Olga Urbani is a sunny entrepreneur active in the food sector as the owner of ‘Truffleland,’ a truffle and porcini mushroom company, near Norcia, in the Valnerina.
And since he also enjoys a good ecological conscience, his truffle tree production enjoys wise territorial work that respects the environment, and he notes that the preservation of the planet must be respected in symbiosis with the various Italian and European regulations, including the Umbria Region, which finances cultivation on site.
“A happy way of incentivizing young people to stay in their habitat, away from the city chaos, earning considerable amounts of money in full contact with nature.”
Then again, how can one deny that the truffle hunter, in the company of his faithful dog, knows the woods well by distinguishing the terrain, with nearby plants, the suitable places in which to unearth the very precious ‘gold,’ toward that view of careful responsible management, guaranteeing such precious fruits for future generations as well.
Olga Urbani is in front of us for the ‘Newyorker’. We watch the gaze of this lady unleashing pure energy, her beautiful hair illuminating her with a beautiful coppery brown. Effervescent more than an aspirin, between one suitcase and another, she has long been actively involved with Giammarco and Carlo in the further development of the Group.
Olga has two sons, Luca and Francesco, the latter founder of “Urbani Truffles USA,” which represents the gastronomic heart of truffles overseas as well as a ‘prince’ company throughout the States, able to offer to the various branches in Las Vegas, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, the varied world – pure goodness – of truffle foods and porcini mushrooms.
And this is thanks to her nose capable of demanding only excellence ‘for charity…substitutes I leave to others.’ For the good name of our ‘Italì’, and ‘of that America’ to her that has now become her home.
Smiling, she tells me that I am an extremely curious person and so…” I now tell her an anecdote that starts way back in the early 1900s, with the export of truffles to the “Big Apple” doing well, all right, followed, however, by a… but.”
Olga Urbani premiata con il “Premio Semplicemente Donna” nella sezione “Imprenditoria nel sociale”
We are listening.
“Lo and behold, my great-grandfather went directly to the place and noticed that they liked the product, and how they liked it! Except that such deliciousness they confused it with ice cream! Yep, the famous chocolate ‘ice-cream’!!! My ancestor, outraged by all this, thought of returning to his homeland, but as my grandfather’s reproaches came, he followed his advice: ‘give to Caesar what is Caesar’s’. And so he did. In short, a way-with holy patience! That little by little, further expanded the American trade.”
I’m reminded of Carosone when with his ‘band’ he would perform “Tu Vo’ Fa’ l’Americano” even though in reality his grandfather didn’t want him to be an American!
“That’s right!” And we burst out laughing with this maiden more effervescent than an ‘aspirin’ as we like to recall her nomination as “Cavaliere del Lavoro,” awarded directly by President Sergio Mattarella, and again her reception by the Bellisario Foundation “La Mela D’Oro ” for distinguishing herself in the profession. A very prestigious event was then joining the “Most Powerful Women of Fortune Italy,” which identifies 50 profiles of successful women as synonymous with the expression of the best female energies.
As for being involved in social work… “Well…I consider this a fundamental project, what can I say…I can think of the scholarships wanted for the “Truffle Chefs,” the creation of various medical aid charities, the construction of orphanages in third world countries and more since this is an area towards which I love to dedicate myself intensely.
Tireless-one does one and a hundred thinks one-aside from having created the Truffle Academy and again the Museum, she is even the creator of “Urban Worldwilde Travel and Tours,” together with the “International Truffle School” created in Italy on the banks of the Nera River. There is also no shortage of the “Truffle Brotherhood” for those who enjoy a good palate, and even “Truffle Auctions” that draw people from all over the world.
Inevitable to ask her if she sees more burdens than honors.
“Let’s start with the burdens, being perpetually informed about everything is a must, and still being present-compatible with my myriad commitments-with co-workers and family members, since I value my family so much. Definitely a job of good organization to be well managed that I always love to plan for, including the female presence since 70 percent are women, of whom many are in apex roles. In them I appreciate the depth of thought and the ability to manage things as best as I can. I am a great believer in empowerment, a process of growth combined with self-determination, capable of giving high results. As for honors…mah, others must say, for my part I believe a lot in dialogue and humanity in this world unfortunately too dry of feelings. However, never give up, thinking about the culture that sharpens the mind, so as to then observe the world in other perspectives.”
During the ‘Simply Woman Award’ , awarded in the ‘Entrepreneurship in Social Work’ section, she told about the projects – finished – she wanted to double the production areas, including with new machinery. “That’s right, the construction of a welfare center complete with a gym and restaurant to enhance human capital. I will never stop repeating that humanity combined with discipline and rules is fundamental. My life? I would judge just fine, an only child who suddenly had to take over the reins of the company since people close to her wanted answers. As for sterile controversies, I really don’t care about them, personally I only welcome constructive judgments that help to grow further. Because life is beautiful and you never stop learning.”
The article Olga Urbani: truffles? The phoenix of international gastronomy comes from TheNewyorker.
