Oscar Flaux’s Post

Dear Connections, I am delighted to mark my one-year work anniversary with VEGROW , a prominent player in the fruits and vegetables sector. Joining such a dynamic organization has been a rewarding experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to embark on my corporate journey here. I am honored to share that on VEGROW 's 4th Foundation Day, I was recognized for my exceptional dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the company. This recognition would not have been possible without the continuous support of my colleagues. As I reflect on this journey, I would like to share some key learnings: 1. Establishing strong relationships with farmers, vendors, and pre-bookers is crucial for effective procurement of fruits at the ground level. This requires concerted efforts from the entire team, as it forms the backbone of our supply chain. 2. Understanding the product-market fit (PMF) process and scaling models from pilot to full implementation requires a clear vision and strategy. In the unorganized and mandi-driven fruits and vegetables market, deep industry knowledge and awareness of local dynamics are essential. 3. Comprehensive market research and identifying the total addressable market (TAM) are vital for unlocking the true potential of our procurement models. Strategic planning before each season ensures optimal outcomes. 4. Evaluating the entire value chain of our procurement models is critical for assessing their viability and scalability. This provides invaluable insights for refining our strategies and operations. 5. Building strong relationships has been a cornerstone of my journey. Collaborating with diverse teams and stakeholders across different regions has enabled me to foster connections based on trust and mutual respect, enriching both my professional network and personal growth. I am profoundly grateful for the journey thus far and extend my sincere appreciation to Kiran Naik Bhukya Sir for this incredible opportunity. Each day brings new lessons and adventures, and I am excited to continue this remarkable journey. #Procurement #FruitsandVegetables #CareerMilestone #Gratitude #MoreToAchieve

Recruiter and Almond Farmer Most of my connections are probably aware by now that I live and work in Spain and that I’ve developed a deep passion for this country, as well as the Mediterranean way of life . As a recruiter, I have the privilege of regularly connecting talent and companies across Southern Europe. Finding the perfect match is what drives me, and it brings me great satisfaction to see people thrive in their careers. But aside from my work in the recruitment world, I lead a life that’s quite different from this hustle and bustle. Did you know that besides my work as a recruiter, I’m also a part-time almond farmer? Together with my wife and our two dogs, I live off-grid in a peaceful and beautiful area just outside Valencia. We have a small fixer-upper house surrounded by about 250 almond trees and three impressive algarrobas. We also have a dozen olive trees and a few other fruit trees. The history of the algarroba (carob trees), known as a savior in difficult times, has given the tree a special place in Spanish culture. Many people remember or have heard stories from older generations about how algarroba pods helped feed families during tough periods. This historical significance contributes to the current protection and appreciation of these trees in Spain. The seeds of the algarroba are processed into a natural, healthy powder and used as an alternative to cocoa. The powder is rich in fiber and antioxidants, with a delicious sweet flavor. To me,It’s a beautiful thought that something that has grown here for so long is now finding its way into healthy kitchens and the food industry worldwide. At this time of year, before I start my workday, we collect the fallen pods from the trees every morning, and later this week, we’ll harvest the remaining pods still hanging on the trees. We deliver the carob pods to the local cooperativa, which then supplies them to the industry for further processing. The almond trees are bare in the winter, but by the end of January, the blossoms start to appear, and within a few weeks, all the trees are in full bloom with beautiful white and pink flowers. After that, the leaves begin to grow, as do the fruits. The almond harvest is also just around the corner, starting in two to three weeks. Every almond is harvested by hand, using a stick—a process that requires a lot of time and dedication but also gives us the opportunity to be directly in touch with nature and appreciate the fruits of our labor. The almonds are also delivered to the cooperative, with the best ones going straight to the local turrón makers. Turrón is a type of nougat made with roasted almonds, honey, sugar, and egg whites. The rest is processed into almond flour, milk, and oil. Next week, I’ll write more about our off-grid living and the pruning of the almond trees. Curious about more stories on recruitment in Southern Europe, our sustainable lifestyle, or just want to chat about almonds and carob trees? Let’s stay in touch!

👉 The same boiling water that makes an egg hard, is the same water that makes a potato soft. Adapting is never easy Job seeking is never easy Controlling what we can control in our environment is key 🔑 This market is not fun.. infact it's 💩 Keep your head up and take 1 step at a time. You got this. 🙏🏻 #easiersaidthandone #hereforyou #topvoices #jobsearch #jobseekers

Every spring the guest bedroom in my house turns into a nursery….for plants.  There is something magical about growing your own food and there are so many similarities with my paid job: 1.      Fertile soil is the basis, just like the right culture is 2.      Treat the seeds with respect, just like (new) employees 3.      Take care of the seedlings, watch them (but don’t micromanage them by hovering over them every day) and feed them regularly with water and fertilizer (for your employees, learning opportunities are best growth enhancer) 4.      Some seeds will never grow into beautiful plants: maybe they don't have the comptence, or are simply not able to blossom in your surroundings 5.      Sometimes the best performing ones still get eaten by snails or destroyed by thunderstorms (be aware of outside forces that might impact your best performers) 6.      Allow them plenty of sunshine (aka spotlights and compliments) 7.      When the time is right, set them free in your garden or give them to friends (don’t be afraid to let your talents develop themselves, in their roles or somewhere else) 8.      Talk to them! Not only engage with your employees, I find plants are very good listeners ;) 9. Offer support: sometimes they need something/someone to lean on 10.      When the time is right, each at their own pace, they will grant you the fruits of their labour Have a great Sunday! #maketodaymatter #growth #weekendwisdom #plantlife

Opportunity

Attention: #opentowork Seeds could be your opportunity for growth in 2024. Sweet Pepper 🌶 seeds are sourced from Sweet Peppers (my favorite) I purchase at the grocery store. Deli containers & discarded cups 🥤 are adequate to start seeds. Both seeds and containers are byproducts of everyday life (essentially FREE). Grow your own career opportunities in 2024! This is a #bootstrapping and #grassroots opportunity. https://lnkd.in/gvP4GzmU The Path to my garden led to fresh, nutritious vegetables during the 2023 growing season. VVF is an abbreviation for features to look for when planning a garden. V = Vertical growth (height) V = Volume produced (clusters) F = Frequency of harvest (daily or weekly) I am eager to reduce and replace Yard Waste with Fresh Vegetables as I transform my backyard to #garden over time. Nature covered my stonescape with weeds over time. 🌾🌱 Design converted weedscape to #garden, growing food. 🍅🌶🥕🥒 I started inside from seed planted in good soil for myself & family favorite herbs, like Basil. Sales: I sold plants in late Spring to offset potting soil expense. Education: I produced YouTube how-to videos at HubeTube1000. Entertainment: YouTube flower photos & videos adding music soundtrack. Gifts: plants are great gifts for Mothers Day. Photojournalism: covering "Blooming News" for hobbyist gardeners. Harvest: menu bonus of sides and entrées Culinary Creativity: casseroles etc. Frozen Foods: family sized entrees are baked and frozen for later 😋 enjoyment during Winter.

Got a craving for edible bugs? A new study reveals you're in for a delicious surprise!! Did you know that Arizona ranks as one of the top 15 best states for eating edible insects and wildlife?  Check out the article to see why our state ranks among the best, and maybe discover your next culinary adventure!! 

Yet more progress in the work to repair and rebuild local food systems across the country. 💛 However, it is disappointing to see that there continues to be a Masters degree requirement for these sorts of positions, especially with the pay rate of $50k-$60k😥😓😮💨 *Edit*- For reference, according to Zippia.com and other similar sources, the lowest median salary in the region for someone with a Masters is $61k( https://lnkd.in/es-bj7GH ) Let us not become complacent and content with/in the progress we are making, and lose sight and awareness of significant obstacles. Not unlike the tragedy of the Titanic, whose incredible design, construction, and capabilities, along with so many innocent lives, was lost due to comparably minor factors of ego, hubris, pridefulness, and assumption of superiority.😥💔 The damage wrought and lives impacted and lost due to the failures and flaws in our food systems and the efforts being made to address them has been counted and quantified many times, in many ways, from numerous sources & perspectives. It is not a matter of whether it is happening, but how much/long we will allow it to continue, and how much/little we will each actively do about it. 🧐💛

🎯 Exciting career opportunities in Sligo! 🏭 Are you seeking a new career path or itching for growth? Sligo is bustling with vibrant roles that may just fit your aspirations. Let's delve into three key positions thriving in our local scene: 1️⃣ Manufacturing Line Lead: Picture yourself at the helm of a dynamic manufacturing environment, steering your team toward peak performance. The Manufacturing Line Lead is the maestro of the production floor, ensuring efficiency and productivity are always tuned to high notes. Your role is pivotal in fostering team spirit and driving innovation. 2️⃣ Quality Projects Manager: If excellence and precision are your mantra, the role of a Quality Projects Manager will resonate with you. Spearhead projects that shape the backbone of product integrity, crafting systems that elevate standards and customer satisfaction. Your knack for details will shape the essence of quality in your domain. 3️⃣ Food Safety Auditor: As a guardian of public health, a Food Safety Auditor carries the torch for wellbeing. You'll audit and analyse processes from farm to fork, leaving no stone unturned in ensuring compliance with stringent food safety standards. Your watchful eye is key in maintaining trust in the food industry. ✨ Each role represents a unique thread in the fabric of Sligo's economic tapestry. Whether streamlining operations, ensuring excellence, or safeguarding our food, your impact is monumental. Ready to embark on a rewarding journey? Share your thoughts or tag someone who's the perfect fit for these roles. Let's connect and pave the way for success in Sligo's thriving employment landscape. #CareerGrowth #ManufacturingExcellence #FoodSafetyFirst

🎯 Exciting career opportunities in Sligo! 🏭 Are you seeking a new career path or itching for growth? Sligo is bustling with vibrant roles that may just fit your aspirations. Let's delve into three key positions thriving in our local scene: 1️⃣ Manufacturing Line Lead: Picture yourself at the helm of a dynamic manufacturing environment, steering your team toward peak performance. The Manufacturing Line Lead is the maestro of the production floor, ensuring efficiency and productivity are always tuned to high notes. Your role is pivotal in fostering team spirit and driving innovation. 2️⃣ Quality Projects Manager: If excellence and precision are your mantra, the role of a Quality Projects Manager will resonate with you. Spearhead projects that shape the backbone of product integrity, crafting systems that elevate standards and customer satisfaction. Your knack for details will shape the essence of quality in your domain. 3️⃣ Food Safety Auditor: As a guardian of public health, a Food Safety Auditor carries the torch for wellbeing. You'll audit and analyse processes from farm to fork, leaving no stone unturned in ensuring compliance with stringent food safety standards. Your watchful eye is key in maintaining trust in the food industry. ✨ Each role represents a unique thread in the fabric of Sligo's economic tapestry. Whether streamlining operations, ensuring excellence, or safeguarding our food, your impact is monumental. Ready to embark on a rewarding journey? Share your thoughts or tag someone who's the perfect fit for these roles. Let's connect and pave the way for success in Sligo's thriving employment landscape. #CareerGrowth #ManufacturingExcellence #FoodSafetyFirst