphor for the way we need to work: through networks, relationships, and silent communication. We discuss the vast potential of fungi to heal landfills, disrupt toxic industries, and restore planetary health—yet many of the pioneers in this space remain invisible.

That’s where Marc comes in: weaving together a global web of scientists, entrepreneurs, investors, and storytellers. He explains why communication, connection, and patient capital are critical to real innovation. We explore how ecosystems—both biological and human—thrive when nurtured with cooperation rather than control. From glowing bioluminescent wood to diapers that self-degrade, this is a deep dive into the transformative power of what lies within. And it's a celebration of those who operate quietly but move entire systems. If you’ve ever wondered how nature does innovation—and what we can learn from it—this episode is for you.

💡 HIGHLIGHTS of this Episode
✨ What a diaper, a mushroom, and a landfill can teach us about radical sustainability
✨ How Marc connects hidden pioneers across biotech, conservation, and circular economy
✨ Why working alone kills ideas—and how mycelial networking is important
✨ 90% of fungi species are still unknown. Are we ignoring nature’s biggest innovation lab?
✨ What glowing wood and regenerative diapers have in common (hint: it’s alive

👋 ABOUT Marc Violo (he/him)
Marc is the founder of MycoStories, an innovation platform working with organisations at the forefront of fungi-based innovation and conservation. MycoStories works with founders, investors, industry leaders, and research institutions.

For the last 15 years, he has worked across 4 continents as a director of startups and business units in technology and sustainability. Beginning his career as at Tencent, China's largest internet company, Marc later joined the leading communication agency Ogilvy & Mather, as Managing Partner of their Singapore innovation agency. He has also worked as a London-based consultant focusing on a variety of circular economy projects.

Marc is an advocate for the transformative potential of fungi, exploring their applications in various fields that range from food, materials, agriculture and carbon storage to physical and mental health

🔗 CONNECT & follow Marc's work
👉 Website MycoStories
👉 Instagram MycoStories
👉 LinkedIn Marc

📚 RESOURCES to dive deeper
➡ Tomorrow - Documentary
➡ Entangled Life - Book
➡ Radical Mycology - Book
➡ EMPA Research Institute

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💌 CONNECT & engage with Pia
Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn to follow and support each other’s work. 🤗

If you consider yourself an #impactjobseeker or aspiring #impactpreneur at the beginning of your journey, jump on my Newsletter “Impact Insights” where I regularly share tools and best practices from my work as a sustainability consultant and system change facilitator. 🤓⚖

For daily insights “behind the scenes” and event updates, join the extended community on the @work.with.impact Instagram account. 🧐💓

Take care of yourself and others!
Pia 🤍

P.S. You can also watch this Episode on our YouTube Channel to see our faces 👋☺

#fungitech #biotechforgood #regenerativeinnovation  #crosssectorcollaboration #impactleaders #climatetech #networkweavers #bioeconomy  #natureasmentor #mushroommagic #communicatingchange