Brand Growth Heroes

This week, I am absolutely delighted to welcome Eoin Keenan, the founder of Goodrays, to the show. Goodrays is a UK functional beverage brand that is absolutely killing it in the challenger brand space.I loved talking to Eoin about his unique path to becoming a founder. We go right back in time to when he left university and travelled (and slept) in the back of a beat-up car in California, visiting the best hemp farms to learn how to grow the very ingredient that would become central to his brand. It’s an incredible story of commitment to the value proposition and this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in scaling a successful challenger brand.We talk about:Building a Category: What it truly takes to create a new category and why it often requires more than just one brand to make it happen.Incremental Value: What it means to be "incremental" to your category and how to achieve it.The Irish Founder Experience: The unique mix of pride and pressure that comes with being an Irish founder building a brand in the UK.Team and Growth: How a small, highly committed team of just 16 people is driving such incredible, industry-defining growth, and Eoin's philosophy on hiring.I hope you get as much out of this conversation as I did!Useful linksConnect with Eoin on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/eoin-keenan-009a8380/Follow Goodrays on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/goodrays/Connect with Goodrays on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/goodrays/Goodrays website https://goodrays.uk/============================================================Thanks to Brand Growth Heroes’ podcast sponsor - Joelson, the commercial law firm=============================================================If you're a founder, you already know how much of your energy goes into building the perfect product, creating standout branding and connecting with your consumers.But don’t forget that scaling a CPG business also comes with a maze of legal complexities that can make or break your business journey. From contracts, term sheets and regulatory compliance to protecting your brand's intellectual property as you expand, it's essential to get it right.And that starts with the right legal partner.So we're thrilled to introduce Joelson, a leading commercial law firm that specialises in guiding the founders of scaling CPG brands, as Brand Growth Heroes' sponsor.With long-term relationships with clients like Little Moons, Trip, Eat Natural, Bear Graze, and Pulsin, Joelson is also famous for advising the innocent founders in their landmark sale to Coca-Cola! As a female team, we are especially impressed by Joelson's commitment to championing female founders in CPG.Not many law firms are also BCorps, nor do they specialise in helping founders navigate the legal challenges of scaling without stifling the creativity and momentum that got you here in the first place. So thanks, Joelson—we’re delighted to have you on board.If you'd like to get in touch to find out more, why don't you drop them a line at hello@joelsonlaw.com!==============================================A tiny favour: If this episode inspires you to think about new ways to drive business growth, please could you click FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE on your favourite podcast app and leave a review?This small gesture from you means the world to us, and allows us to share these nuggets of insight and value with you more often.You won’t want to miss the next episode, in which Fiona Fitz talks with another successful founder of a challenger brand who shares more valuable insights into driving growth.Please don't hesitate to join our Brand Growth Heroes community to stay updated with captivating stories and learnings from your beloved brands on their path to success!Follow us on our Brand Growth Heroes socials: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.Thanks to our Sound Engineer, Gyp Buggane, Ballagroove.com and podcast producer/content creator, Kathryn Watts, Social KEWS.

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably got a graveyard of supplements in a cupboard or under the sink, half-empty jars of vitamins that promised the world but now just gather dust. And when you do remember to take them, you’re faced with a mountain of pills of all shapes and sizes. Ugh.Well, my guest this week is here to save us from that nightmare. Jennifer O’Connell, a friend of mine from our university days, left a 20-year career as a top barrister in Dublin and New York to co-found SISTERLY, alongside her two brilliant friends, Aoife Matthews and Louise O'Riordan.We chat about:How Jennifer’s legal career helped her navigate everything from trademarks to manufacturing disputesWhy designing for women not small men makes all the differenceThe three-year journey to perfecting a powder supplement that’s now winning awards (and hearts!)How community and authenticity are driving their grassroots growth – from cold-water swims at the 40 Foot to Sisterly Summits in London and DublinThe power of organic advocacy: think Sonia O’Sullivan, Liz Earle, Trinny Woodall, and even the cast of Rivals (Victoria Smurfit doppleganger?!)What I love about this story (and I hope you will too) is that it’s about more than supplements; it’s about sisterhood, collaboration, and creating something that truly elevates women’s everyday health.Oh, and “Women are not small men.” When you design specifically for women, you make a better product for women. SISTERLY have nailed that, from the science to the packaging to the way they show up in the world. And I love how they’re building community in such a natural, joyful way, not just selling a product but inviting women to connect, dance, swim, and lift each other up. Enjoy, I hope you all learn loads!Useful linksSISTERLY website https://sisterlylabs.comFollow on Instagram @sisterly_labFollow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sisterlylabConnect with Jennifer on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-o´connell-b1066022a/Connect with Aoife Matthews https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifematthews/Connect with Louise O'Riordan https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-oriordan/============================================================Thanks to Brand Growth Heroes’ podcast sponsor - Joelson, the commercial law firm=============================================================If you're a founder, you already know how much of your energy goes into building the perfect product, creating standout branding and connecting with your consumers.But don’t forget that scaling a CPG business also comes with a maze of legal complexities that can make or break your business journey. From contracts, term sheets and regulatory compliance to protecting your brand's intellectual property as you expand, it's essential to get it right.And that starts with the right legal partner.So we're thrilled to introduce Joelson, a leading commercial law firm that specialises in guiding the founders of scaling CPG brands, as Brand Growth Heroes' sponsor.With long-term relationships with clients like Little Moons, Trip, Eat Natural, Bear Graze, and Pulsin, Joelson is also famous for advising the innocent founders in their landmark sale to Coca-Cola! As a female team, we are especially impressed by Joelson's commitment to championing female founders in CPG.Not many law firms are also BCorps, nor do they specialise in helping founders navigate the legal challenges of scaling without stifling the creativity and momentum that got you here in the first place. So thanks, Joelson—we’re delighted to have you on board.If you'd like to get in touch to find out more, why don't you drop them a line at hello@joelsonlaw.com!============================================== If this episode inspires you to think about new ways to drive business growth, please could you click FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE on your favourite podcast app and leave a review?This small gesture from you means the world to us, and allows us to share these nuggets of insight and value with you more often.You won’t want to miss the next episode, in which Fiona Fitz talks with another successful founder of a challenger brand who shares more valuable insights into driving growth.Please don't hesitate to join our Brand Growth Heroes community to stay updated with captivating stories and learnings from your beloved brands on their path to success!Follow us on our Brand Growth Heroes socials: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.Thanks to our Sound Engineer, Gyp Buggane, Ballagroove.com and podcast producer/content creator, Kathryn Watts, Social KEWS.

Today I’m absolutely thrilled to have Olivia Ferdi, CEO and co-founder of TRIP, join us once again on fhe show.Since her last appearance on Brand Growth Heroes, TRIP has skyrocketed from around £14 million in annual sales to a projected $100 million this year.In this episode, Olivia shares with me how she and her team have achieved incredible growth, from blending CBD drinks in their kitchen as newlyweds to leading a global brand that’s changing how we think about calm, wellbeing, and soft drinks. We talk about:How TRIP’s super impressive recent raise came together and what it means for the next stage of growthExpansion and growth in the US markerBuilding a globalbrand around the feeling of calmThe power of consumer insight and innovation in scaling fastBalancing bold ambition with authenticity, motherhood, and leadershipHow Olivia herself has evolved from lawyer to founder and the hidden ‘superpowers’ she’s discovered along the way- and how you can find yours tooWhat struck me most in this conversation is Olivia’s honesty about growth, instinct, and personal transformation. She reminds us that every one of us might have a hidden superpower we haven’t yet discovered, and that’s both liberating and exciting.If you enjoy this episode, please like, follow, or subscribe on your podcast app, and share it with a fellow founder or colleague who’ll be inspired by Olivia’s story.Useful linksTRIP websiteTRIP InstagramConnect with Olivia Ferdi on LinkedInConnect with TRIP on LinkedInFind out more about CALM: The #1 app for sleep, meditation and relaxation here============================================================Thanks to Brand Growth Heroes’ podcast sponsor - Joelson, the commercial law firm=============================================================If you're a founder, you already know how much of your energy goes into building the perfect product, creating standout branding and connecting with your consumers.But don’t forget that scaling a CPG business also comes with a maze of legal complexities that can make or break your business journey. From contracts, term sheets and regulatory compliance to protecting your brand's intellectual property as you expand, it's essential to get it right.And that starts with the right legal partner.So we're thrilled to introduce Joelson, a leading commercial law firm that specialises in guiding the founders of scaling CPG brands, as Brand Growth Heroes' sponsor.With long-term relationships with clients like Little Moons, Trip, Eat Natural, Bear Graze, and Pulsin, Joelson is also famous for advising the innocent founders in their landmark sale to Coca-Cola! As a female team, we are especially impressed by Joelson's commitment to championing female founders in CPG.Not many law firms are also BCorps, nor do they specialise in helping founders navigate the legal challenges of scaling without stifling the creativity and momentum that got you here in the first place. So thanks, Joelson—we’re delighted to have you on board.If you'd like to get in touch to find out more, why don't you drop them a line at hello@joelsonlaw.com!==============================================A tiny favour: If this episode inspires you to think about new ways to drive business growth, please could you click FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE on your favourite podcast app and leave a review?This small gesture from you means the world to us, and allows us to share these nuggets of insight and value with you more often.You won’t want to miss the next episode, in which Fiona Fitz talks with another successful founder of a challenger brand who shares more valuable insights into driving growth.Please don't hesitate to join our Brand Growth Heroes community to stay updated with captivating stories and learnings from your beloved brands on their path to success!Follow us on our Brand Growth Heroes socials: LinkedIn,Facebook, Instagramand YouTube.Thanks to our Sound Engineer, Gyp Buggane, Ballagroove.com and podcast producer/content creator, Kathryn Watts, Social KEWS.

A few seasons ago, I invited Joanna Jensen, founder of Childs Farm, on the show to tell us how she built one of the UK’s most loved family skincare brands and how she successfully exited. You can find the original episode by scrolling back to season 7, or clicking here Since then, Joanna has written a brilliant new book called 'Making Business Child’s Play'. Brand Growth Heroes listeners can buy the book at at a discount using code CFsales30 here! Like Joanna herself, it's a no-nonsense, practical guide for founders on the startup and scaling journey. In it, she shares everything she wishes she’d known when she started out, the things no one gives you a playbook for.***If this episode inspires you to think about new ways to drive business growth, please could you click FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE on your favourite podcast app and leave a review! Follow me on LinkedIn here*** In this candid chat, Joanna gives us a taster of what’s inside the book and the key lessons she’s distilled from 15+ years of building and growing Childs Farm. We talk about:Market validation – how to test your idea properly before you dive in.Knowing your consumer – why Meta doesn’t know them as well as you think.Protecting your IP – how to safeguard your brand and avoid costly copycats.Building real relationships – the human side of scaling a business.Getting your P&L right – how to plan with the numbers that really matter.Joanna’s “Little Black Book” – Joanna’s personal list of trusted experts and resources to help founders fast-track their growth.As always, Joanna’s advice is refreshingly candid, funny, and full of hard-earned truth bombs for anyone building a brand from scratch.Useful linksJoanna’s websiteJoanna’s InstagramConnect with Joanna on LinkedInBook: Making Business Child's Play, by Joanna Jensen use code CFsales30 here============================================================Thanks to Brand Growth Heroes’ podcast sponsor - Joelson, the commercial law firm=============================================================If you're a founder, you already know how much of your energy goes into building the perfect product, creating standout branding and connecting with your consumers.But don’t forget that scaling a CPG business also comes with a maze of legal complexities that can make or break your business journey. From contracts, term sheets and regulatory compliance to protecting your brand's intellectual property as you expand, it's essential to get it right.And that starts with the right legal partner.So we're thrilled to introduce Joelson, THE leading commercial law firm that specialises in guiding the founders of scaling CPG brands, as Brand Growth Heroes' sponsor.With long-term relationships with clients like Little Moons, Trip, Eat Natural, Bear Graze, and Pulsin, Joelson is also famous for advising the innocent founders in their landmark sale to Coca-Cola! As a female team, we are especially impressed by Joelson's commitment to championing female founders in CPG.Not many law firms are also BCorps, nor do they specialise in helping founders navigate the legal challenges of scaling without stifling the creativity and momentum that got you here in the first place. So thanks, Joelson—we’re delighted to have you on board.If you'd like to get in touch to find out more, why don't you drop them a line at hello@joelsonlaw.com!==============================================Don't forget to hit FOLLOW!  This small gesture from you means the world to us, and allows us to share these nuggets of insight and value with you more often. You won’t want to miss the next episode, where I'll chat to another successful founder of a challenger brand who shares more valuable insights into driving growth.JOIN OUR Brand Growth Heroes community to stay updated with captivating stories and learnings from your beloved brands on their path to success!Follow us on our Brand Growth Heroes socials: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.Thanks to our Sound Engineer, Gyp Buggane, Ballagroove.com and podcast producer/content creator, Kathryn Watts, Social KEWS.

YES! It's Part Two of our LIVE London event with Jake Karls of Mid-Day Squares and Shani Higgs of PerfectTed, hosted LIVE by our wonderful friends at Lucky Saint Pub, London.This episode is a recording of the audience Q&A that followed the live interview. And WOW! what a session it was. Founders and industry friends in the room asked some incredible questions, and the answers from Jake and Shani (PerfectTed’s Head of Sales, who stepped in after Marisa left) were packed with honesty, insight, and lessons you're going to be able to take away and use to add real value to the way you work. If you haven’t listened to Part One yet, scroll back one episode to catch the full conversation about how both brands have scaled so quickly, from kitchen tables to category creation.What we talk about:Jake on scaling Canadian brand Mid-Day Squares NATIONALLY the USA and even beyond.Shani on building PerfectTed’s sales engine and breaking into retail.How they balance ambition with resilience when things get tough.The importance of storytelling and transparency in attracting fans (not just customers).Lessons on founder communication, trust, and team dynamics from two fast-growth brands.Practical insights into category creation, competition, and global expansion.If you enjoy this episode, please share it with a friend, colleague, or fellow founder! And don’t forget to hit follow/subscribe to Brand Growth Heroes on your favourite podcast app so we can continue to bring you the best guests and the most valuable golden nuggets.Useful linksFollow us on our Brand Growth Heroes socials: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.Mid-Day Squares on LinkedInPerfect Ted LinkedInMidday Squares InstagramPerfect Ted InstagramPerfect Ted TikTokLucky Saint on LinkedInLucky SaintMidday SquaresPerfect Ted============================================================Thanks to Brand Growth Heroes’ podcast sponsor - Joelson, the commercial law firm=============================================================If you're a founder, you already know how much of your energy goes into building the perfect product, creating standout branding and connecting with your consumers.But don’t forget that scaling a CPG business also comes with a maze of legal complexities that can make or break your business journey. From contracts, term sheets and regulatory compliance to protecting your brand's intellectual property as you expand, it's essential to get it right.And that starts with the right legal partner.So we're thrilled to introduce Joelson, a leading commercial law firm that specialises in guiding the founders of scaling CPG brands, as Brand Growth Heroes' sponsor.With long-term relationships with clients like Little Moons, Trip, Eat Natural, Bear Graze, and Pulsin, Joelson is also famous for advising the innocent founders in their landmark sale to Coca-Cola! As a female team, we are especially impressed by Joelson's commitment to championing female founders in CPG.Not many law firms are also BCorps, nor do they specialise in helping founders navigate the legal challenges of scaling without stifling the creativity and momentum that got you here in the first place. So thanks, Joelson—we’re delighted to have you on board.If you'd like to get in touch to find out more, why don't you drop them a line at hello@joelsonlaw.com!==============================================A tiny favour: If this episode inspires you to think about new ways to drive business growth, please could you click FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE on your favourite podcast app and leave a review?This small gesture from you means the world to us, and allows us to share these nuggets of insight and value with you more often.You won’t want to miss the next episode, in which Fiona Fitz talks with another successful founder of a challenger brand who shares more valuable insights into driving growth.Please don't hesitate to join our Brand Growth Heroes community to stay updated with captivating stories and learnings from your beloved brands on their path to success!Thanks to our Sound Engineer, Gyp Buggane, Ballagroove.com and podcast producer/content creator, Kathryn Watts, Social KEWS.

I am so thrilled to share this very special LIVE episode with you. I had the absolute joy of sitting down in London with Marisa Poster, co-founder of PerfectTed and Jake Karls, founder of Mid-Day Squares, for an unforgettable conversation about scaling challenger brands, radical transparency, and building community. And yes, I got to TASTE a Mid-Day Square and it's INCREDIBLE.  In fact, I actually ate 3 in a row.If you haven’t come across Mid-Day Squares yet, they’re the Canadian-born brand redefining healthy afternoon snacking with functional chocolate AND now scaling rapidly across the US. Co-founder Jake Karls last joined me on Brand Growth Heroes in 2023 (scroll back to hear the original episode), and since then, the business has experienced significant growth, expanding from $8M to tens of millions in revenue, with its sights firmly set on reaching $100M.Because it was PerfectTed who first introduced me to Jake, it felt only right to have Marisa Poster join in the conversation as co-host! And thanks to Lucky Saint who SO kindly offering us their fab upstairs event room, we gathered 50 friends, founders, and partners for a night of storytelling, snacking, and straight-talking about what it really takes to scale a challenger brand. In this episode, we dive into:How Mid-Day Squares grew from the kitchen table to producing 150,000 bars a day.Why therapy, radical transparency, and “building a business out loud” became part of their DNA.The importance of building fans not just customers.How PerfectTed is making matcha accessible and creating a whole new category.The realities of expanding into the US market (and what’s different from Canada, the UK, and beyond).Why team communication and trust are make-or-break for founders.How Storytelling fuels challenger brands.What happens when new competitors enter a category and how to stay focused.The role of product excellence in sustaining growth.The highs, lows, trolls, and resilience it takes to keep going.This is part one of our Mid-Day Squares live series. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did hosting it!Next week we’ll be sharing the Q&A session, which ran for a whole extra hour and was packed with brilliant audience questions. And as you’ll hear at the end of this episode, Shani Higgs, Head of Sales at PerfectTed (and their fourth team member after the founders), will be stepping in to co-host with me for part two. You’re going to learn A LOT so stay tuned!Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss it. And if you’re not already, go check out Midday Squares and PerfectTed on Instagram and LinkedIn; their storytelling is world-class.A tiny favour: If this episode inspires YOU to think about new ways to drive business growth, please could you click FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE on your favourite podcast app and leave a review, and maybe share with someone you know will enjoy it?This small gesture from you means the world to us, and allows us to share these nuggets of insight and value with you more often.Useful linksMidday Squares LinkedInPerfect Ted LinkedInMidday Squares FacebookMidday Squares InstagramPerfect Ted InstagramPerfect Ted TikTokMidday SquaresPerfect TedLucky Saint on LinkedInLucky Saint============================================================Thanks to Brand Growth Heroes’ podcast sponsor - Joelson, the commercial law firm=============================================================If you're a founder, you already know how much of your energy goes into building the perfect product, creating standout branding and connecting with your consumers.But don’t forget that scaling a CPG business also comes with a maze of legal complexities that can make or break your business journey. From contracts, term sheets and regulatory compliance to protecting your brand's intellectual property as you expand, it's essential to get it right.And that starts with the right legal partner.So we're thrilled to introduce Joelson, a leading commercial law firm that specialises in guiding the founders of scaling CPG brands, as Brand Growth Heroes' sponsor.With long-term relationships with clients like Little Moons, Trip, Eat Natural, Bear Graze, and Pulsin, Joelson is also famous for advising the innocent founders in their landmark sale to Coca-Cola! As a female team, we are especially impressed by Joelson's commitment to championing female founders in CPG.Not many law firms are also BCorps, nor do they specialise in helping founders navigate the legal challenges of scaling without stifling the creativity and momentum that got you here in the first place. So thanks, Joelson—we’re delighted to have you on board.If you'd like to get in touch to find out more, why don't you drop them a line at hello@joelsonlaw.com!============================================== Join our Brand Growth Heroes community to stay updated with captivating stories and learnings from your beloved brands on their path to success!Follow us on our Brand Growth Heroes socials: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.Thanks to our Sound Engineer, Gyp Buggane, Ballagroove.com and podcast producer/content creator, Kathryn Watts, Social KEWS.

Davina McCall is my daily running/dog-walking buddy (okay, okay... only in my earbuds), SO when I heard that she was promoting Ancient+Brave on her podcast, I just KNEW I had to see if I could get founder Kate Prince onto Brand Growth Heroes to find out just HOW she is scaling this incredible wellness business.Because a brand that gets (and can afford) someone like Davina on their *team* has got to be doing something right, right?Founder Kate began her career as a City lawyer, to discovering her creative side working as a lawyer at Endemol (right at the beginning of Big Brother...), through a first founding venture into Tea,  to building one of the UK’s most exciting wellness brands. In this honest conversation, Kate shares the harsh realities of scaling fast, why obsession with brand and storytelling matters, and how learning to let go as a leader can become a founder’s greatest strength.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why there’s no silver bullet in scaling AND how Kate got from £1m to £10m by stacking growth in layers.Why Kate believes brand is everything AND how design, packaging, and storytelling turned Ancient + Brave from products into a movement.The surprising choice to hire nutritionists early and why it paid off for credibility and product leadership.How Ancient+Brave raised money but kept it in the bank, a rare approach that gave them confidence and control.Why ritual and experience matter as much as product features, and how to make consumers feel something.The lessons Kate learned about team, culture, and leadership along the way.I loved recording this conversation. I’ve already listened back three times, and I’m still learning from it. I know you will too. Enjoy.Did this episode make you think differently or give you an idea? If so PLEASE SHARE THE LOVE BACK BY taking a few minutes to1. Hit 🔔 FOLLOW or 🔔 SUBSCRIBE 2. SHARE WITH A FRIEND3. SHARE ON LINKEDIN4. LEAVE a review on iTunes 5. Add a comment under the episode on Spotify ⬇️  ...every new subscriber and comment or question makes my day - leave your name and I'll drop you a message on Linkedin !! Follow us on our Brand Growth Heroes socials: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.Useful linksConnect with Ancient + Brave LinkedInAncient + Brave websiteAncient + Brave InstagramAncient + Brave Facebook============================================================Thanks to Brand Growth Heroes’ podcast sponsor - Joelson, the commercial law firm=============================================================If you're a founder, you already know how much of your energy goes into building the perfect product, creating standout branding and connecting with your consumers.But don’t forget that scaling a CPG business also comes with a maze of legal complexities that can make or break your business journey. From contracts, term sheets and regulatory compliance to protecting your brand's intellectual property as you expand, it's essential to get it right.And that starts with the right legal partner.So we're thrilled to introduce Joelson, a leading commercial law firm that specialises in guiding the founders of scaling CPG brands, as Brand Growth Heroes' sponsor.With long-term relationships with clients like Little Moons, Trip, Eat Natural, Bear Graze, and Pulsin, Joelson is also famous for advising the innocent founders in their landmark sale to Coca-Cola! As a female team, we are especially impressed by Joelson's commitment to championing female founders in CPG.Not many law firms are also BCorps, nor do they specialise in helping founders navigate the legal challenges of scaling without stifling the creativity and momentum that got you here in the first place. So thanks, Joelson—we’re delighted to have you on board.If you'd like to get in touch to find out more, why don't you drop them a line at hello@joelsonlaw.com!==============================================A tiny favour: If this episode inspires you to think about new ways to drive business growth, please could you click FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE on your favourite podcast app and leave a review?This small gesture from you means the world to us, and allows us to share these nuggets of insight and value with you more often.You won’t want to miss the next episode, in which Fiona Fitz talks with another successful founder of a challenger brand who shares more valuable insights into driving growth.Please don't hesitate to join our Brand Growth Heroes community to stay updated with captivating stories and learnings from your beloved brands on their path to success!Thanks to our Sound Engineer, Gyp Buggane, Ballagroove.com and podcast producer/content creator, Kathryn Watts, Social KEWS.

Founder-led doesn’t HAVE to mean being founder-run.What does it really take to step away from the founder grind and still stay true to your business?In this 5-minute short, Stu Macdonald, founder of ManiLife Peanut Butter, explains why so many entrepreneurs get stuck doing “an elite job they’ve never been trained for” and how he escaped the stress hole by changing the way he structured his business.Stu reflects on:Why being founder-led doesn’t have to mean being founder-runWhy most first senior hires don’t work out and why that’s okay.How the right team can turn chaos into momentum.Selected and hand-picked by the brilliant team at MKJ Ignite – the FMCG recruitment experts helping challenger brands grow with the right people in the right roles – this short is full of practical people insights. Billy, Paul, and Immy have combed through the Brand Growth Heroes archives to bring you the most valuable founder wisdom on hiring and scaling teams that thrive.If you're wondering whether or not you need help with your recruitment, or would like to ask for some advice, you can e-mail Billy directly at billy.maddock@mkj-ignite.co.ukConnect with Billy Maddock on LinkedInConnect with Immy Southwell on LinkedInConnect with Paul Jones on LinkedInFollow MKJ Ignite on InstagramConnect with MKJ Ignite on LinkedIn

In case you've JUST discovered Brand Growth Heroes podcast, we're digging into the treasure trove of our most downloaded episodes from our back-catalogue so YOU don't miss A SINGLE BUSINESS INSIGHT!From slow-burn visionaries to fast-moving disruptors, the show has featured founders of brands like Perfect Ted, Lucky Saint, Seedlip, Wild, Strong Roots, Oddbox, and global challengers like Waterdrop, Mid-Day Squares, Olipop, and Tony’s Chocolonely and many many more…Next up in this special series, we are re-releasing one of the most loved and downloaded episodes of all time, an interview with Ben Branson, founder of Seedlip. In this replay, Fiona sits down with Ben Branson, founder of Seedlip, the world’s first distilled non-alcoholic spirit and arguably the original poster child of the No & Low alcohol movement.Started on a garden table in 2016, Seedlip didn’t just disrupt the drinks industry — it invented a new category. Now sold in 49 countries, with a sales value in the tens of millions, Seedlip has become a global benchmark for what true brand disruption looks like.In this episode, Ben shares:How to build a brand that redefines an entire categoryWhy he chose to partner early with Diageo, and how it changed Seedlip’s trajectoryHis unconventional approach to culture, team-building, and rolesWhat inspires him creatively from robot chefs to the 47,000+ plant-based ingredients that fuel innovationThis is an episode that founders still rave about and for good reason. It’s full of insights for anyone trying to scale something bold, disruptive, and lasting.If you do learn some good stuff from this episode (and we hope you do), please, please share it, follow the show, AND leave a quick review. It all helps bring more brilliant founders and insights to you, our Brand Growth Heroes community!============================================================Thanks to Brand Growth Heroes’ podcast sponsor - Joelson, the commercial law firm=============================================================If you're a founder, you already know how much of your energy goes into building the perfect product, creating standout branding and connecting with your consumers.But don’t forget that scaling a CPG business also comes with a maze of legal complexities that can make or break your business journey. From contracts, term sheets and regulatory compliance to protecting your brand's intellectual property as you expand, it's essential to get it right.And that starts with the right legal partner.So we're thrilled to introduce Joelson, a leading commercial law firm that specialises in guiding the founders of scaling CPG brands, as Brand Growth Heroes' sponsor.With long-term relationships with clients like Little Moons, Trip, Eat Natural, Bear Graze, and Pulsin, Joelson is also famous for advising the innocent founders in their landmark sale to Coca-Cola! As a female team, we are especially impressed by Joelson's commitment to championing female founders in CPG.Not many law firms are also BCorps, nor do they specialise in helping founders navigate the legal challenges of scaling without stifling the creativity and momentum that got you here in the first place. So thanks, Joelson—we’re delighted to have you on board.If you'd like to get in touch to find out more, why don't you drop them a line at hello@joelsonlaw.com!==============================================A tiny favour: If this episode inspires you to think about new ways to drive business growth, please could you click FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE on your favourite podcast app and leave a review?This small gesture from you means the world to us, and allows us to share these nuggets of insight and value with you more often.You won’t want to miss the next episode, in which Fiona Fitz talks with another successful founder of a challenger brand who shares more valuable insights into driving growth.Please don't hesitate to join our Brand Growth Heroes community to stay updated with captivating stories and learnings from your beloved brands on their path to success!Follow us on our Brand Growth Heroes socials: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.Thanks to our Sound Engineer, Gyp Buggane, Ballagroove.com and podcast producer/content creator, Kathryn Watts, Social KEWS.

We loved chatting to Stu....and you're going to love learning from this GOLD taken from our recent episode:  What happens when a founder steps back from doing everything and instead builds a team that can take the business further than they ever could alone?In this 5-minute clip, Stu Macdonald, founder of ManiLife Peanut Butter, shares why building their own factory was a turning point, not just for product quality and innovation, but for company culture.Stu opens up about:- Why making their own product was essential for both quality and commercial success.- The power of trusting great people to lead where he couldn’t.- The difference between working “insanely hard” versus building a business that hums.- His raw experience with burnout and the shift that saved both him and the company.This is a powerful reminder that YOU, the FOUNDERS, perhaps DON'T don’t need to do it all...or at least that you can CHOOSE to work towards a time when you're NOT doing it all. The right team, the right timing, and the right role for you can play to your strengths and drive even stronger growth.This clip was selected and hand-picked by the brilliant team at MKJ Ignite, the FMCG recruitment experts helping challenger brands grow with the right people in the right roles, and is full of practical people insights. Directors Billy, Paul, and Immy have combed through the Brand Growth Heroes archives to bring you the most valuable founder wisdom on hiring and scaling teams that THRIVE.A new 5-minute episode drops every two weeks — so make sure to HIT FOLLOW and don’t miss the next one.If you're wondering whether or not you need help with your recruitment, or would like to ask for some advice, you can e-mail Billy directly at billy.maddock@mkj-ignite.co.ukConnect with Billy Maddock on LinkedInConnect with Immy Southwell on LinkedInConnect with Paul Jones on LinkedInFollow MKJ Ignite on InstagramConnect with MKJ Ignite on LinkedIn

In case you've JUST discovered Brand Growth Heroes podcast, we're digging into the treasure trove of our most downloaded episodes from our back-catalogue so YOU don't miss A SINGLE INSIGHT!From slow-burn visionaries to fast-moving disruptors, the show has featured founders of brands like Perfect Ted, Lucky Saint, Seedlip, Wild, Strong Roots, Oddbox, and global challengers like Waterdrop, Mid-Day Squares, Olipop, and Tony’s Chocolonely and many many more…To kick off this special series, we are re-releasing one of the most loved episodes of all time: an interview with Olivia Ferdi, Co-founder of TRIP, which we recorded when TRIP Was just 2 years in to their growth journey, but was already close to £20M in sales.TRIP is the UK's market-leading CBD drinks company. Since its launch in 2019, UK consumers have spent literally millions of pounds on TRIP's delicious CBD-infused canned drinks, as well as on their dinky little dropper bottles of CBD oils. In this episode, Fiona spoke to co-founder Olivia Ferdi about leaving her law career to step into the unknown, about how she and her husband have created a mainstream category out of something that had tremendous barriers to purchase up until now, and we learn how the TRIP team have had to drive demand in the old fashioned way through experience and word of mouth rather than through paid advertising. This conversation is PACKED with insights we don't want you to miss. Plus, we'll be doing a new interview with Olivia VERY SOON, so this is a great way to remind you all of where the market was only a few years ago!If you do learn some good stuff from this episode (and we hope you do), please please share it, follow the show, AND leave a quick review. It all helps bring more brilliant founders and insights to you, our Brand Growth Heroes community!=========================================================Thanks to Brand Growth Heroes’ podcast sponsor - Joelson, the commercial law firm=========================================================If you're a founder, you already know how much of your energy goes into building the perfect product, creating standout branding and connecting with your consumers.But don’t forget that scaling a CPG business also comes with a maze of legal complexities that can make or break your business journey. From contracts, term sheets and regulatory compliance to protecting your brand's intellectual property as you expand, it's essential to get it right.And that starts with the right legal partner.So we're thrilled to introduce Joelson, a leading commercial law firm that specialises in guiding the founders of scaling CPG brands, as Brand Growth Heroes' sponsor.With long-term relationships with clients like Little Moons, Trip, Eat Natural, Bear Graze, and Pulsin, Joelson is also famous for advising the innocent founders in their landmark sale to Coca-Cola! As a female team, we are especially impressed by Joelson's commitment to championing female founders in CPG.Not many law firms are also BCorps, nor do they specialise in helping founders navigate the legal challenges of scaling without stifling the creativity and momentum that got you here in the first place. So thanks, Joelson—we’re delighted to have you on board.If you'd like to get in touch to find out more, why don't you drop them a line at hello@joelsonlaw.com!==============================================A tiny favour: If this episode inspires you to think about new ways to drive business growth, please could you click FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE on your favourite podcast app and leave a review?This small gesture from you means the world to us, and allows us to share these nuggets of insight and value with you more often.You won’t want to miss the next episode, in which Fiona Fitz talks with another successful founder of a challenger brand who shares more valuable insights into driving growth.Please don't hesitate to join our Brand Growth Heroes community to stay updated with captivating stories and learnings from your beloved brands on their path to success!Follow us on our Brand Growth Heroes socials: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.Thanks to our Sound Engineer, Gyp Buggane, Ballagroove.com and podcast producer/content creator, Kathryn Watts, Social KEWS.

Bold Bean Co is doing team and culture differently.In this episode, co-founders Amelia and Ed discuss how the'yre building a high-performing, remote-first team with people working all across the UK and quite a few other countries. They want their team's motivation to be powered by the business mission, and as this is key it's important to them to allow their team to work their jobs around their lives, rather than the other way around!What you'll learn:Why "trust first" is key for Ed and Amelia and how they lead How a remote working model allows Bold Bean Co to look globally for exceptional talent, rather than only searching in the UK.Why 'Culture' isn't something that you start thinking about once you're further on up the growth curve - it's got to be nurtured from the outset!So, if you're building a team and wondering how to do it well without a traditional office setup, this one's for you.  This 'BGH Short' is part of our People Series partnership with MKJ Ignite - The FMCG recruitment experts helping challenger brands grow with the right people in the right roles. Directors Billy, Paul, and Immy have combed through the Brand Growth Heroes archives to bring you the most valuable founder wisdom on hiring and scaling teams that thrive - and as a result, this short episode is PACKED with golden nuggets around people, team and culture. A new 5-minute short episode drops every two weeks — so make sure to HIT FOLLOW so you don’t miss the next one.If you're wondering whether or not you need help with your recruitment, or would like to ask for some advice, you can e-mail Billy directly at billy.maddock@mkj-ignite.co.ukConnect with Billy Maddock on LinkedInConnect with Immy Southwell on LinkedInConnect with Paul Jones on LinkedInFollow MKJ Ignite on InstagramConnect with MKJ Ignite on LinkedIn

This is one of our favourite interviews EVER! In this very special LIVE edition of Brand Growth Heroes, recorded at Bread & Jam Fest 2025, Fiona Fitz sits down in front of a live audience with the absolutely brilliant and hilariously honest Juliet Barratt, co-founder of the category-defining sports nutrition brand, Grenade. Juliet shares the fab story of how she and then-partner Al Barrett took Grenade from the back of a big night out in Birmingham to the shelves of Tesco, WHSmith and petrol stations across the UK, and ultimately to a £200M exit to Mondelez - without ever compromising on what made them different.If this episode inspires you to think about new ways to drive business growth, PLEASE could you click FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE on your favourite podcast app and leave a review, AND share it with a fellow founder - it could help them too!The conversation covers so much - from how branding (and “weirdness!”) can be a superpower, to the moment they realised their “retire-on-a-beach” plan was delusional, to driving a tank into BodyPower Expo (yes, really) to get noticed by GNC. Juliet also opens up about how being “all in” meant no days off for four years, about hiring people who weren’t “knobs,” and about what it really felt like when the money landed in her bank account after the deal closed, and interestingly, why it WASN'T the moment of glory people imagine!She also shares her views on today's funding-obsessed food and drink ecosystem, and why she believes too many founders are chasing other people’s stories instead of writing their own.Wait for it...Juliet also shares her (perhaps controversial?!) views on the 'female founder' movement - we'd love to know what you think (if you're listening on Spotify, you can comment below!)Juliet’s energy is infectious, her insight razor-sharp, and her advice unmissable for any challenger brand founder.And yes, we talk about the Oreo bar. (Don’t eat five a day. Just… don’t.) PS: Don’t miss the audience questions at the end. Golden nuggets tsunami! Enjoy.Useful links:Connect with Juliet Barratt on LinkedInFollow Grenade on LinkedInMore about Bread & Jam FestivalFollow Brand Growth Heroes on LinkedInConnect with BGH host Fiona Fitz on LinkedIn============================================================Thanks to Brand Growth Heroes’ podcast sponsor - Joelson, the commercial law firm=============================================================If you're a founder, you already know how much of your energy goes into building the perfect product, creating standout branding and connecting with your consumers.But don’t forget that scaling a CPG business also comes with a maze of legal complexities that can make or break your business journey. From contracts, term sheets and regulatory compliance to protecting your brand's intellectual property as you expand, it's essential to get it right.And that starts with the right legal partner.So we're thrilled to introduce Joelson, a leading commercial law firm that specialises in guiding the founders of scaling CPG brands, as Brand Growth Heroes' sponsor.With long-term relationships with clients like Little Moons, Trip, Eat Natural, Bear Graze, and Pulsin, Joelson is also famous for advising the innocent founders in their landmark sale to Coca-Cola! As a female team, we are especially impressed by Joelson's commitment to championing female founders in CPG.Not many law firms are also BCorps, nor do they specialise in helping founders navigate the legal challenges of scaling without stifling the creativity and momentum that got you here in the first place. So thanks, Joelson—we’re delighted to have you on board.If you'd like to get in touch to find out more, why don't you drop them a line at hello@joelsonlaw.com!==============================================A tiny favour: If this episode inspires you to think about new ways to drive business growth, please could you click FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE on your favourite podcast app and leave a review?This small gesture from you means the world to us, and allows us to share these nuggets of insight and value with you more often.You won’t want to miss the next episode, in which Fiona Fitz talks with another successful founder of a challenger brand who shares more valuable insights into driving growth.Please don't hesitate to join our Brand Growth Heroes community to stay updated with captivating stories and learnings from your beloved brands on their path to success!Follow us on our Brand Growth Heroes socials: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.Thanks to our Sound Engineer, Gyp Buggane, Ballagroove.com and podcast producer/content creator, Kathryn Watts, Social KEWS.

From Solo Hustle to Remote Rocketship: How Tonic Health Built a Team to ScaleIn this 5-minute power-packed short, handpicked by MKJ Ignite, we hear how Sunna Van Kampen, founder of Tonic Health scaled from a solo founder to a fully-fledged team—all while navigating the chaos of COVID.Hear how Tonic health built their TEAM and CULTURE:- Hiring a full leadership team across ops, finance, sales, marketing & growth- Building a remote-first culture from necessity (and stuck with it)- Balancing speed with values as the team expanded- Codifying culture to keep pace with rapid growthHandpicked by the team at UK CPG recruitment specialist MKJ Ignite, this SHORT 5-minute golden nugget is packed with insight into what it really takes to scale and what you need to survive as a team while doing it.Don’t forget to hit follow for more bite-sized founder wisdom every 2 weeks.If you're wondering whether you need help finding the right people or would like some advice, you can book a no-obligation call with Billy from the MKJ Ignite team here!Connect with Billy MaddockConnect with Immy SouthwellConnect with Paul Jones

Bio & Me is one of the UK’s fastest-growing gut health food brands, co-founded by one of Fiona's former bosses at Nestle UK -  Jon Walsh, and leading gut health expert Dr. Megan Rossi. Built on a brand platform that teaches us that consuming loads of different plants each week =  better gut health, their award-winning range of granolas, porridges, and kefir yoghurts is now stocked nationwide.In this latest episode, Fiona reconnects with Jon, four years after he first appeared on Brand Growth Heroes, when Bio & Me was hitting £1M in sales. Today? They’re doing £15–£20M annually.You'll learn about: The real growth journey: from founder hustle to scaling a national brandWhy great strategy means nothing without killer executionHow to balance taste vs. health in both product and communicationWhy Jon still answers customer emails himselfWhat it takes to win with retailers as a challenger brandThe magic that happens when you listen to your team and your shoppersJon shares candid insights into what it takes to grow a purpose-led food brand in today’s competitive market, without losing your soul or your edge.Useful Links Bio & Me websiteFollow Dr. Megan Rossi on Instagram: @theguthealthdoctorConnect with Jon on LinkedInFollow Bio & Me on LinkedInMention: Eddie Yoon – co-founder of Category Pirates============================================================Thanks to Brand Growth Heroes’ podcast sponsor - Joelson, the commercial law firm=============================================================If you're a founder, you already know how much of your energy goes into building the perfect product, creating standout branding and connecting with your consumers.But don’t forget that scaling a CPG business also comes with a maze of legal complexities that can make or break your business journey. From contracts, term sheets and regulatory compliance to protecting your brand's intellectual property as you expand, it's essential to get it right.And that starts with the right legal partner.So we're thrilled to introduce Joelson, a leading commercial law firm that specialises in guiding the founders of scaling CPG brands, as Brand Growth Heroes' sponsor.With long-term relationships with clients like Little Moons, Trip, Eat Natural, Bear Graze, and Pulsin, Joelson is also famous for advising the innocent founders in their landmark sale to Coca-Cola! As a female team, we are especially impressed by Joelson's commitment to championing female founders in CPG.Not many law firms are also BCorps, nor do they specialise in helping founders navigate the legal challenges of scaling without stifling the creativity and momentum that got you here in the first place. So thanks, Joelson—we’re delighted to have you on board.If you'd like to get in touch to find out more, why don't you drop them a line at hello@joelsonlaw.com!==============================================A tiny favour: If this episode inspires you to think about new ways to drive business growth, please could you click FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE on your favourite podcast app and leave a review?This small gesture from you means the world to us, and allows us to share these nuggets of insight and value with you more often.You won’t want to miss the next episode, in which Fiona Fitz talks with another successful founder of a challenger brand who shares more valuable insights into driving growth.Please don't hesitate to join our Brand Growth Heroes community to stay updated with captivating stories and learnings from your beloved brands on their path to success!Follow us on our Brand Growth Heroes socials: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.Thanks to our Sound Engineer, Gyp Buggane, Ballagroove.com and podcast producer/content creator, Kathryn Watts, Social KEWS.

In this episode of BGH SHORTS: The People Series, the team at MKJ Ignite have hand-picked this SHORT 5-minute golden nugget packed with insight into what it really takes to scale and what you need to survive as a team while doing it.David Lester, co-founder of Olipop gives us insight into the human side of the co-founder relationship behind OLIPOP’s explosive growth - growing from an unlikely partnership to a half-billion-dollar brand. Hear how:Two very different co-founders turned past failures into this incredible successA mission-driven mindset can become the ultimate competitive advantageStaying aligned (without killing each other) is half the battle!Don’t forget to hit follow for more bite-sized founder wisdom every 2 weeks.And...if you're wondering whether or not you need help to find the right people, or would like to ask for some advice, why not take half an hour to discuss it over a no-obligation call with Billy from the MKJ Ignite team team here!Because your business is only as strong as your team.It really shouldn’t be this hard — but it is.So let’s make it a little easier!Over the past few years, I’ve become increasingly frustrated at just HOW HARD it is for founders to find the right people for their business.There are fewer applicants than there used to be for roles in sales and marketing in CPG businessesIt's even tougher to find that magic mix of mindset, experience and soft skills— as well as someone who genuinely fits your culture and values.And the process? It's a lot: search, connect, schedule, first interviews, follow-ups, feedback loops — all while juggling a scaling business — and you STILL might not end up with the right person.It struck me that so many of the incredible guests on Brand Growth Heroes have shared absolute gold when it comes to building teams — how they hire, how they lead, and what they’ve learned when it all goes wrong.So the brilliant crew at MKJ Ignite - Billy, Paul and Immy, have gone through the Brand Growth Heroes archives and handpicked some snippets from the founders of your favourite challenger brands (think Olipop, Child's Farm, Perfect Ted and Tony's Chocolonely), pulling out the best people insights.  And as a result....BGH SHORTS: The People Series was born!Short 5 min episodes. Golden nuggets. Actionable insights Every 2 weeks, we’ll drop a new 5-minute clip - so don't forget to HIT FOLLOW!👋 If you're wondering whether or not you need help with your recruitment, or would like to ask for some advice, you can book a no-obligation call with Billy - or anyone on the team - here!Connect with Billy MaddockConnect with Immy SouthwellConnect with Paul JonesFollow MKJ Ignite on InstagramConnect with MKJ Ignite on LinkedinHave a listen and don't forget to hit FOLLOW so you can collect all the tips, stories, and real-world advice to lighten the load.Thanks again to MKJ Ignite for bringing us BGH SHORTS: The People Series

In this episode of Brand Growth Heroes, Fiona Fitz is joined by one of the most influential figures in UK brand building over the last 30 years:  the incredible Perry Haydn-Taylor, the creative mind behind one of the most famous brand consultancies in the business big fish®.Fiona first met Perry in 2006 during her time heading up Gü France, and this conversation is full of the same sharp insight, warmth, and strategic clarity that made their early boardroom chats unforgettable.With a client list that includes some of the UK’s most beloved challenger brands - think Gü, Charlie Bigham’s, Dorset Cereals, Clipper Teas, Sipsmith, Tyrrells, St. Pierre, Freddy’s Flowers, sofa.com, and more! Perry and his team at big fish® have consistently helped founders transform big ideas into commercially successful, category-defining businesses.In this episode, you'll learn:Why the most successful founders are “restless in pursuit of better”The Power of Three framework: clarity × focus × effort = sustainable growthHow to articulate your unfair advantage and make the right choice the easy oneThe role of charisma and storytelling in building buy-in from investors, retailers, and consumersHow Big Fish has reframed entire categories — from tea and chocolate to salad and flowersWhy hiring, values, and strategic simplicity are key to scaling wellThis is a candid and insightful deep dive into what matters when building a brand, not just design and packaging, but conviction, focus, and a deep understanding of your customer.If you’re navigating the messy middle of your growth journey, this episode is packed with practical frameworks and fresh perspective.Useful Links:big fish websiteConnect with Perry on LinkedInConnect with big fish on LinkedIn============================================================Thanks to Brand Growth Heroes’ podcast sponsor - Joelson, the commercial law firm=============================================================If you're a founder, you already know how much of your energy goes into building the perfect product, creating standout branding and connecting with your consumers.But don’t forget that scaling a CPG business also comes with a maze of legal complexities that can make or break your business journey. From contracts, term sheets and regulatory compliance to protecting your brand's intellectual property as you expand, it's essential to get it right.And that starts with the right legal partner.So we're thrilled to introduce Joelson, a leading commercial law firm that specialises in guiding the founders of scaling CPG brands, as Brand Growth Heroes' sponsor.With long-term relationships with clients like Little Moons, Trip, Eat Natural, Bear Graze, and Pulsin, Joelson is also famous for advising the innocent founders in their landmark sale to Coca-Cola! As a female team, we are especially impressed by Joelson's commitment to championing female founders in CPG.Not many law firms are also BCorps, nor do they specialise in helping founders navigate the legal challenges of scaling without stifling the creativity and momentum that got you here in the first place. So thanks, Joelson—we’re delighted to have you on board.If you'd like to get in touch to find out more, why don't you drop them a line at hello@joelsonlaw.com!==============================================A tiny favour: If this episode inspires you to think about new ways to drive business growth, please could you click FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE on your favourite podcast app and leave a review?This small gesture from you means the world to us, and allows us to share these nuggets of insight and value with you more often.You won’t want to miss the next episode, in which Fiona Fitz talks with another successful founder of a challenger brand who shares more valuable insights into driving growth.Please don't hesitate to join our Brand Growth Heroes community to stay updated with captivating stories and learnings from your beloved brands on their path to success!Follow us on our Brand Growth Heroes socials: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.Thanks to our Sound Engineer, Gyp Buggane, Ballagroove.com and podcast producer/content creator, Kathryn Watts, Social KEWS.

Last night, Amelia Christie-Miller won THE GROCER GOLD ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR 2025!!We're so proud of you, Ed and your team, and honoured to have supported you right from the very start of your journey!!Amelia makes the point that this win is not just hers, but that "it belongs to every single person who believed in the bean revolution:🏆 The Bold Bean Co | B Corp™ team who've hustled relentlessly to get us into 1000+ stocking points 🏆 My co-founder Ed Whelpton, who I eventually managed to persuade to join me on this mad journey and has transformed the business and experience for me.🏆 Our investors who backed beans when everyone else said "you'll never disrupt Heinz" or “commodity category brands won’t work”.🏆 The bean champs who clear our shelves at Waitrose & Partners and send our cookbooks to their friends! 🏆 The retailers who gave shelf space to a crazy idea about premium jarred legumes." (Amelia Christie-Miller, LinkedIn)So, in this week’s power-packed Brand Growth Heroes SHORT, Fiona chats with Ed Whelpton and Amelia Christie-Miller, the visionary co-founders of Bold Bean Co., about one of the most complicated but most critical challenges in early-stage FMCG brands: getting the right people into the business.From accidental brilliance to strategic investment, Ed and Amelia reveal:Why external advice is underratedHiring a fractional Head of People (yep, early!)Ditching the office for a ‘connectivity budget’What truly modern leadership looks likeWhether you’re scaling a team or just starting to hire, this is your short, sharp insight hit.This BGH Short is part of our people series, hand-picked by the brilliant team at MKJ Ignite – the FMCG recruitment experts helping challenger brands grow with the right people in the right roles. This short is full of practical people insights. Billy, Paul, and Immy have combed through the Brand Growth Heroes archives to bring you the most valuable founder wisdom on hiring and scaling teams that thrive.A new 5-7 minute episode drops every two weeks, so make sure to HIT FOLLOW and don’t miss the next one.If you're wondering whether or not you need help with your recruitment, or would like to ask for some advice, you can book a no-obligation call with Billy - or anyone on the team - here!Connect with Billy Maddock on LinkedInConnect with Immy Southwell on LinkedInConnect with Paul Jones on LinkedInFollow MKJ Ignite on InstagramConnect with MKJ Ignite on LinkedIn

Sometimes the most the powerful challenger brand stories are also stories of struggle, survival, overcoming personal battles and inspiring strength and resilience.In this episode of Brand Growth Heroes, Fiona sits down with Josh White, co-founder of Cano Water, a brand that’s not only challenging the status quo of the bottled water industry but also reshaping it entirely.It all started with a question: Why are there so many plastic bottles in the sea AND why are we still drinking water from plastic bottles when cans are infinitely recyclable?What followed was a radical mission to reduce plastic waste. In the process, Cano Water helped create an entirely new sustainable category, which is now worth over a billion dollars.But behind the brand is a much deeper story.In this raw and intimate conversation, Josh opens up to Fiona Fitz about growing up with ADHD, his battle with addiction from a young age, and how his personal struggles became the driving force behind his purpose. He shares what it’s really like building a fast-growing challenger brand when the industry doesn’t want you to win, the loneliness of leadership, and the resilience it takes to prove people wrong.We explore how CanO Water came to define a new category in sustainability and what it takes to create real change in an industry that often resists disruption. Josh opens up about the early days—what it felt like to be laughed at by retailers and ignored by investors—and the moment it all changed thanks to an unexpected catalyst.We dive into how ADHD has shaped Josh’s journey as a founder, both as a challenge and as a superpower, and the emotional toll of leading a mission-led business when the pressure never lets up. And as a new Dad, Josh speaks candidly about fatherhood, the guilt that comes with trying to balance family and work, and the legacy he wants to build, not just as an entrepreneur, but as a parent.This is a conversation that will stick with you.Useful Links:Cano Water websiteConnect with Josh on LinkedInInstagram & Facebook & TikTok=============================================================Thanks to Brand Growth Heroes’ podcast sponsor - Joelson, the commercial law firm=============================================================If you're a founder, you already know how much of your energy goes into building the perfect product, creating standout branding and connecting with your consumers.But don’t forget that scaling a CPG business also comes with a maze of legal complexities that can make or break your business journey. From contracts, term sheets and regulatory compliance to protecting your brand's intellectual property as you expand, it's essential to get it right.And that starts with the right legal partner.So we're thrilled to introduce Joelson, a leading commercial law firm that specialises in guiding the founders of scaling CPG brands, as Brand Growth Heroes' sponsor.With long-term relationships with clients like Little Moons, Trip, Eat Natural, Bear Graze, and Pulsin, Joelson is also famous for advising the innocent founders in their landmark sale to Coca-Cola! As a female team, we are especially impressed by Joelson's commitment to championing female founders in CPG.Not many law firms are also BCorps, nor do they specialise in helping founders navigate the legal challenges of scaling without stifling the creativity and momentum that got you here in the first place. So thanks, Joelson—we’re delighted to have you on board.If you'd like to get in touch to find out more, why don't you drop them a line at hello@joelsonlaw.com!==============================================A tiny favour: If this episode inspires you to think about new ways to drive business growth, please could you click FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE on your favourite podcast app and leave a review?This small gesture from you means the world to us, and allows us to share these nuggets of insight and value with you more often.You won’t want to miss the next episode, in which Fiona Fitz talks with another successful founder of a challenger brand who shares more valuable insights into driving growth.Please don't hesitate to join our Brand Growth Heroes community to stay updated with captivating stories and learnings from your beloved brands on their path to success!Follow us on our Brand Growth Heroes socials: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.Thanks to our Sound Engineer, Gyp Buggane, Ballagroove.com and podcast producer/content creator, Kathryn Watts, Social KEWS.

In just 5 mins, get your dose of insight and inspiration from Perfect Ted's co-founder Marisa Poster, and their brilliant Head of Sales, Shani Higgs!From the early grind of cold emails and constant rejection through post-Dragons’ Den momentum to scaling a £ 30M+ brand with just a 30-strong team, Marisa and Shani open up about how they’re building a really special team culture, as well as the global 'Matcha Movement'.Hear how Perfect Ted has become a magnet for kind, passionate, hardworking people:Why hiring for both skills and values matters now more than everThe power of team culture and shared belief in scaling fastWhy is it the easiest sales job you’ll ever have at Perfect Ted?How networking and saying yes can change everythingWhy does working with people you genuinely like make all the difference?Hand-picked by the brilliant team at MKJ Ignite – THE FMCG recruitment experts helping challenger brands grow with the right people in the right roles – this short is full of practical people insights. Billy, Paul, and Immy have combed through the Brand Growth Heroes archives to bring you the most valuable founder wisdom on hiring and scaling teams that thrive.A new 5-minute episode drops every two weeks — so make sure to HIT FOLLOW and don’t miss the next one.If you're wondering whether or not you need help with your recruitment, or would like to ask for some advice, you can book a no-obligation call with Billy - or anyone on the team - here!Connect with Billy Maddock on LinkedInConnect with Immy Southwell on LinkedInConnect with Paul Jones on LinkedInFollow MKJ Ignite on InstagramConnect with MKJ Ignite on LinkedIn