Last year, I had the pleasure of meeting one of the most optimistic people I’ve ever seen: Dr. Nasser Odetallah, Product Manager of Enzymes, Probiotics, and Idea Testing Kits for Novus International. His message last year to the Missouri Colleges Fund scholars was, “There is nothing impossible in life.” This year during Novus’ 2nd annual “Science: A Foundation for Dynamic Careers” days, he added to that message, saying “Charge ahead, and don’t be afraid to fail!”

Odetallah’s talk came in between impromptu trivia contests (for t-shirts and candy!), as the bus full of students rolled down the road from the tour of Novus’ research farm, Green Acres.

“We have to try something to know if we fit into it. And if we fail that’s not the end of the world. The most important thing is do not hesitate and don’t be scared!”

He says the Novus attitude is that failure teaches them more and helps the company reach its goals of providing better animal and human nutritional products. In fact, Odetallah says probably 10 percent or more of the employees at Novus started in a different section of the company and were moved, sometimes several times, to make a better fit for the worker and Novus.

He advises the students to come up with ideas outside of the norm.

[While it’s important to meet certain standards], if you want success in life, you have to think outside of the box, outside of your outline.”

Odetallah adds that you have to keep in mind how the world is getting smaller through all the connections people make, and look for ways to enhance those connections through learning new languages and cultures.

“The more you plant, the more you reap.”

Great words of wisdom.

It’s a great conversation, and you can hear more of it in the player below.

2010 Novus International Science: A Foundation for Dynamic Careers Photo Album