Episode 90 of MF Cast featured Leandro Alencar, a veterinarian and animal husbandry technician with an MBA in Agribusiness Management, who currently manages agricultural projects in Central Africa. Leandro grew up in a family of merchants with no connection to agribusiness. His first contact with the sector occurred during the holidays, when he visited his uncle's farm in Goianésia, Goiás. These visits sparked a great interest in livestock farming in him. As a teenager, he began a technical course in animal husbandry and, since then, has spared no effort to seek opportunities. Without financial support, Leandro took advantage of every opportunity to learn, often hitchhiking and doing extra activities to improve his knowledge. This challenging beginning solidified his passion for veterinary medicine and agriculture, motivating him to specialize and grow in the field. During his time in veterinary medicine, Leandro stood out for his proactivity. In the first six months, with the support of his grandfather, he managed to get an internship at a meatpacking plant, where he obtained a MAPA certification. His thirst for learning made him stand out among his colleagues, and his desire for growth led him to seek new opportunities, bringing him ever closer to the livestock sector. In his last year of college, Leandro outlined a growth strategy, identifying promising regions for livestock farming, from Mato Grosso to the mid-north of Pará, and sent numerous resumes to meatpacking plants and farms in these areas. After much persistence, he managed to get an unpaid internship at a meatpacking plant in Sinop. He dedicated himself fully, which earned him a new opportunity: he was asked to monitor slaughtering in a study carried out by the meatpacking plant in partnership with an association. These experiences showed that diligently seeking opportunities brings results. At the age of 23, Leandro was invited to work on an agricultural project in Central Africa, in the Congo. Accepting the challenge, he faced cultural and health obstacles, such as the control of vector-borne diseases. By adopting rigorous measures and innovating by adapting Brazilian technologies to the local reality, he managed to overcome the difficulties. After five years of doing exceptional work, Leandro took over the management of the project. In addition to the technical challenges faced, the experience in Congo was marked by learning about leadership and team training, which brought a deep sense of purpose to his career. Although being away from his family required personal sacrifices, his journey was transformative. During the interview, Leandro shared his story, the cultural shocks of moving to another country, and how he overcame the challenges he faced. He also offered valuable advice for those starting out in the sector and for those who want to stand out in the market. His lessons of persistence, dedication, and commitment in agriculture are inspiring for anyone who wants to grow in the area. Don't miss the full episode and be inspired by this story of persistence, determination, and growth. 00:00 Introduction 01:27 How did agribusiness come into Leandro's life? 19:31 Did your grandfather see what you have become today? 22:34 How did the invitation to Africa come about? 25:27 Going to Africa 31:41 What is livestock farming like in Congo today? 40:54 N'Dama and Nelore crossbreeding 44:53 What is the biggest cultural clash between Brazil and Africa? 46:51 Dairy cattle in Congo 47:53 Are diseases under control today? 54:41 Is it easy to find labor in Africa? 56:51 Wild animals in Africa 58:46 Artificial insemination in Africa 01:00:15 How far is the reality in Africa compared to Brazil? 01:01:59 Turning challenge into overcoming 01:05:47 When did you think about giving up 01:06:50 Advice for young people 01:11:30 Lessons from Africa to Brazil 01:15:20 Can cattle develop resistance to the African tick? 01:17:07 What is the price of the animal, kilo of meat and milk in Africa? 01:19:04 Cost of production in Africa 01:20:21 Life outside Brazil is a sacrifice 01:23:13 What legacy does Leandro want to leave for Congo? 01:26:12 How important is family? 01:28:10 How to achieve success? 01:31:39 The future of livestock farming in Congo ???? Guest Social Networks: Leandro Alencar @vet.alencar ???? Social Networks: Instagram: / / mfcast_ Tiktok: / / mfcast_ Facebook: / / podcastmfcast Kwai: https://www.kwai.com/@mfcast Visit our website: https://www.mfrural.com.br/?cmp=7396 ----------------- ???? SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHANNEL AND ACTIVATE THE BELL TO RECEIVE NOTIFICATIONS. ???? LISTEN TO MF CAST ALSO ON STREAMING PLATFORMS: Spotify: https://cutt.ly/cwXq1Jc3 Deezer: https://deezer.page.link/1xK7CD9Ac8sy... Amazon Music: https://cutt.ly/PwXq11X5 YouTube Music: / @mfcast_