The Unfounders

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

This weeks guest are Harry Ford and Eve Rodway of HIP POP - functional drinks brand offering a wide range of delicious kombucha’s, fibre rich soda’s and CBD drinks. We discuss the brand's origins, marketing strategies, festival activations, and the importance of team culture. I loved digging into both Harry and Eve’s backgrounds and to understanding what makes them both love what they do, day in day out! 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 Hip Hop and Its Founders 03:59 Growth and Market Presence of Hip Hop 05:50 Rebranding and Marketing Strategies 09:33 Festival Activations and Brand Engagement 10:47 Team Structure and Company Culture 13:07 Career Journeys: From Aspirations to Reality 24:51 Reconnecting and Brand Evolution 25:23 Crafting Unique Flavours and Brand Identity 26:37 Exciting New Product Launches 27:51 Sustainable Wellness Campaigns 28:46 Navigating Operations and Retail Partnerships 31:10 Understanding Consumer Insights 34:08 Expanding Market Reach and Brand Positioning 37:51 Favourite Products and Personal Recommendations 39:36 Overcoming Challenges in the Industry 43:05 Music and Motivation in the Workplace

Allora, let me welcome you to apertivo hour with this weeks guest Jacob Wood. Jacob is the Sales & Activation Manager at Allora - a brand reinventing the spritz with their unique, delicious lemon based spirit. He discusses his journey from field sales to joining Allora, the challenges faced in building the brand, and the strategies employed to engage with customers and bars and getting 'liquid on lips.' I love what Allora are doing, and Jacob is brilliant. 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 and Setup 01:40 The Story of Allora 06:13 Jacob's Journey to Allora 08:44 Allora's Team and Work Culture 10:12 Early Aspirations and Career Path 13:24 Activations and Brand Building 18:07 Future Goals and Market Expansion 21:48 Educating the Market: Beyond Limoncello 24:19 Innovative Product Development and RTDs 26:28 Collaborations and Brand Partnerships 28:32 Overcoming Challenges in Sales and Activations 32:03 The Importance of Small Details in Business 33:58 Advice for Aspiring Sales Professionals 36:46 The Story Behind Allora's Name and Brand Vision

Sarah Warman was the first marketing hire at Brewdog back in 2013...From a small craft brewery brand, to an international beer powerhouse. But what has it actually been like working in a business where marketing and PR stunts has been a huge part of their growth? What are the key lessons and learnings along the way? What is it really like working with James Watt? I loved this chat so much. Sarah is absolutely brilliant and diving through her career journey was so great fun - I hope you enjoy it as much as we 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 Sarah's Career Overview and Current Role 04:48 Transitioning to Fractional Work 09:26 Early Career Aspirations and Education 12:24 Joining BrewDog and Early Marketing Strategies 16:18 Crowdfunding Experience at BrewDog 18:04 Marketing Insights and Community Engagement 18:27 Evolution of BrewDog's Marketing Strategy 21:06 Memorable Campaigns and PR Stunts 26:03 Lessons from Successes and Failures 33:23 Maximizing PR Opportunities 35:49 Personal Growth and Relationships at BrewDog 43:59 Reflections on the Working Experience 45:36 Advice for Aspiring Marketers

Today I speak with the wonderful 'neuro-spicy' Lois Mills - Senior Content Lead at Yonder. Yonder is a new way of banking, rewarding customers with points for debit and credit card spending. Rather than stuffy and corporate, they do things much more creative, playful and know how to get eyeballs on the brand. Lois discusses the challenges and joys of working in a startup environment, the importance of creative marketing strategies, and her experiences with innovative campaigns that resonate with audiences. I loved this one - and know 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 Marketing Strategies and Brand Visibility 01:58 Role at Yonder and Content Creation 04:33 Discovering Yonder and Its Unique Offerings 07:32 Creative Campaigns and Brand Engagement 08:43 Introduction and Technical Glitches 08:55 Creative Campaigns: Make It Rain 13:18 The Impact of Brand Creativity 16:26 The Squiggly Career Path 22:33 Lessons from a Non-Linear Journey 25:46 The Importance of Bias to Action 35:38 Navigating Tough Times in Marketing 39:11 Technical Glitches and Podcasting Challenges 40:08 Music as a Work Companion 42:56 Closing Thoughts and Future Connections

Holie's are on a mission to shake up the cereal aisle with their high protein, low sugar granola and in this episode, I speak to UK Commercial Director to Bina Edwards. Bina has a fantastic background working for brands like Red Bull, Ugly, and Liquid Death. Unpicking all these lessons and learnings throughout her journey was fantastic. It's raw, honest and there's so much value in this. I love that she's channeling all this experience into taking on the sugar packed sector - and we even talk about a lawsuit from Lotus bakeries... which Holies won... 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 Bina Edwards and Holies 09:08: Finding the Right Opportunity and Team Dynamics 14:14: Lessons from Liquid Death and Brand Perception 25:59: Marketing Strategies: Startups vs. Established Brands 36:48: Legal Challenges and Brand Integrity 37:55: Final Thoughts and Future Directions 42:04: The Future of Holies and Market Expansion

This week's guest is an absolute powerhouse in the drinks world - Ben Dando, Managing Director at Goodrays, In their words, Goodrays provide premium, natural, great-tasting wellbeing products, all born from the power of the sun - in a range of CBD drinks, oils, and edibles. Following on from a delicious rebrand, it was great to dive into this with Ben to hear all about his background working in the drinks world. From the days of Coca Cola and Relentless - to Karma Drinks, Califia Farms and most recently Liquid Death. Ben has so much knowledge and so many learnings about what works - and what doesn't work. There is SO much value in this - grab a can of Goodrays and tuck in! 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 Ben Dando and Good Rays 02:41: The Backstory of Good Rays 04:42: The Importance of Taste in Functional Beverages 07:31: Distribution and Availability of Good Rays 08:51: Rebranding Good Rays 12:52: Ben Dando's Career Journey 17:59: Challenges and Growth at Karma Drinks 23:46: International Expansion Challenges 26:15: Navigating Public Perception and Communication 28:22: Transitioning to GoodRays 29:39: Lessons from Corporate to Startup Culture 32:37: Localisation and Market Adaptation 37:12: Strategic Focus on Domestic Growth 40:39: Future Innovations and Brand Vision

5 Years ago, Katie Edmunds joined her brother as employee number 1 at Trip. In that time the business has gone from strength to strength, becoming a household name in the functional drinks space and Katie has just been promoted to USA Director of Sales. In this episode we dig into the importance of team dynamics, company culture, and employee wellness initiatives in how to build a high functioning team that is over 60 people now! We delve into Tripp's expansion into the US market, tailoring and expanding their diverse product range, and the significance of resilience in sales. I loved this chat, and 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 Tripp and Its Founders 03:49: The Journey of Tripp: From Concept to Brand 06:23: Team Growth and Company Culture at Tripp 09:31: Expanding into the US Market 12:03: Education and Career Path of Katie Edmunds 14:30: Challenges and Resilience in Sales 17:23: Celebrating Wins and Learning from No's 25:16: Navigating the Early Days of Tripp 27:40: The Evolution of CBD and Consumer Education 29:57: Expanding Product Range and Meeting Consumer Needs 32:35: Employee Wellness and Company Culture 34:10: Advice for Newcomers in the Industry 37:42: Finding Balance and Enjoying the Journey