Rediscovering Roots: Zita Cobb's Journey Back to Fogo Island
- Tony Chapman
- 42 minutes ago
- 5 min read
Explore: Episode Overview I Moments That Matter (Show Notes) I Guest FAQs
Episode Overview
A Story of Resilience and Community
In this captivating episode of Chatter That Matters, host Tony Chapman sits down with Zita Cobb, an inspiring figure who's transformed her birthplace, Fogo Island, into a beacon of resilience and community. From humble beginnings in Newfoundland and Labrador to a successful career in high-tech, Zita returned home to invigorate her community with an extraordinary vision.
Zita shares her belief in the power of miracles, reflecting, “A miracle is when someone has a slight shift in how they see the same thing.” She embodies this philosophy through her projects on Fogo Island, where local culture and nature meet innovation and hospitality.
Building Through Collaboration
Discussing the transformative power of collaboration, Zita emphasizes, “Our entrepreneurs are all in places. They need to be fed and loved and supported.” Her insights into place-based economies offer a compelling narrative on how communities can create sustainable futures by embracing their unique cultural and natural assets.
The Power of Place
The episode also explores Zita’s views on the integral connection between business, culture, and nature. She believes that “business and technology are the two great tools that can and should serve nature and culture.” This vision fuels the community-driven initiatives that have garnered Fogo Island international acclaim, particularly the globally-renowned Fogo Island Inn.
Discover how Zita Cobb’s dedication to Fogo Island serves as a blueprint for revitalizing communities by harnessing local skills and fostering collaborative spirit.
Listen Now!
Moments That Matters - Show Notes
An Architecture for Collaboration - Zita shares her vision for creating a system of collaboration for entrepreneurs. [00:00:49]
Description of Newfoundland and Labrador - Zita paints a picture of her hometown's rugged beauty. [00:02:27]
Growing Up on Fogo Island - Zita reflects on her upbringing in a close-knit community without modern luxuries. [00:03:26]
The Defining Moment of Her Father Burning His Boat - Zita recounts the impact of her father's dramatic protest. [00:04:28]
Path to a Career in High-tech - Zita explains how she transitioned into a successful career in the technology sector. [00:10:12]
The Shift to Return to Fogo Island - Zita describes the moment she decided to reinvest in her hometown. [00:14:51]
Establishing the Fogo Island Inn - Discussion on creating a world-class inn and retaining community confidence. [00:24:19]
The Place Literacy and Economic Literacy - Zita emphasizes understanding the economy's impact on place and community. [00:29:41]
Zita's Vision for Community Collaboration - Her thoughts on building a structure for community cooperation and stewardship. [00:34:15]
Get to Know Zita Cobb
Zita Cobb is the guest on this episode of Chatter That Matters. She is originally from Fogo Island, Newfoundland, and Labrador, and grew up in a small fishing community without the modern luxuries of running water and electricity. Despite these humble beginnings, she went on to have a successful career in high-tech, particularly with JDS Optics, where she played a crucial role in the company's growth.
A major achievement in Zita's life is her return to Fogo Island, where she applied her skills and resources to create the Fogo Island Inn. This project was not just about building an inn but revitalizing the community and preserving its culture and traditions. Her work reflects a deep commitment to place-based economics and creating a sustainable, community-focused circular economy.
Throughout her journey, Zita faced significant challenges, such as the collapse of the fishing industry in Newfoundland, which led her family to leave their home. Her father’s symbolic act of burning his fishing boat marked a pivotal moment in her life, representing the end of an era and the need to adapt and find new ways to sustain the community.
Zita's achievements highlight the power of combining place, culture, and innovative business practices to foster local economies and preserve cultural heritage. Her work serves as an inspiring example of how one can overcome challenges by embracing one's roots and investing in the community.
FAQs About Zita Cobb
Who is Zita Cobb and why is she significant?
Zita Cobb is a prominent figure known for her efforts in revitalizing her birthplace, Fogo Island, through innovative economic and community-driven initiatives. Her work demonstrates how a blend of intellect, emotional capacity, and action can create sustainable community growth and resilience.
What are some of Zita Cobb’s key philosophies?
Zita Cobb emphasizes the importance of sense of place and community-driven collaboration. She believes in the power of local culture and nature as integral parts of human life, supported by business and technology as tools to serve them.
What inspired Zita Cobb to return to Fogo Island after a successful career in high-tech?
Despite her global career, Zita maintained a deep connection to Fogo Island. A pivotal moment, realizing the significant value of preserving her heritage, motivated her to use her success to contribute back to her community.
What does Zita Cobb mean by “place-based economics”?
Place-based economics, as defined by Zita, involves building an economy that integrates and uplift local communities by acknowledging and leveraging their unique cultural and geographical assets. This approach nurtures sustainable development and local resilience.
How did Zita Cobb’s upbringing influence her approach to business and community development?
Growing up on Fogo Island instilled in Zita a deep respect for community, nature, and the power of collaboration. Her formative experiences with the local fishing economy and witnessing the effects of industrialization shaped her understanding of the critical relationship between place and economic well-being.
What are some notable achievements of Zita Cobb on Fogo Island?
Zita spearheaded the creation of the Fogo Island Inn, a world-class hospitality destination that not only provides economic stimulus to the local community but also serves as a model of sustainable tourism built on cultural authenticity and community participation.
How does Zita Cobb view the global economy and its impact on local communities?
She views the global economy as often neglecting the integration of individual places, which she believes are essential for fostering strong identities and sustainable development. Zita advocates for a systemic change to include place-centric perspectives in economic planning.
What is the Shorefast Foundation and what role does it play in Zita Cobb’s vision?
The Shorefast Foundation, co-founded by Zita, focuses on building economic and cultural resilience on Fogo Island. It operates social enterprises, invests in community projects, and emphasizes transparency and community ownership as central to its mission.
About Chatter That Matters and Host Tony Chapman
Chatter That Matters is one of Canada’s top-rated, five-star podcasts, spotlighting inspiring stories and valuable life lessons from a diverse lineup of guests—including entrepreneurs, industry trailblazers, artists, athletes, authors, celebrities, and everyday changemakers. Each episode showcases how people have turned challenges into triumphs through mindset, resilience, and purpose.
Hosted by Tony Chapman—renowned marketing strategist, sought-after keynote speaker and conference emcee, media personality, and a three-time inductee into the Marketing Hall of Fame—this acclaimed show ranks among the top 0.5% of podcasts globally (Listen Notes). Tune in every week as Tony welcomes a new guest who shares wisdom and practical advice on building a life filled with meaning and impact.
🔥 Authentic voices. Remarkable journeys. Real strategies for success.
🎧 Fresh episodes drop every week.
Follow/Subscribe on your favourite podcast platform so you never miss an episode.
To learn more about RBC and their programs visit