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The Unfounders

The Unfounders
Author: Mitch Lee
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Closing the door on my startup opened the door to more opportunities than I could have imagined. I’m proud to be an Unfounder, helping startups grow from day one. I’ve been both founder and Unfounder and now I want to share the stories no one hears; applauding the day one drivers behind brands.
You don’t have to start the brand to be the reason it made it. Forget founder fairy tales. We’re here for the Unfounders. Real talk from the people who took the leap (and what they ’d tell you before you do).
61 Episodes
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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
This episode is a fantastic conversation digging into the real, honest and unfiltered ways of raising, saving and spending money in business - Where the hell does all the money go?
Recorded live at Bread & Jam (Thanks to Aztec) this panel was with:
🌾 Thiviyan Umapathysarma - Oat Avenue
🍫 Charlotte Miller - Caroboo
🍺 Jacob Liddle - Jiddler's Tipple
Sharing the lessons and learnings along the way about ways to save, and to waste money!
I’d love to hear what you think of this one - personally I LOVED it!
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: Outsourcing Production and Cost Efficiency
01:27: Founders' Journeys: Capital and Growth
01:55: Milestones and Key Achievements
05:12: Financial Lessons: Spending Wisely
09:09: Navigating Challenges and Mistakes
12:30: Effective Marketing Strategies
16:00: Understanding Margins and Pricing
19:33: Hiring Smart: Building the Right Team
22:56: Investor Relationships and Transparency
26:14: Cash Flow Management and Resourcefulness
Today's guest is a marketing legend - Rory McEntee
Rory is now the Chief Marketing (/Mischief) Officer at GymNation - a mega gym taking over the UAE with their huge well equipped offering.
He's already causing a stir with 'The Coolest Class in Dubai' and other fantastic initiatives, but I wanted to dig into his background, and what it's like moving to Dubai whilst raising a young family.
So that's exactly what we did!
Rory reflects on his experiences at GymBox, Paddy Power, Pizza Express and more - discussing how finding the right people and teams to let you have freedom of creativity can lead to some amazing PR campaigns and brand awareness.
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
This episode is a raw & honest look at what it takes to build, and then exit your business.
Recorded live at Bread & Jam (Thanks to Aztec) this panel was with:
🐣 Anna Richey - Two Chicks
🍲 John B Stapleton - Ex New Covent Garden Soup Co / Little Dish
👨⚖️ Phil Hails-Smith - Joelson | B Corp
Sharing the highs, lows, ins and outs of building and finally existing a brand.
I’d love to hear what you think of this one - personally I LOVED it!
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: Panel Introductions and Backgrounds
01:14: Understanding Exit Strategies
01:53: The Journey to Exit: Anna's Experience
02:18: New Chapter
02:47: Timing Your Exit
05:33: Key Metrics for Successful Exits
08:59: Lessons Learned from the Exit Process
11:29: The Importance of Brand Differentiation
14:30: Advice for Future Exits
18:55: Post-Exit Involvement and Future Plans
23:04: Challenges and Watch Outs in Exiting
26:57: Audience Q&A: Insights and Advice
In this episode, I talk all thing operations with Phil Peters - Director of Supply Chain Services at YF.
YF are a consultancy designed to help innovative, high-growth consumer businesses achieve mainstream scale. They provide advice and a wide range of services to retailers, investors and the brands themselves - one of which includes operations, and that's where Phil comes in!
He shares insights from his early career, key lessons learned, and the significance of cash management in business. Phil emphasises the complexities of operations and supply chain - and is on a mission to celebrate these unsung heroes with OpsFest - running for the second time this year!
I loved this chat - without Operations there is no business! 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
License code: QWUZIDMAML7QE7ZI
Chapters:
00:00: Introduction to Phil and YF Consultancy
03:38: The Launch of Opsfest: A New Era for Operations
08:16: Phil's Journey: From Philosophy to Operations
17:44: Challenges in the Food Delivery Industry
22:03: Mental Health and Burnout in Operations
27:09: The Importance of Relationships and Flexibility
35:14: Operational Support for Brands
40:22: Connecting with YF and Future Opportunities
Today I have the honour and privilege of sitting down to talk with Laura Mimoun - Chief Marketing Officer at The Fulham Shore, looking after both The Real Greek and Franco Manca.
Laura's background is fantastic, having worked at Mondalez and PepsiCo, looking after brands such as Mini Eggs, Creme Egg, Green and Blacks and so many more.
Laura also had experience of being an entrepreneur herself, with the amazing Kaleido Salad Roll business.
And then taking the step back into employment for where she is today.
It's a brilliant story and SO much to gain from this - I really hope you enjoy it.
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
License code: QWUZIDMAML7QE7ZI
Chapters
00:00: Introduction to The Unfounders Podcast
04:04: Revamping The Real Greek: A Culinary Journey
09:09: Balancing Two Brands: Franco Manca and The Real Greek
14:34: Laura's Career Journey: From Corporate to Entrepreneur
19:40: The Challenges of Running Kaleido and Moving On
26:18: Returning to Corporate Life
32:12: Exciting New Launches and Promotions
Today's guest is the brilliant Shane Stewart - Brand Director at XOXO Soda.
XOXO are a stunning prebiotic soda brand taking over Europe and The UK - and Shane is taking the helm leading all things brand.
I loved digging into his background and past journey, working at brands like Northern Bloc ice cream and Moju.
Shane also shares the work he's doing to remove stigma around grief, with his inclusive running club Step by Steppers that he created after sadly losing his father.
Shane is an absolute legend, and I really hope you enjoy this episode!
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
License code: QWUZIDMAML7QE7ZI
Chapters
00:00: Introduction to XOXO Soda and Shane's Role
06:49: Consumer Trends and the Rise of Functional Beverages
11:38: Creating Moments of Joy with XOXO Soda
18:30: Balancing Work and Personal Life
25:15: Shane's Career Journey and Lessons Learned
30:31: Learning from Experience and Consumer Engagement
37:28: Overcoming Obstacles in Events and Operations
48:06: Turning Personal Loss into Positive Action
In this conversation, Will Orchard, the sales lead at Shandy Shack, shares insights into the unique offerings of the brand, which specialises in low-alcohol craft beer shandies.
He discusses the journey of Shandy Shack, its collaborations, customer demographics, and the challenges faced during rapid growth and acquisition.
Will also reflects on his unconventional career path, lessons learned from his time in the army, and the importance of maintaining brand identity post-acquisition.
The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of the drinks industry and the significance of moderation in drinking culture.
Check out Will's side project The Observational Buffet here
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
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Shandy Shack and Will's Role
06:04 Distribution and Collaborations
11:39 Will's Journey to Shandy Shack
16:58 Growth and Evolution of Shandy Shack
23:36 Building a Collaborative Team Culture
30:12 Transitioning to a Larger Organisation
36:32 Learning from Mistakes in Scaling
Today's guest is the wonderful Katie Arabella Ward - Senior National Account Manager at Pimentae
Pimentae make delicious Margaritas - Spicy, Tommy, Cucumber and my favourite - Grapefruit, which was also just named the best canned margarita by BBC Good Food
Katie swapped a career in beer into the world of tequila and I loved digging into all things drinks, managing customers and activations - and what they're doing as a brand to make noise.
I loved this chat - and hope you do 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
In this weeks episode, I chat to Emily Churchill - Head of Marketing at Nice Wine.
She shares insights into the brand's innovative approach to the wine industry.
We discuss the company's mission to make wine more approachable and fun, the strategic positioning that has led to its widespread acceptance, and the creative marketing campaigns that have captured consumer attention.
Emily also reflects on her career journey, the importance of company culture, and the lessons learned from both successes and failures in marketing.
The discussion once again emphasises the significance of community, creativity, and adaptability in the fast-paced FMCG sector.
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
Today's guest is the fantastic Katie Jewett, Chief Operating Officer at Momo Kombucha.
Katie shares insights into the journey of Momo, a brand known for its high-quality, authentic kombucha.
We discuss the challenges of scaling a business, innovative collaborations, and the importance of maintaining product quality amongst rapid growth.
Katie also reflects on her career path, team dynamics, and the supportive culture within startups.
I loved the emphasis throughout on the significance of curiosity and community - and hope you do 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
Chapters
00:00: Katie's Role at Momo Kombucha
03:36: Momo's Growth and Scaling Challenges
06:42: Collaboration with Tate and Unique Offerings
08:38: Momo's Market Position and Authenticity
11:20: Retail Partnerships and Seasonal Flavors
13:01: Katie's Career Journey and Insights
15:45: Building a Diverse Skill Set
18:32: Navigating Growth and Challenges
21:01: The Importance of Clarity in Communication
22:58: Fostering Team Culture and Bonding
25:33: Curiosity and Continuous Growth
28:46: Overcoming Operational Challenges
31:37: Exciting Future Plans for Momo
33:57: The Power of Community in Startups
36:14: Advice for Aspiring FMCG Professionals
Today's guest Rudi McGuinness is one of the most passionate, energetic and engaging young people I've ever spoken to.
Rudi is Head of Partnerships at Dig In, a company who provide boxes of essential items for students on their first day of university, and how this create meaningful connections between brands and young consumers in a time they are most receptive.
We touch on her vibrant journey from Spain to the UK, her experiences in hospitality, and her passion for engaging with Gen Z through innovative marketing strategies.
We also discuss the challenges of outreach in the marketing world, the cultural differences between Spain and the UK, and the importance of positivity in the workplace.
Rudi's diverse career path and her commitment to building community shine through in this engaging conversation - you're going to love it (and her!)
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.
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
Chapters:
00:00: Understanding Diggin: The Concept and Its Impact
05:27: Rudy's Journey to Diggin: Personal Connection and Experience
09:48: Engagement Strategies: How Brands Connect with Gen Z
12:39: Challenges in Brand Outreach: The Ghosting Phenomenon
18:19: The Importance of Communication in Sales
20:33: Hospitality Experience: A Foundation for Sales Skills
21:54: Career Journey: From Hospitality to Insurance
26:52: Cultural Contrasts: Spain vs. London
36:09: Challenges in Business: Overcoming Obstacles
43:00: Connecting with the Community and Future Aspirations