The Unfounders

Today's guest is the fantastic Hayley Costanzo - Managing Director at Parla. Now Parla are revolutionising oral care and the toothpaste space with their range of innovative tabs and more recently their fully recyclable aluminium tube pastes. Hayley is a TRUE unfounder, being there pretty much from day one - I loved unpicking the last 5+ years building the brand, and her lessons and learnings from brilliant brands like Innocent and Strong Roots too. This is a corker, enjoy! If you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous brand. They have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today! Don't forget to check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD. Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠ Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-head Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Parla and the Mission 03:26 Innovative Products: Tablets vs. Tubes 06:16 The Importance of Ingredients in Oral Care 09:01 Building a Brand Experience 11:58 Hayley's Journey to Parla 14:34 Growth and Expansion at Parla 17:24 Field Sales Experience and Its Impact 20:05 Challenges and Insights in Retail 21:00 Scrappy Beginnings and Creative Solutions 23:36 The Journey at Parla: Growth and Responsibilities 26:50 Work-Life Balance in a Challenger Brand 30:24 Navigating Tough Times and Operational Challenges 34:51 Advice for Aspiring FMCG Professionals 38:22 The Parla Anthem: Music and Team Spirit

This weeks guest is Bryan Serwatka, the Coffee Community Manager at Minor Figures, about the evolution of oat milk in coffee, the unique culture at Minor Figures, and Brian's personal journey into the coffee world. (Give him a follow on Instagram at @mf.bryan.mf) We explore the importance of authenticity in business, the challenges faced in the coffee industry, and the trends shaping the future of coffee. Brian shares insights on the attitudes towards oat milk in different countries and highlights the innovative products Minor Figures is developing to lead the market with their 'future liquids lab' I'm a huge fan of Minor Figures - and now Bryan.. And no doubt you will be too - Enjoy! If you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous brand. They have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today! Don't forget to check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD. Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠ Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-head Chapters 00:00 Meet Bryan Serwatka: Coffee Community Manager 02:23 The Story of Minor Figures 04:29 A Day in the Life at Minor Figures 06:15 The Unique Brand Identity of Minor Figures 08:44 Company Culture and Authenticity 10:45 Bryan's Journey into Coffee 14:02 The Importance of Coffee Origin Stories 17:04 Trends in Coffee and Automation 19:40 The Role of Relationships in Coffee 20:54 Music and Creativity in Business 22:11 Finding Contentment in Daily Work 22:38 Navigating Challenges in Events 24:13 Exciting Future Events and Milestones 26:41 Innovation in Oat Milk Products 30:39 Cultural Attitudes Towards Oat Milk in Europe 33:16 Music as a Metaphor for Persistence 34:48 Where to Find Minor Figures Products

This weeks guest is Thea Mathias, VP International at Our Place - A brand known for their gorgeous non-toxic cookware. We dig into the brand's rapid growth in just 6 years, the importance of team dynamics, and the strategies behind their successful international expansion. Thea was a joy to talk to, I loved it, and you will too! If you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous brand. They have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today! Don't forget to check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD. Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠ Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-head Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Thea and Ourplace 06:46 Team Dynamics and Company Culture 13:00 Strategic Marketing and Consumer Engagement 16:26 The Joy of Cooking with Quality Cookware 27:14 Navigating the Startup World 33:33 Key Takeaways for Business Growth 37:52 Looking Ahead: Future of Our Place

Amy Seymour almost didn't get the job at The Turmeric Co... Luckily things have a way of working out, and they got the right person in the end! Amy - Head of Brand & Comms, shares her journey and insights into the brand's founding story, product innovations, and the challenges faced in the health and wellness industry. The conversation highlights the importance of alignment, problem-solving, and the unique approach of The Turmeric Co. in creating functional health shots. Amy discusses her role, the dynamics of working with Thomas Hal Robson-Kanu, and the brand's commitment to quality and customer engagement. I loved it, and you will too! If you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous brand. They have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today! Don't forget to check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD. Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠ Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-head Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Amy Seymour and Turmeric Co 01:52 The Founding Story of Turmeric Co 06:19 The Journey of Amy Seymour to Turmeric Co 09:38 Amy's Background and Passion for Performing Arts 13:10 Working with Thomas Hal Robson-Kanu 17:06 A Day in the Life of Head of Brand and Comms 20:28 Team Dynamics and Structure 22:30 Product Range and Innovations 28:13 Challenges and Problem Solving 33:09 Proud Moments and Achievements 35:06 Personal Reflections and Future Aspirations

This week I am joined by Mia Skelson - Social Media & Community Manager at Seep, discussing her journey in the sustainable cleaning industry. Mia shares insights into the importance of eco-friendly products, the challenges of social media marketing, and the significance of community engagement. We also discuss her brilliant approach to networking through a speed dating concept for social media managers, emphasising the need for creativity and standing out in the competitive FMCG space. I loved it, and you will too! If you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous brand. They have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today! Don't forget to check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD. Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠ Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-head Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Against Ordinary Sponsorship 01:45 Meet Mia Skelson: Role and Responsibilities at SEEP 02:25 The Story Behind SEEP: Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solutions 04:48 The Team and Work Environment at SEEP 05:38 Mia's Journey to SEEP: Passion for Purpose-Driven Brands 07:37 Day-to-Day Operations: Social Media Strategy and Content Creation 11:33 Engaging with the Community: The Elton John Campaign 12:58 Speed Dating Social Media Managers: A Unique Networking Challenge 16:31 Key Learnings from Networking: Insights on Social Media Management 19:44 Future Trends in Social Media: What to Expect in 2026 21:44 The Essence of Social Media Engagement 25:23 Navigating Career Paths and Personal Branding 31:13 Overcoming Challenges in Social Media Marketing 33:58 Advice for Aspiring Professionals in FMCG 37:24 Reflections on Startup Life and Personal Growth

Today's guest is the absolutely brilliant Miranda Ballard, Head of Small and Medium Business at Nielsen IQ. I loved this conversation, it was equal parts cathartic, fascinating and entertaining to say the least! Miranda digs into the critical role of data for small businesses, emphasising the importance of competitor data, consumer behaviour insights, and the impact of AI in market testing. Miranda shares her personal journey from a performing arts background to the data industry, highlighting lessons learned from her own business success and failures. The conversation also touches on the challenges small brands face in utilising data effectively, the significance of repeat purchases, and other key takeaways you need to listen to! If you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous brand. They have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today! Don't forget to check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD. Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠ Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-head Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Nielsen IQ and SMB Market 08:45 Key Data Insights for Challenger Brands 16:05 Challenges for Small Brands in Different Markets 21:26 Innovations in AI and Consumer Insights 28:12 The Journey from Arts to Data 38:18 Key Learnings and Career Insights 45:25 Navigating Price and Promo Strategies

In this episode the brilliant Chloe Reeley - Head of Sales at Holos Kombucha shares her journey from working in larger brands to leading a mission-driven startup. Holos Kombucha is dedicated to supporting survivors of modern slavery, and Chloe discusses the unique challenges and successes of scaling the brand. The conversation covers the importance of community engagement, innovative product development, and the lessons learned from both big corporations like Lucozade to challenger brands like Lilly's Kitchen and Fiid. Chloe is full of energy and a joy to be around, you're going to love it! If you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous brand. They have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today! Don't forget to check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD. Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠ Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-head Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:35 Meet Chloe Reeley and Holos Kombucha 06:43 The Unique Mission of Holos Kombucha 11:18 Chloe's Career Journey and Early Aspirations 15:32 Lessons from Big Brands to Startups 19:35 Holos Kombucha's Growth Strategy 21:39 Events and Community Engagement 24:55 The Importance of Purpose-Driven Brands 26:59 Career Highlights and Proud Moments 30:44 Navigating Tough Times in Business 32:41 Advice for Aspiring Professionals 36:20 Closing Thoughts and Favourite Song

From Veganuary to Dry January - Today's guest is the incredible Alice Galsworthy, Chief Operating Officer at Mother Root. Mother Root is the feel-good aperitif that helps you unwind without the alcohol, made of apple cider vinegar, honey, fresh pressed ginger and chilli extract. And it's blooming delicious! From an early customer, to first employee - Alice has now been there for nearly 3 years and the business has gone from strength to strength. We talk about dragons den, growing a team, and her amazing career at M&S, Lidl, Taco Bell and more. It truly is a cracking episode and Alice is a wonderful guest, enjoy! If you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous brand. They have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today! Don't forget to check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD. Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠ Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-head Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Alice Galsworthy and Mother Root 03:12 The Passion Behind Mother Root 05:39 The Impact of Dragon's Den 08:20 Understanding Mother Root's Products 11:01 Team Growth and Hiring Strategies 13:38 The Importance of T-Shaped Talent 16:17 Alice's Career Journey 18:44 Finding Fulfillment in Work 21:22 Comparing Experiences at Lidl and M&S 21:25 Lessons from Experience: M&S and Lidl 25:00 Celebrating Wins and Learning from Losses 28:28 Navigating Market Trends: Dry January and Beyond 33:49 Overcoming Challenges: Stock Shortages and Setbacks 38:10 Embracing Resilience: The Startup Journey

First guest of 2026 is the wonderful Zoe Harris, Head of National Accounts at Oatly. Now if somehow you've never heard of Oatly, they essentially created the Oat milk space 20 years ago and have become an absolute powerhouse of a brand ever since. I loved speaking to Zoe about her time working in Incredible brands like Kellogs and Bear alongside many inspirational people on her journey. Plus digging into the 6 year career at Oatly so far with 6 different roles. This is a cracking episode, Oalty are an incredible brand and as mentioned in the episode, if you'd love to work for them head to the careers page HERE Enjoy this episode and Happy New Year! Here's to a fantastic 2026 ahead :) If you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous brand. They have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today! Don't forget to check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD. Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠ Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-head Chapters 00:00 Zoe Harris: Career Journey at Oatly 03:03 The Evolution of Oatly: From Science to Lifestyle Brand 05:51 The Appeal of Oatly: Culture and Team Dynamics 08:48 Growth and Development at Oatly 11:16 Oatly's Competitive Edge in the Market 13:53 Innovation and New Product Launches at Oatly 20:46 Upcoming Collaborations and Events 23:37 Zoe's Journey to Oatly 26:34 Lessons from Kellogg's 30:22 Experience at Bear 34:04 Navigating Challenges in the Industry 36:07 The Fun Side of Oatly

In this episode, Henry Mills, the General Manager of All Dressed Up Dressings, shares his journey through the food industry, discussing his experiences with various brands like Vita Coco, Seedlip, and Mindful Chef. Henry discussed what makes All Dressed Up special, including their commitment to natural ingredients, the packaging, and of course the founder Tess and her mission to shake up the food industry. Henry has so much brilliant experience - I loved this conversation and know you will too! If you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous brand. They have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today! Don't forget to check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD. Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠ Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-head Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Recording Setup 06:28 The Rise of All Dressed Up: Brand Story and Success 12:45 Henry's Journey: From Vita Coco to Seedlip 17:19 The Evolution of Non-Alcoholic Spirits 23:49 Transitioning to Mindful Chef 29:30 The Importance of Product Quality 36:47 Reflections on Career Challenges

Would you cheat on champagne? Well that's what this weeks guest Izzy Maxwell (Head of Marketing) is asking consumers to do over at Della Vite - An award wining Italian prosecco brand created by Cara, Poppy and Chloe Delevingne. Izzy shares insights into the brand's mission to premiumise the Prosecco category, her journey to the company, and the unique challenges of working with celebrity founders. The conversation delves into the innovative marketing strategies employed, including the provocative 'Cheat on Champagne' campaign, and the importance of maintaining quality in a startup environment. Izzy's passion for the brand and its products shines through as she discusses the future of Della Vite and their commitment to sustainability and inclusivity. If you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous brand. They have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today! Don't forget to check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD. Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠ Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-head Chapters 00:00 The Della Vite Brand Story 08:14 Izzy's Journey to Della Vite 15:19 Marketing Strategies and Celebrity Involvement 17:58 Influencer Partnerships and Brand Activation 22:56 Cheat on Champagne: A Bold Marketing Strategy 33:25 Overcoming Production Challenges in a Startup 36:43 The Soundtrack of a Startup Journey

Today's guest is the brilliant Jo Taylor - The Global Marketing Director at Dionilife Dionilife are reimagining adult beverage with a fantastic growing portfolio of alcohol free brands including Pavari aperitivo, agave based spirit La Borosa and the incredible beer brand MASH GANG who are taking over the AF space, recently launching in Waitrose Jo has a truly fantastic career working with the likes of L'Oreal, Danone, Innocent and BOL. If you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous brand. They have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today! Don't forget to check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD. Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠ Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-head Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jo Taylor and Dionilife 03:00 Cultural Shifts in Drinking Habits 06:00 Marketing Challenges and Opportunities 09:00 Jo’s Career Journey and Insights 12:00 Future of Dionilife and Product Innovation 15:00 The Role of Innovation in the Alcohol-Free Market 18:00 Consumer Insights and Product Development 21:00 Reflections on Career Highlights and Challenges 24:00 The Impact of Non-Alcoholic Beverages on the Market 27:00 Personal Experiences and Lessons Learned 30:00 The Importance of Product Quality and Consumer Connection 33:00 Jo’s Vision for the Alcohol-Free Industry 36:00 Closing Thoughts and Future Prospects

This week I speak to Joe Rampley [Creative Brand Manager] & Eli Baillie [Creative Producer] at Forest, the London-based e-bike company. We discuss their innovative marketing strategies, company culture, and the unique user experience they offer. Diving into their creative team dynamics, the importance of community engagement, and their personal career journeys leading to get them where they are. I really enjoyed this, and since recording have even had my first ride on the bikes so can confirm they are brilliant! If you want 20 minutes free with your first ride, download the app and use code: gIbdI9DX If you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous brand. They have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today! Don't forget to check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD. Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠ Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-head Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Team Dynamics 03:55 Innovative Campaigns: Safety and Community Engagement 09:15 User Experience: How to Use Forest Bikes 12:39 The Future of Forest: Growth and Community Focus 17:42 Closing Thoughts and Future Collaborations

Today's guest is Luke Byrne, Innovation & Sustainability Director at THIS. THIS have been leading the way for plant-based meat in the UK with their range of meat alternatives from bacon to chicken to pork. And more recently they've stepped into the veg-lead and whole food space with their new super superfood range. If you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous brand. They have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today! Don't forget to check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD. Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠ Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-head Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Luke Byrne and THIS 03:53 The Vision Behind Plant-Based Meat 06:41 Innovative Product Development Process 09:50 Navigating the Ultra-Processed Food Debate 12:52 Luke Byrne's Journey and Background 15:34 Transition from Unilever to This Brand 18:04 Building a Team in a Startup Environment 21:59 Building a Diverse Team for Innovation 23:31 Navigating the Plant-Based Boom 25:42 Challenges in Product Development 28:09 Tough Days and Learning Experiences 34:58 Future Innovations and Market Trends

Today's guest is the effervescent Hannah Page - Social Media Manager at OLLY'S OLLY'S are an incredible snacking brand known for their delicious olives and pretzel thins. Their content has always been top notch, and I wanted to dig into how it's created, and how Hannah got into this role in the first place. It's a cracker of an episode, enjoy! As always thanks to our fantastic sponsor ⁠Mission Kitchen!⁠ If you're a chef, baker of food brand looking to grow, then head on over to book a tour at their site in Nine Elms, London today. Also if you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible new sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous new rebrand. They also have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today! Check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD. Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠ Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-head Chapters 00:00 Meet Hannah Page: Social Media Manager at Ollie's 06:37 The Role of a Social Media Manager 12:44 Ollie's Brand Refresh and Packaging Evolution 17:55 Creative Campaigns and Team Dynamics 23:12 Work Culture and Flexibility at Ollie's 28:43 Hannah's Career Journey and Aspirations 30:28 Overcoming Challenges: The Reality of Social Media Management 33:04 Breaking into the Industry: Tips for Aspiring Creatives 36:32 Mastering Social Media: Key Strategies for Success

Today's guest is the lovely Ailis Anderson - Head of Brand & Marketing at Honestly Tasty. Now Honestly Tasty make absolutely DELICIOUS fermented, mould-ripened, natural, plant-based cheeses like blue, brie, camembert and more. Recently they acquired La Fauxmagerie - a brand who I worked for in the past and had the pleasure of seeing behind the scenes the care, passion and craft the Honestly Tasty team put into creating all these award winning cheeses! I loved digging into Ailis' background regarding how nannying translated to working in a startup environment, how she got this role, and why she's so passionate about the space. Ailis also mentioned the new Camden Cultured range which is STUNNING and may be some of my new favourite cheeses on the market! If you've never been impressed by vegan cheese, these are some of the brands that will help change your mind. Enjoy this conversation - I sure did! As always thanks to our fantastic sponsor ⁠Mission Kitchen!⁠ If you're a chef, baker of food brand looking to grow, then head on over to book a tour at their site in Nine Elms, London today. Also if you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible new sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous new rebrand. They also have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today! Check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD. Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠ Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-head Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Honestly Tasty 06:14 The Journey of Vegan Cheese 14:07 Innovations in Plant-Based Cheese 17:06 The Vegetarian Journey 18:51 The Rebranding Experience 21:10 Shelf Presence and Market Strategy 22:22 Christmas Specials and New Products 24:16 Collaborations and Availability 28:02 Challenges in Direct-to-Consumer Shipping 31:52 The Soundtrack of Startup Life

Jack Rutherfood is the UK Managing Director at Italian food powerhouse Crosta Mollica They have been dominating in the UK over recent years, and it was great chatting to Jack to try and understand some of the reasons why that is. I also loved digging into Jack's background from his first role as a Junior Buyer at Sainsburys, to moving brand side and working at the likes of Diageo, Lily's Kitchen and THIS. Jack is a fantastic guy - and I loved this one, I'm sure you will too! As always thanks to our fantastic sponsor ⁠Mission Kitchen!⁠ If you're a chef, baker of food brand looking to grow, then head on over to book a tour at their site in Nine Elms, London today. Also if you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible new sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous new rebrand. They also have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today! Check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD. Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠ Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-head Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jack Rutherford and Crosstor Malika 01:40 The Story of Crosstor Malika 03:13 Brand Evolution and Rebranding Success 05:39 Joining Crosstor: The Attraction of the Brand 08:33 Market Insights: Chilled vs Frozen Pizza 11:46 The Secret Sauce of Crosstor's Success 17:40 Jack's Journey: From Aspirations to Leadership 20:10 The Evolution of Ready-to-Drink Beverages 22:02 Career Path: From Sainsbury's to Diageo 25:00 Transitioning to Challenger Brands 27:46 Navigating the Plant-Based Boom 30:44 Balancing Work and Family Life 33:22 Resilience in the Face of Challenges 35:43 The Soundtrack of Work Life

Oi, FATSO. Yeah, you heard that right... No, I'm not insulting you - I'm talking about the unapologetically FAT and delicious chocolate brand FATSO as this week I sit down with the lovely Poppy Dionian Smith - National Account Manager and Maja Turner - Brand & Content Manager. I LOVED this conversation. From the playful name and branding - which when unwrapped has so much more to share, from their ethical sourcing from a single farm in Cambodia, to supporting the chocolate dream charity initiative and so much more. Honestly, the chocolate is unbelievably good, and I loved hearing why Poppy and Maja joined the team and why they love what they do! As always thanks to our fantastic sponsor ⁠Mission Kitchen!⁠ If you're a chef, baker of food brand looking to grow, then head on over to book a tour at their site in Nine Elms, London today. Also if you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible new sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous new rebrand. They also have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today! Check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD. Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠ Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-head Chapters 00:00 Introduction to FATSO and Its Founders 02:52 The Brand Story and Ethical Sourcing 05:40 The Team Dynamics and Company Culture 08:17 Personal Journeys to FATSO 11:25 Typical Workweeks and Responsibilities 14:09 The Impact of the Brand Name 'FATSO' 22:58 The Allure of Unique Branding 24:29 Childhood Dreams and Culinary Passions 25:42 Lessons from the Journey 27:26 The Importance of Passion in Work 29:29 Navigating Management and Team Dynamics 30:23 Exciting Developments for the Holiday Season 32:04 Learning from Setbacks 34:52 The Soundtrack of Work Life

In this episode, Becki Hawkins, the Senior Nutritionist at Champneys, shares her extensive experience in the wellness and nutrition industry. She discusses the philosophy behind Champneys' approach to food, emphasising moderation, balance, and variety. Becki highlights the importance of innovation in menu development, the impact of their cookbook, and the evolving landscape of nutrition science. She also addresses the significance of enjoying food and social connections, the challenges faced during her career, and the exciting future developments at Champneys. Check her out on socials here: TikTok: @the_intolerance_n Instagram: @the_intolerance_nutritionist As always thanks to our fantastic sponsor ⁠Mission Kitchen!⁠ If you're a chef, baker of food brand looking to grow, then head on over to book a tour at their site in Nine Elms, London today. Also if you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible new sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous new rebrand. They also have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today! Check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD. Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠ Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-head Chapters 00:00 Becki's Journey and Role at Champneys 02:37 The Philosophy of Wellness at Champneys 05:25 Food Philosophy: Moderation, Balance, and Variety 08:12 Innovation in Menu Development 11:35 Collaboration and Brand Partnerships 14:20 The Cookbook Journey 17:33 Becki's Early Relationship with Food 18:49 Journey to Shampneys: Building a Career in Nutrition 21:02 Evolving Nutrition Philosophy: Adapting to Science and Trends 24:12 The Interplay of Food and Wellness: A Holistic Approach 26:26 Balancing Indulgence and Health: The 80-20 Rule 30:02 Resilience in Adversity: Lessons from Challenges 34:55 Looking Ahead: Future Innovations at Champneys

In this episode, Ellie-Mae Healy, Head of Growth at Marna Iced Tea, shares her journey from sports to the startup world, discussing the unique approach Marna takes in brewing iced tea with real loose leaf tea. She highlights the challenges and successes of the brand, the importance of utilising AI for operational efficiency in such a small team. It was also great to hear about her time at Perfect Ted and what she learnt along the way. I loved this chat, and the tea is delicious - this is a brand to watch for sure! As always thanks to our fantastic sponsor ⁠Mission Kitchen!⁠ If you're a chef, baker of food brand looking to grow, then head on over to book a tour at their site in Nine Elms, London today. Also if you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible new sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous new rebrand. They also have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today! Check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD. Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠ Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-head Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 01:29 Ellie May's Role at Marna Iced Tea 01:49 The Unique Selling Proposition of Marna Iced Tea 03:46 The Founding Story of Marna 04:55 Ellie's Journey into the Iced Tea World 06:23 The Lean Team Structure at Marna 08:16 Utilising AI in Operations and Sales 09:59 A Day in the Life of Head of Growth 11:42 Ellie's Career Path and Transition to Manna 15:03 Lessons Learned from Perfect Ted 18:32 Big Wins and Experiences at Marna 18:51 Navigating Commercial Strategies in Retail 20:32 Expanding Retail Presence and Key Partnerships 22:53 Challenges in the Iced Tea Market 27:45 Learning from Tough Days in a Startup 30:43 Transferable Skills from Hospitality to Sales 33:28 Advice for Entering the Startup World 35:10 Embracing the Messiness of Startup Life