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Campaigners

The path less travelled: the journey of a campaigner – Mathieu Flamini

About This Episode

This week, professional footballer Mathieu Flamini speaks to Michael about his career and co-founding GF Biochemicals, a fast-growing producer of levulinic acid.  From growing up on the beaches of Marseille to a football career at the highest level, in this episode Mathieu demonstrates he is an athlete with a difference who has a huge amount of drive and ambition to put people’s health and our planet on the right path to a sustainable future.

Mathieu Flamini

A World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, Mathieu played as a midfielder for Marseille, Arsenal, Crystal Palace, AC Milan, Getafe and the French national team. While football is a huge passion for Mathieu, his interest in climate change and the environment began as a young child. Mathieu co-founded GF Biochemicals in 2008 shortly after moving to AC Milan. The company is the world’s first commercial producer of levulinic acid, a substance that could provide the world with a substitute to oil.

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Lockdown List

What are you watching in lockdown?

I like documentaries around health and sustainability: The Game Changer / What the Health / A Plastic Ocean / The Biggest Little Farm

What is your lockdown soundtrack?

Love you Better by John De Sohn and Rasmus Hagen

Burial by Seinabo Sey

Outro by M83

Control by Zoe Wees

La fin de l’ete by Christophe Maé

In one sentence, describe your new normal.

Cut the superficial, and focus on what really count for you.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?

I’m a big fan of David Attenborough – he brought the animal world into the life of millions of English people.

What is your best tip for life ?

Stay positive whatever happens.

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