The Fearless Foodie Podcast

Welcome to Bethan’s Bite-Sized Bulletin - your quick-fire briefing on what’s happening across the food and drink industry. In under five minutes, journalist and Food Manufacture editor Bethan Grylls shares the latest headlines, trends and developments to keep you in the know.Explore more industry news at foodmanufacture.co.ukLinks and Resources:Website Link: https://fearlessfoodies.co.ukFB Link: https://www.facebook.com/thefearlessfoodiepodLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefearlessfoodiepodYou can follow us here on Instagram: @thefearlessfoodiepodFind Amy on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation.Microsearch Laboratories sponsors the Fearless Foodie Podcast https://micro-search.co.uk/

It’s a new beginning for the podcast. Amy jumps right in by addressing the elephant in the room: going solo after 208 episodes with Lucy. She reassures listeners that The Fearless Foodie Podcast is an evolution, not a departure—still focused on real experiences, honest answers, and practical help for everyone trying to thrive in the relentless (but brilliant) world of food and retail.Amy gets real about the tough parts of food industry life: the toxic patches, the wobbly moments, the burnout she once suffered, and the loneliness that can creep in. But she doesn’t stop at sharing her story—she’s here to use her hindsight for your benefit, so you don’t have to make all the same mistakes. Amy’s fearless approach isn’t about being shouty or never feeling scared; it’s about finding your own quiet confidence, putting up boundaries, and daring to say the hard truths kindly.Looking ahead, Amy highlights what’s coming: wider topics beyond just product development, with leadership tools, cross-functional advice, and guest experts including Bethan Grylls (with her Bite Sized Bulletin on industry news) and Danny Franklin (offering wisdom from a straight-talking commercial director). Expect candid chats on what “being authentic” really means (spoiler: it’s not about oversharing), the permission to ask for help, and balancing big careers with being human.Amy leaves you the listeners with three practical, feel-braver challenges to try in the week ahead. She encourages everyone to connect, speak up (even if your voice is shaking), and be part of a Fearless Foodies movement for change—one honest conversation at a time.Timestamps00:00 – Amy introduces the new solo direction, her mission for the podcast, and the values driving Fearless Foodie.03:05 – Reflections on burnout, vulnerability, and why she’s passionate about changing the industry culture.04:48 – Behind-the-scenes: guest announcement, fresh episode formats, and broadening the conversation beyond product development.07:36 – Debunking “fearlessness”—it’s not about being loud or perfect, but about resilience and doing it your way.10:06 – Amy’s personal experience with severe burnout, what it taught her, and how it motivates her coaching and podcasting.13:10 – Setting out the podcast’s goals: real talk, practical takeaways, and a safe community for food professionals.15:19 – Wrapping up with three bold challenges for listeners to try this week, and a call for feedback on what you want from coming episodes.Links and Resources:Website Link: https://fearlessfoodies.co.ukFB Link: https://www.facebook.com/thefearlessfoodiepodLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefearlessfoodiepodYou can follow us here on Instagram: @thefearlessfoodiepodFind Amy on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation.Microsearch Laboratories sponsor the Fearless Foodie Podcast https://micro-search.co.uk/KEYWORDS:Foodconsultant, foodindustrycoach, foodindustry

In this trailer for the Fearless Foodie podcast, Amy Wilkinson introduces listeners to the purpose and heart of the show. Designed for professionals in the fast-paced and sometimes chaotic world of food and retail, the podcast aims to help listeners thrive at work by developing real influence, building trust, and navigating tricky workplace dynamics. Amy shares a glimpse of upcoming topics—including managing up, leading without a title, and strengthening relationships with teams, suppliers, and customers. Expect honest conversations, relatable stories, and practical advice free of corporate jargon, all grounded in real-life experiences. Whether you're a leader or just starting out, Amy invites you to join the Fearless Foodie community, promising support, inspiration, and a bit of fun along the way.

On the last ever "Oh For Food’s Sake" episode, we open up about the process (and sometimes pain) of letting go—whether it’s stepping down from your own business, leaving a beloved job, or, in this case, moving on from a podcast that’s meant so much. We discuss how the show itself began out of Lucy’s journey with letting go of "Pudology," and how leaving isn’t as sudden as it looks from the outside. Both share the behind-the-scenes doubt, fear, and tough conversations that come before big leaps.Amy explains how leaving her corporate career was terrifying, but ultimately created space for greater creativity and meaning and Lucy gets honest about how hard it is to say goodbye to something that’s become part of her identity but knows it’s time to allow new projects (hello, YouTube!) to take root. We break down the stigma around the word "quitting," reframing it as evolving or moving forward—and offer straight-talking advice for anyone feeling stuck or afraid to step into the unknown.There’s practical wisdom here too: from reevaluating your routines and systems, to recognizing whether your fear is rational, to getting honest about what you’d do if you weren’t afraid of failure. Lucy and Amy are as supportive as ever, reminding all listeners that it’s okay to change, growth is messy, and sometimes the bravest thing you can do is create the space for something new. While "Oh For Food’s Sake" is ending, the journey isn’t: Amy will be back with a rebranded podcast, and Lucy is jumping into new content, so make sure you keep following their adventures!Timestamps 00:00:00 – Lucy and Amy welcome listeners and reflect on four years of podcasting together and the decision to end the podcast.00:02:14 – Discussing the challenge of letting go—why we stay stuck, fear of the unknown, and personal examples.00:03:30 – Behind-the-scenes of previous big life changes: stepping away from Pudology, corporate careers, and relationships.00:05:03 – Examining the negative connotations of "quitting" and why failure isn’t fatal.00:06:21 – The emotional experience of change—grieving, fear, and reframing for growth.00:07:44 – Celebrating continued friendship, personal growth, and being honest in pivoting.00:09:48 – Letting go of limiting thoughts and internal narratives, not just jobs and external situations.00:11:09 – Creating space—how making small changes enables bigger pivots.00:12:29 – Using self-awareness tools (like human design) to recognize if something is no longer serving you.00:14:33 – Looking back on tough decisions and only remembering the good, after growth.00:17:29 – Lucy and Amy reflect on what they gained by letting go, and the different types of change in life and business.00:19:37 – Identifying when you’re operating out of fear vs. intention. Practical ways to check in with yourself.00:20:52 – The regrets we don’t want to have and how to make bold decisions intentionally.00:22:21 – What’s next? Updates on Lucy’s YouTube channel and Amy’s rebranded podcast.00:24:51 – Thanking listeners, sharing the journey and what’s coming in their next chapters and an invitation to join the mailing list and connect for future news and resources.00:26:19 – Final sign-off.Links and Resources:Website Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/ohforfoodsakeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oh-for-food-s-sake/You can follow us here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oh_forfoodssake/For industry consulting from Lucy, connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.Find her on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation from Amy.Oh For Food's Sake is sponsored by Microsearch Laboratories https://micro-search.co.uk/ and Point 74 https://www.point74.co.uk/

Welcome to another episode packed with insights, laughter, and brutally honest takes on what it’s really like working behind the scenes of food innovation. Lucy starts us off by sharing why Stage Gate is close to her heart—yep, she’s our resident “systems geek”—and Amy jumps in to champion the power of people and soft skills. Together, we break down how Stage Gate is supposed to be a framework that supports swift, safe, and high-quality product launches, not just another dreaded hoop to jump through.We explore why most folks in the food biz end up learning systems by osmosis rather than by proper training, and how the lack of clear, regularly reviewed processes leads to unnecessary pressure, repetition, and confusion—especially when every team seems to be stashing their own spreadsheet empire. We spill the beans on how they’ve helped businesses map out what’s actually going on, often leaving people gobsmacked at the sheer complexity of bringing a product to shelf.The conversation doesn’t shy away from the frustrations: outdated tech (“We’re still using Excel from 1995, what’s that about?”), squeezed timelines, and the struggle to get leadership onboard with investing in proper product development systems. We put a spotlight on the importance of soft skills and why junior and seasoned team members alike need better training and support—not just chucked in to ‘figure it out’.Listener questions spark discussion about AI’s (potentially huge) role in freeing up time for the creative, human parts of innovation, and how vital it is to educate business leaders about making Stage Gate a business-wide priority, not just an NPD headache.In trademark Oh For Food’s Sake style, the episode concludes with a call to constantly review systems, embrace new tech with open arms, and invest in people—because systems are only as good as the folks using them.Timestamps00:00 – Why Stage Gate is vital in the food industry00:54 – What Stage Gate is (and isn’t)02:18 – Lucy’s journey with Stage Gate + early food industry experiences04:25 – Why people and systems must work together05:23 – What Stage Gate actually does & where it goes wrong07:27 – Product development as the “gatekeeper” role08:24 – It’s not just NPD’s job: Why Stage-Gate is a business process10:07 – The chaos of poor systems: too many spreadsheets11:23 – The industry’s slow adoption of technology12:45 – Workshop revelations: Realising the true complexity of launches14:25 – The knock-on effects of a broken process15:50 – What needs to change: Reviewing and modernising Stage-Gate17:23 – Making frameworks flexible and people-focused18:59 – Investing in soft skills and ongoing support19:28 – Embracing tech and AI as tools, not threats20:39 – Top takeaway: Systems + people = successful innovation21:30 – Audience questions: Leadership buy-in, off-the-shelf systems, AI worries24:54 – Training the next generation and the need for mentorship26:55 – Wrap up and calls to actionLinks and Resources:Website Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/ohforfoodsakeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oh-for-food-s-sake/You can follow us here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oh_forfoodssake/For industry consulting from Lucy, connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.Find her on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation from Amy.Oh For Food's Sake is sponsored by Microsearch Laboratories https://micro-search.co.uk/ and Point 74 https://www.point74.co.uk/See you next time!

This week, we peel back the layers on what running a genuinely heartful business looks like in food and retail.We welcome Andrew Thornton, legendary for shaking up the industry and for always bringing his signature purposeful approach to everything from the shop floor to the boardroom. Andrew tells the story of his journey from his first job in a Dublin newsagent—serving the iconic Fergal Quinn—to launching a consulting company and eventually taking on supermarket ownership in the heart of North London.We talk about Andrew’s midlife crisis (where instead of buying a Porsche, he bought two supermarkets!), the challenges and triumphs of making Thornton's Budgens a haven for people, planet, and innovation, and the world-first plastic free zones that changed the industry’s approach to plastics. Andrew unpacks how shifting focus away from short-term profits actually made good business sense, and why psychological safety and authenticity matter—as much in retail as in life.You’ll also hear why describing what people are doing well can make all the difference, what gratitude really looks like at work, and how slowing down at the start of a meeting can transform how people show up. Andrew even shares the story of the “giant tomato display”—a beautiful example of what happens when people are empowered to bring their full creative selves to work. We wrap up with a bold look at the big challenges facing the industry (hello, UPFs and microplastics), and why real innovation—driven by diverse voices and new tech—is our way forward. Oh, and we don’t shy away from the fun either, because if work isn’t enjoyable, what’s the point?Timestamps 00:00 From Dublin News Agent to Foodie05:22 Musgrave's Long-Term, Stakeholder-Focused Strategy09:21 Testing Reusable Packaging Initiative10:46 Team's Dedication Over Personal Glory15:59 Inflow Matrix Exercise for Success18:37 Purpose Over Profit23:36 Reducing Costs with Natural Sweetener25:52 Tech and AI Revolutionizing Food Industry29:14 Unconventional Meeting Approaches33:10 Encouraging Innovation Through Open Dialogue35:30 Gratitude vs Negativity Hardwiring37:59 Start Meetings with Positives41:40 "Essential Human Needs Reminder43:58 "Share and Review Episode"Links and Resources:Website Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/ohforfoodsakeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oh-for-food-s-sake/You can follow us here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oh_forfoodssake/For industry consulting from Lucy, connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.Find her on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation from Amy.Oh For Food's Sake is sponsored by Microsearch Laboratories https://micro-search.co.uk/ and Point 74 https://www.point74.co.uk/See you next time!

We kick off this episode by confronting a very familiar narrative: Why is everyone blaming Gen Z for “not wanting to work”? On Oh For Food’s Sake we refuse to let stereotypes go unchallenged. We ground the conversation in our blend of experience: decades in food manufacturing and retail, coaching, and plenty of mistake-covering confessions from the good old days. Together, we share what they see on the ground: Gen Z is anything but lazy; instead, they’re hungry (pun intended!) for jobs with purpose, value alignment, and workplaces that actually support their well-being.We hit on some key shifts: Gen Z isn’t learning everything by “osmosis” in the office, thanks to remote working and career launches during the pandemic. This means they need a different kind of support than “just get on with it”. Amy shares candid voice notes from a Gen Z herself—juggling a degree apprenticeship, a side business, and a big corporate job—showcasing the real drive behind the headlines.We share practical advice on bridging the generational gap and we don’t shy away from the frustrations but challenge leaders to stop “dinosaur-ing” and lean into more inclusive, empowering management.If you’re an older-gen listener struggling to engage with Gen Z, or a younger industry pro trying to get your managers on-side without feeling like a cliché, there’s something for you here. Timestamps00:00 Supporting Gen Z in Remote Work06:36 Gen Z: Bridging Generational Gaps07:21 Empowering Through Contextual Understanding11:48 Empowerment Through Structured Support18:32 Understanding Gen Z Motivation21:21 Regular Feedback & Nurturing Essential25:19 Fostering Mutual Understanding at Work27:40 Bridging Gen Z and ManagersLinks and Resources:Website Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/ohforfoodsakeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oh-for-food-s-sake/You can follow us here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oh_forfoodssake/For industry consulting from Lucy, connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.Find her on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation from Amy.Oh For Food's Sake is sponsored by Microsearch Laboratories https://micro-search.co.uk/ and Point 74 https://www.point74.co.uk/See you next time!  

Ever wondered what goes into growing a food brand from a tiny home kitchen to supermarket shelves across the nation? Ramona Hazan tells all—chickpeas in the living room, rolling suitcases packed with houmous through Soho, and years of “no’s” from major retailers. We discuss her unique approach to new product development (hint: feed your friends, watch what disappears first), her experience transitioning from the stability of wholesale to the daunting world of retail, and why perseverance trumps any “overnight success” narrative.Amy and Lucy reminisce about their days developing dips and marvel at just how tough it is for brands to break into own-label-heavy categories. Ramona discusses her rebrand from Me Too Foods to Ramona’s, the accidental timing with the #metoo movement, and the genius move of putting herself—and her story—front and center on every pot.This episode also shares some hard truths about starting a food business: the need for financial grit, a healthy disrespect for instant gratification, and constant, sometimes crazy, belief in what you’re doing. We also discuss launching new products (think tzatziki, kalamata olive houmous, and even tikka masala options) and why product quality and loyalty matter most.We get straight into gender, self-belief, and leading with authenticity—why women need to stop waiting for permission and instead “just get the job done.” Ramona’s take on handling setbacks, balancing family and work, and empowering the next generation is refreshing and motivating. Expect honest advice, warmth, and plenty of those moments that make you feel, “Oh, for food’s sake—I’m not alone in this.”Timestamps0:01:55 Ramona’s Backstory: From Engineer to Food Entrepreneur 00:03:31 Early Days: Making houmous at Home, First Sales 00:04:39 Growth Steps: Moving to Small Units, Expanding Production00:07:10 Brand Evolution: Me Too Foods to Ramona’s Rebrand00:08:37 Breaking into Retail00:11:14 The Challenges of Building a Brand & Customer Loyalty00:13:19 Personal Resilience: How to Keep Going Despite Setbacks00:16:35 Factory Culture: Quality, Teamwork, and “Love” in Production00:20:17 New Product Launches: Ramona’s Latest Dips00:23:04 The Lows: Product Flops and Facing Failure00:25:28 Profitability and Practical Advice for Food Startups00:27:24 Women in Food: Mindset, Leadership, and Self-Belief00:32:13 Balancing Work, Parenting, and Business Realities00:37:18 Where to buy Ramona’s products and how customers can connect directly.00:38:37 Wrap Up and OutroLinks and Resources:Website Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/ohforfoodsakeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oh-for-food-s-sake/You can follow us here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oh_forfoodssake/For industry consulting from Lucy, connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.Find her on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation from Amy.Oh For Food's Sake is sponsored by Microsearch Laboratories https://micro-search.co.uk/ and Point 74 https://www.point74.co.uk/See you next time!

We kick off by acknowledging what so many of us feel: sometimes, your career just needs a shakeup. Lucy and Amy talk candidly about hearing from food industry professionals who want to move into different functions—especially product development—but feel unsure how to leap. Amy’s career story smashes the myth that jumping from function to function is a weakness. Quite the opposite—it brings unique perspectives and resilience that many employers are desperate to find (even if they don’t always know how to spot it).Our chat covers identifying what lights you up at work, the value of speaking with people in roles you’re interested in, and why your skills are probably far more transferable than you think. We also get honest about “the fear”—imposter syndrome, self-doubt, age (“I’m too young/too old!”), or feeling stuck at any stage. We share tips for mapping your strengths against new job specs and building the confidence to sell those skills, even when you feel out of your depth.We also talk about the importance of leveraging your network, seeking mentors and advocates, and finding small ways to get “on the radar” for future opportunities. If you’re thinking, “it’s a risk to change roles,” we reframe that—sometimes the best talent is found off the beaten path.For those worried about skills gaps, we discuss practical ways to start bridging them (think LinkedIn Learning, shadowing colleagues, short courses, or our own MPD Fundamentals programme!) without getting lost in endless qualifications. Above all, we emphasise that feeling bored or burnt out isn’t a life sentence: you CAN pivot your career, reignite your spark, and thrive in the food industry—whatever your starting point.Timestamps00:12 – Introduction and purpose of the episode01:25 – Why people want to change job functions02:13 – Amy’s (very non-linear) career path04:19 – Common reasons for pivoting: boredom, burnout, new life stages07:28 – Discovering what lights you up at work08:49 – The importance of networking and “day in the life” insight11:54 – Negotiation skills (and the secret everyone negotiates)13:13 – Recognising your own strengths and being brave14:11 – Mindset: sometimes you need to “feel the fear and do it anyway”16:24 – Overcoming internal and external barriers to changing roles18:20 – Getting the right support: mentors, coaches, advocates21:00 – It’s never too late (or too early!) for a career change21:46 – Outro and listener invitationLinks and Resources:Website Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/ohforfoodsakeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oh-for-food-s-sake/You can follow us here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oh_forfoodssake/For industry consulting from Lucy, connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.Find her on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation from Amy.Oh For Food's Sake is sponsored by Microsearch Laboratories https://micro-search.co.uk/ and Point 74 https://www.point74.co.uk/See you next time!

This week, we unwrap our thoughts on the rapid rise of GLP-1 drugs and the ripple effect they’re having on the food industry. As these medications suppress appetite and cut down on the relentless mental chatter many people feel about food, what happens to the classic patterns of eating—and, by extension, to the businesses that rely on them?Lucy shares personal anecdotes about the sensory and habitual aspects of eating, above and beyond simple hunger. At the same time, Amy draws parallels to the emotional journey faced by those who’ve had gastric surgery. Together, we highlight why this drug-fuelled drop in cravings—especially for calorie-dense snacks—will likely prompt fast and creative adaptation by manufacturers, retailers, and restaurants.The episode also examines the ethical nuance: GLP-1 drugs are readily accessible to those who can afford them, but is this tech-driven appetite control just the next “celebrity fad” or a real tool for public health? And what about unintended consequences, like fibre-deficient diets or rising consumer inequalities?We also talk practicalities for food developers: it’s time to rethink portion control, boost fibre, and perhaps get creative with “healthier treats.” We round things off by reminding us that food isn’t just fuel—it’s social, emotional, and deeply human. Whether you’re ready or not, the intersection of pharma and food is here, and this episode helps you get a grip on what’s coming next.Timestamps: 00:01:15: GLP1 Drugs and the Food Industry00:01:30How GLP1 Drugs Work00:03:59 Appetite, Food Noise & The Human Side00:06:53 Broader Societal Implications00:09:56 Demographics & Accessibility00:13:32 What Does It Mean for Food Businesses?00:17:01 Product Innovation & The Future of Treats00:21:48 Wrapping Up & Call to ActionLinks and Resources:Website Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/ohforfoodsakeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oh-for-food-s-sake/You can follow us here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oh_forfoodssake/For industry consulting from Lucy, connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.Find her on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation from Amy.Oh For Food's Sake is sponsored by Microsearch Laboratories https://micro-search.co.uk/ and Point 74 https://www.point74.co.uk/See you next time!

In this episode Lucy reveals how her 21 years in the food industry have shaped her approach to consultancy. She shares her passion for the process side of product development, highlighting how her expertise in stage gate processes and stakeholder engagement distinguishes her consultancy services from others. Throughout the episode, we discuss the key differences between interim roles and consultancy, emphasising the creative liberties and strategic advantages consultancy offers.A key theme is identifying and addressing business problems rather than rushing to implement presumed solutions.Both hosts stress the value of consultants in providing a broader market perspective, connecting networks, and introducing best practices to optimise product development and launches and Lucy’s stories and advice offer business owners and aspiring consultants a practical guide to navigating the dynamic food industry.Timestamps00:00:00 - Transition into consultancy and its perks00:01:27 - Understanding the role of a product development consultant00:02:52 - The varied nature of consultancy work00:05:11 - Lucy’s passion for the process side of product development00:09:07 - Day-to-day examples of consultancy work00:14:31 - Differences between interims and consultants00:18:17 - What businesses should consider when hiring a consultant00:21:32 - Challenges and rewards of being a consultant00:24:06 - Building and utilising your networkLinks and Resources:Website Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/ohforfoodsakeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oh-for-food-s-sake/You can follow us here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oh_forfoodssake/For industry consulting from Lucy, connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.Find her on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation from Amy.Oh For Food's Sake is sponsored by Microsearch Laboratories https://micro-search.co.uk/ and Point 74 https://www.point74.co.uk/See you next time!

This episode isn’t just a look back—it’s an acknowledgement of the growth, grit, and guts it takes to show up week after week, and voice the truths of working in the food industry. We start by revisiting how Oh For Food’s Sake came to life, born out of a lockdown networking call and a shared desire to make sense of their own journeys in the industry. We recount the clueless early days, the process of finding their voices, and the systems (and occasional bloopers) that kept them going.The conversation gets real about consistency, the joy of connection, and why talking out loud about the hard stuff makes such a difference—both for themselves and their listeners. We dig into the episodes that mattered most to them—like their miniseries on neurodiversity—and reflect on how sharing their struggles with burnout, resilience, and failure opened up powerful conversations. We don’t shy away from the ugly bits, from tech struggles to self-doubt, but underline how these real-life hurdles strengthened their friendship and resolve.The episode also features a big reveal: Lucy shares her decision to step away from the podcast, a choice informed by her own need to focus on wellbeing, family, and reigniting her creativity in other ways. The conversation around this change is deeply honest, showing both the difficulty in letting go and the importance of living what you preach—making brave decisions for your happiness. Amy shares her excitement (and nerves) about what’s next for the podcast, alongside heartfelt appreciation for the journey so far.Links and Resources:Website Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/ohforfoodsakeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oh-for-food-s-sake/You can follow us here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oh_forfoodssake/For industry consulting from Lucy, connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.Find her on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation from Amy.Oh For Food's Sake is sponsored by Microsearch Laboratories https://micro-search.co.uk/ and Point 74 https://www.point74.co.uk/See you next time!

In this episode, we focus on a critical aspect of career development—owning your own growth. We begin by highlighting the necessity of taking personal responsibility for professional development. Reflecting on our experiences, we stress that waiting for employers to offer training opportunities can hold you back. Instead, we urge listeners to look beyond current roles and consider the long-term skills and knowledge required in an evolving food industry.We explore the idea that personal development isn't just about career advancement but also about enriching your entire life. We share inspiring stories of individuals who found personal passion projects that sparked professional growth, illustrating that career advancement can be achieved through unconventional pathways.We discuss how to manage time effectively for personal development amidst busy schedules. We emphasize scheduling time for learning and leveraging available resources, such as online courses, podcasts, and industry events, which often come at no cost. We also discuss the role of mentors and networking in paving new ground in career journeys.A unique segment of the episode tackles the emotional side of professional growth, reminding listeners that nobody is coming to rescue them—success is about creating one's opportunities. We conclude with encouraging words to embrace self-investment and the profound effects it can have on propelling careers forward.Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction and the episode's focus on owning growth [00:01:13] Reflection on personal development in different work environments [00:01:44] Proactive career ownership and frustration with waiting for employers [00:04:33] Realities of the changing food industry landscape and future proofing skills [00:06:02] Importance of carving out time for personal growth [00:07:17] Personal development's impact beyond career into life and family [00:16:15] Encouragement to embrace personal passions for professional upliftment [00:20:52] Practical steps to take charge of personal development [00:22:33] Closing thoughts on self-investment and career acceleration Links and Resources:https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/2023/10/26/self-coaching-for-career-success-affordable-strategies-to-thrive/https://foodies.fearlessfoodies.co.uk/pdpWebsite Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/ohforfoodsakeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oh-for-food-s-sake/You can follow us here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oh_forfoodssake/For industry consulting from Lucy, connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.Find her on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation from Amy.Oh For Food's Sake is sponsored by Microsearch Laboratories https://micro-search.co.uk/ and Point 74 https://www.point74.co.uk/See you next time!

In today's episode, we encourage food industry professionals to rethink their approach to LinkedIn. We acknowledge the reluctance many feel towards posting and engaging on the platform, aiming to dispel these fears. Lucy shares how she began using LinkedIn during her time in recruitment and how it has been pivotal for her business ventures. Amy discusses the importance of nurturing your LinkedIn presence, even when you're not actively searching for a new job. LinkedIn is a vital networking tool that enables you to stay informed about industry trends, regulations, and product launches. Amy also offers detailed advice on enhancing your LinkedIn profile to make it stand out, including the use of approachable and genuine language and Lucy shares Gary Vaynerchuk's $1.80 strategy for engaging meaningfully with industry content. We conclude by challenging listeners to take actionable steps towards building their LinkedIn presence by engaging more, sharing posts, and expanding their network connections.Timestamps 0:00:00 – Introduction and the quick mention of LinkedIn's benefits0:01:36 – Discussion on how LinkedIn is more than just for job searching 0:02:18 – Personal experiences with LinkedIn 0:03:52 – Insight into the underutilisation of posting on LinkedIn0:05:25 – The importance of personal branding and interaction on LinkedIn0:06:15 – Utilising LinkedIn as a beneficial time investment 0:07:09 – Tackling fears of posting and the power of just starting 0:08:26 – Strategic commenting on posts to build visibility 0:09:49 – How to make your LinkedIn profile stand out0:14:25 – Inspired tips for engaging content creation0:17:17 – Exploring different post ideas and behind-the-scenes content 0:18:51 – Recognising personal achievements and lessons on LinkedIn 0:21:40 – Strategic networking and nurturing relationships on LinkedIn0:27:18 – Encouraging listeners to challenge themselves on LinkedInLinks and Resources:Website Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/ohforfoodsakeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oh-for-food-s-sake/You can follow us here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oh_forfoodssake/For industry consulting from Lucy, connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.Find her on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation from Amy.Oh For Food's Sake is sponsored by Microsearch Laboratories https://micro-search.co.uk/ and Point 74 https://www.point74.co.uk/See you next time!

Healthy and sustainable product development is more challenging than ever, and in this episode, we break down the complexities faced by food professionals today. We begin by noting the fluctuating definitions of "health" and how these affect consumer expectations and product development. As we highlight, developing products that not only meet these expectations but also taste good is no easy feat.The conversation delves into a recent poll conducted by Lucy, revealing taste and consumer acceptance as top concerns, closely followed by ingredient costs—underscoring the intricate balance of consumer demands and financial pressures developers face. Lucy discusses historical shifts, like gradual salt reductions, to illustrate how consumer palates can be adjusted over time.We also explore the regulatory landscape and its minimal impact on current product innovation, while Lucy introduces the role of AI and advanced technologies in optimising product formulations and extending shelf life. For developers in the field, they're encouraged to push boundaries with new ingredients, expand supplier relationships, and embrace collaborative industry efforts to drive health-focused innovations forward.Timestamps:[00:00:00] Introduction and Episode Overview [00:01:14] Challenges in Developing Healthy Products [00:03:20] Consumer Perception and Product Acceptance [00:05:20] Poll Insights on Product Development Barriers [00:07:35] Importance of Ingredient Innovation [00:08:04] Role of Regulations in Product Development [00:09:38] Taste vs. Health - Consumer Challenges [00:17:19] Navigating Commercial Realities [00:22:17] Future Technological Advancements [00:26:22] Tips for Product Developers [00:28:23] Closing Thoughts and Sign Off Links and Resources:Website Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/ohforfoodsakeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oh-for-food-s-sake/You can follow us here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oh_forfoodssake/For industry consulting from Lucy, connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.Find her on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation from Amy.Oh For Food's Sake is sponsored by Microsearch Laboratories https://micro-search.co.uk/ and Point 74 https://www.point74.co.uk/See you next time!