We had the good fortune of connecting with Manuel Salvadori and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Manuel, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The decision to start my own business was born from a deep-rooted passion for empowering people to take control of their health through science-driven strategies. As a biohacker, nutritionist, and founder of a Functional Medicine school in Italy, I recognized a major gap in the wellness industry: a lack of accessible, evidence-based education that empowers individuals and health professionals alike to optimize their health and longevity.

I didn’t just want to be another voice in the wellness space—I wanted to build a movement where cutting-edge research meets practical application. My thought process revolved around creating a platform where the latest advancements in functional medicine, biohacking, and nutrition could be translated into actionable steps for everyday people, while also educating the next generation of health leaders.

Launching my business wasn’t just about entrepreneurship; it was about challenging outdated paradigms and redefining what optimal health truly means. I envisioned a space where science meets self-mastery, where people are equipped not just with knowledge, but with the tools and mindset to become the architects of their own health. That vision drives me every day.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
“My business is more than just a functional medicine school—it’s a movement dedicated to transforming how people understand and take control of their health. I founded my Functional Medicine school in Italy with a bold mission: to bridge the gap between cutting-edge science and practical, life-changing strategies for both health professionals and individuals seeking peak performance, longevity, and true well-being.

What sets my work apart is the fusion of biohacking, functional medicine, and personalized health optimization. I’m not just teaching theories; I’m equipping people with the tools to take measurable action—whether it’s fine-tuning cellular health, optimizing metabolic flexibility, or mastering cognitive performance. My approach is rooted in evidence-based protocols while embracing a forward-thinking mindset where health is seen as a lifelong, evolving pursuit.

I’m incredibly proud of the global impact my business has started to create. Seeing students and clients not just transform their own lives but go on to inspire change within their communities is what drives me. It’s proof that when you empower one person with knowledge and self-mastery, the ripple effect is limitless.

But the journey? Far from easy. When I started, functional medicine was still misunderstood in many circles, and biohacking was often dismissed as extreme. The challenge was not just building credibility but redefining what ‘wellness’ truly means. I faced skepticism, industry pushback, and the complexity of educating a diverse audience while maintaining scientific integrity.

I overcame these challenges through relentless focus on education, storytelling, and results. I learned to communicate complex concepts in a way that both the scientific community and everyday people could understand and apply. Authenticity became my compass—staying true to my values while constantly evolving and learning.

The biggest lessons I’ve learned? Consistency beats perfection. Mastery requires a blend of curiosity and discipline. And above all, true success is measured not just by personal achievements but by the positive impact you create in others’ lives.

What I want the world to know about my brand and story is this: Optimal health isn’t a luxury—it’s a responsibility. And with the right knowledge, tools, and mindset, anyone can unlock extraordinary results in their health, performance, and longevity. I’m here to guide and empower those ready to rise above the noise, break through limitations, and lead their best lives.”

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friends were visiting for a week, I’d create an unforgettable experience that blends culture, wellness, and a bit of adventure—because that’s how I live my life. Here’s how I’d craft a week designed for both personal growth and pure enjoyment.

Day 1: The Arrival & Biohacker’s Recharge
We’d start with a wellness immersion—maybe a cutting-edge cryotherapy session followed by an infrared sauna for cellular detox and a deep recharge after the flight. Dinner would be at a top farm-to-table restaurant focused on nutrient-dense, organic foods, emphasizing vibrant flavors and health optimization.

Day 2: Culture Meets Adventure
Morning would kick off with a functional training session and breathwork, followed by a protein-packed brunch. Then, a visit to some historical landmarks for a bit of intellectual fuel—I’m passionate about combining history with personal development. Evening drinks? A rooftop bar with adaptogenic cocktails that balance fun and wellness.

Day 3: Nature & Mindset Expansion
A sunrise hike, perhaps somewhere with stunning natural views, paired with a guided meditation focused on mindset expansion. Afterward, a visit to a local biohacking hub or wellness center to experience cutting-edge therapies like red light therapy or hyperbaric oxygen chambers. Dinner would be a cozy spot with wild-caught seafood and antioxidant-rich side dishes.

Day 4: Entrepreneurial Inspiration & Networking
We’d explore innovation—maybe a private mastermind dinner or event where local entrepreneurs, health experts, and thought leaders gather. Conversations that challenge thinking and expand perspectives are key. We’d also visit a cutting-edge coffee shop specializing in nootropic-infused drinks for peak focus and creativity.

Day 5: Recovery & Culinary Exploration
A recovery day with a long brunch featuring gluten-free, nutrient-dense options followed by a mobility session and perhaps a sound bath for nervous system balance. Evening? A high-end Italian restaurant with authentic, ancestral dishes but biohacker-approved twists, like grass-fed meats and sugar-free desserts.

Day 6: High-Performance Day
A full-on biohacker’s morning routine: grounding, cold plunge, a powerful journaling session, and a focus-driven work block. Then, exploring local art and music in the afternoon, fueling creativity. We’d wrap up with a private chef experience at home focusing on ancestral superfoods and longevity-focused recipes.

Day 7: Reflect & Recharge
The last day would be all about reflection—perhaps a gratitude journaling session combined with a scenic outdoor breakfast. A final adventure, like paddleboarding or a trail run, to reconnect with nature before wrapping up with a small circle dinner celebrating the week’s experiences.**

To me, the perfect week blends wellness, culture, adventure, and meaningful conversations. It’s about elevating mind, body, and spirit while embracing the beauty of life’s experiences.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
“Absolutely. Success, in my view, is never a solo journey—it’s a masterpiece crafted with the support, mentorship, and influence of extraordinary people. My deepest gratitude goes to the mentors and thought leaders who shaped my philosophy, both in the realms of functional medicine and personal growth.

A special mention goes to my closest circle—Valentina Andrulli Buccheri, co-founder of the School and my team and the incredible professionals I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with. Vincenzo Manzionna, Marco Orecchioni, Marika Girardi. Their relentless pursuit of excellence and commitment to empowering others through evidence-based health strategies have been instrumental in the success of my school of Functional Medicine in Italy.

I also owe a huge shoutout to the biohacking and functional medicine communities worldwide. Their collective wisdom and groundbreaking research have not only inspired me but also fueled my drive to constantly push boundaries and redefine what’s possible in the pursuit of optimal health.

And, of course, I can’t overlook my audience and clients—those who have trusted my guidance, embraced change, and transformed their lives. They remind me every day why I started this journey in the first place: to create a ripple effect of positive change in how we approach health, performance, and longevity.

Lastly, the books and philosophies that have left a profound mark on my thinking—works by Tim Ferriss, Peter Attia, and David Sinclair—have expanded my perspective on biohacking, human potential, and the science of thriving. Their insights continue to shape my work and inspire me to lead by example.”

Website: https://www.manuelsalvadori.it

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