Germán Santillán

Change Agent, Entrepreneur, Foodie, Global soul, Idea generator, Social entrepreneur

Germán Santillán is a distinguished figure in the realm of social entrepreneurship, with a particular focus on revitalizing Indigenous Mixtec cocoa traditions in Mexico through his Oaxacanita chocolate business. His innovative work has garnered recognition for combating inequality, promoting local self-reliance, and making significant economic contributions to rural Mexico. Germán's expertise in Business Sciences and leadership, coupled with his involvement in international organizations and advisory boards, underscores his strategic acumen and visionary leadership. Noteworthy accolades, including being named a Young Leader of the Americas by former President Barack Obama, attest to Germán's outstanding contributions to the field. Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavors, Germán is dedicated to fostering creativity, innovation, and sustainable development in communities, emphasizing his commitment to social impact and positive change.

Food, culture, family, friends and nature. I am a very simple person who likes good talks, purpose driven people and thinking about the possibility to some day have contact with other civilizations of the universe. Some day I would like to know and understand the exact origin of cocoa and would be awesome to do it in the future.

In a world that seems more connected and advanced but at the same time has a lots of inequalities, it is important that everyone can participate in the creation of solutions to have a better world. Indigenous cultures are too far from being part of the global community and that is the main reason I believe that some of the most pressing solutions for global problems are already practised by our originary towns in terms of sustainability, governance and social structures. We must hear them, learn from them, respect them and involve them to refresh our ideas of what is the "best" for the world. Probably what we think is ancient, is the future.

Businesses, Chocolate, Cocoa Industry, Economic Opportunity, Economics, Indigenous culture, Social Entrepreneurship, Sustainable Development & Farming

My first talk was given in the TEDMonterey Annual Conference thanks to the TED Fellows Program where I had the chance to participate among some of the most brilliant world change makers. At TED2022 I had the chance to make the Discovery Session entitled "Farm to la Copa: a cacao experience" where with an amazing group of 25 people we learned how to make traditional Mexican chocolate from the raw! At TED2023 I had the chance to participate in the re-imagination workshop of the TED Fellows Program bringing new inputs into this amazing program that is boosting the work of some of the world's best creators. At TED2024 I had the chance to attend to the TED Countdown session in NYC. At TED 2025 I said bye to Vancouver with two chocolate sessions!

Being a nice friend. I love to play the guitar! I have been practising for more than 10 years and I find in music a very good way to escape from reality. I have a very good ear to detect musical booms!