Join us on Oh for Food’s Sake this week as Amy welcomes Cameron Rigg, the Lead Product Developer at Tesco and Co-founder of Flourish in Food Mentoring.

We start with Cameron reminiscing about his early love for food and nutrition, ignited by his grandmother's baking and a remarkably supportive food technology teacher.

Cameron walks us through his career trajectory, from a placement year at Pizza Hut, a significant stint at Co-op where he transitioned from development to buying, and finally his current role at Tesco.

He opens up about his challenges, like the difficult decision to move back north and the hurdles of taking on a buying role during economically tumultuous times.

A key highlight of the episode is Cameron sharing how he balances his professional life while managing a substantial commute. He emphasises the importance of time management, setting boundaries, and prioritising personal well-being, offering actionable tips for anyone feeling the strain of their work schedule.

Cameron also elaborates on the origins and objectives of the Flourish in Food Mentoring scheme. Born out of a desire to support students affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Flourish is an initiative that pairs industry professionals with mentees, helping to nurture the next generation of food industry talent..

Cameron also gives us his perspective on the evolving work culture of Gen Z and Alphas, who are changing the game with their fresh take on work-life balance

Whether you’re looking to grow your own career, give back through mentoring, or just hear an inspiring story about thriving in the food retail industry, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice.

Timestamps

0:00 – Introduction, Lucy’s Absence, and Welcoming Cameron Rigg

2:46 – Cameron’s Early Interest in Food and Influential Mentorship

5:40 – Sheffield Hallam University Experience and Placement at Pizza Hut

10:26 – Transition to Co-op and Career Growth

15:50 – The Move to Buying During Economic Challenges

18:50 – Returning to Development at Tesco

20:26 – Balancing a Challenging Commute & Work-Life Balance

25:00 – Flourish in Food Mentoring Scheme: Origins and Impact

30:50 – Generational Differences in Work Approaches

39:07 – Responsibility and Rewards of Working in Food Retail

45:02 – Effective Time Management and Avoiding Burnout

52:10 – Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

Links and Resources:

Website Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/

FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/ohforfoodsake

LinkedIn: 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/

See you next time!

In this episode we both highlight the growing importance of AI in everyone’s daily routines, noting how it can save hours of work, particularly for freelancers and small business owners who manage multiple roles.

We emphasise that while AI tools like ChatGPT are incredibly useful, it's crucial to understand their limitations and ensure the final output aligns with your own professional expertise.

Our conversation then shifts to specific examples of how we use ChatGPT daily—from crafting assertive emails and generating presentation outlines to analysing data and planning LinkedIn posts.

We also discuss the benefits of AI in relieving mental load, especially for tasks that are time-consuming or creatively demanding.

However, we caution listeners against blindly trusting AI outputs, stressing the importance of fact-checking and personalisation.

Amy shares her experience of using Otter AI for real-time transcription of meetings and events, including a humorous account of using it during her child's parents’ evening.

We wrap up by encouraging listeners to experiment with AI tools, share their experiences, and think of AI as a helpful friend rather than a replacement for their professional skills.

Timestamps

[00:00:00] Lucy’s experience with ChatGPT for translating PDFs

[00:01:02] Introduction: Embracing AI in everyday life

[00:02:28] Risks and limitations of AI in larger businesses

[00:03:39] ChatGPT: What it is and how it works

[00:07:25] Practical uses of AI: Writing emails and presentations

[00:14:48] Data analysis and meal planning using AI

[00:22:07] Encouraging AI experimentation and real-life examples

[00:26:56] Summary and closing remarks

Links and Resources:

Website Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/

FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/ohforfoodsake

LinkedIn: 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/

See you next time!

Today on "Oh For Food's Sake," we welcome Nicky Foster to explore the complexities of confidence and leadership challenges in the food industry.

Confidence, often hampered by imposter syndrome and self-doubt, can be nurtured through small, consistent actions that build competence and self-belief. Our discussion highlights the impact of gender socialisation, where societal expectations differ for girls and boys, often creating a bias when women appear more confident and assertive.

Nicky shares her experiences from her retail career, including the trials of advocating for flexible working as a new parent and the profound personal growth following redundancy. She uses powerful analogies to illustrate her goal of helping women achieve success more easily. Nicky emphasises authenticity in leadership, challenging the outdated notion that women must emulate male behaviours to succeed.

We also tackle the topic of maternity leave, discussing the loss of confidence, the physical and mental toll of childbirth, and the importance of recovery and support systems. Nicky and Amy stress the need for women to lean into their true selves, to set boundaries, and to ask for help — especially crucial when returning to work after maternity leave.

The conversation highlights the value of women supporting women, sharing successes and challenges, and fostering a strong, supportive network.

Nicky ends the discussion by introducing her new program aimed at building clarity, confidence, and community among women leaders, Fearless Women: Empowered to Rise.

The Fearless Women’s Programme is a comprehensive journey designed to tackle the unique challenges women face in professional roles.

Do you find yourself holding back in meetings? Struggling to build your network? Or feeling like you have to prove yourself twice as hard to be taken seriously?

You’re not alone, and this programme is here to change that.

Whether you’re battling self-doubt, feeling stuck, or just searching for a clearer sense of direction, this programme will guide you to unlock the confidence, clarity, and connections you need to move forward.

You can join the waiting list for this programme and register for a live webinar on the 24th January by clicking on the links in the Links & Resources section.

Timestamps

[00:02:30] Introduction to Nicky Foster and her journey in the food retail industry.

[00:05:15] The recurring challenge of confidence and imposter syndrome.

[00:08:40] Gender socialisation and societal pressure on women.

[00:12:10] Nicky’s personal career stories and lessons learned.

[00:18:00] The importance of authenticity in leadership.

[00:21:45] Challenges faced by women returning from maternity leave.

[00:25:30] The significance of a supportive network and women’s tribes.

[00:29:50] Building confidence through actionable steps and self-reflection.

[00:34:00] Introduction to Nicky's new confidence-building program.

[00:38:15] Upcoming events and closing thoughts.

Links and Resources:

Website Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/

FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/ohforfoodsake

LinkedIn: 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.

Fearless Women Programme Wait List https://foodies.fearlessfoodies.co.uk/fearlesswomen

Fearless Women Webinar Registration https://foodies.fearlessfoodies.co.uk/webinar

Oh For Food's Sake is sponsored by Microsearch Laboratories: https://micro-search.co.uk/

See you next time!

We kick off the episode by dissecting the nuanced differences between coaching and mentoring. We explain that while coaches help individuals draw their own conclusions, mentors offer the benefit of their hindsight and experience.

Drawing from our year-long journeys with Flourish in Food mentoring scheme, both hosts share personal anecdotes about the monumental shifts in their careers over the past year.

Lucy opens up about her hesitations around seeking a mentor despite feeling the need for one, and how partnering with Flourish in Food opened the door to a transformative mentoring relationship with Charles Banks. She recounts how this relationship has empowered her to realign her business and personal goals confidently.

Amy mirrors these sentiments but, in her journey, her mentor Debbie Davies has been instrumental in helping her expand her consultancy without losing her personal touch.

We also explore the best practices for a fruitful mentoring relationship, touching on the importance of clear roles, setting expectations, maintaining momentum, and checking in on the relationship’s progression.

We also differentiate between mentors, sponsors, and allies, underscoring the significance of each role and we encourage listeners to reflect on their own networks and suggest practical ways to cultivate and maintain these relationships.

Timestamps

[00:00:00] - Amy clarifies the difference between coaching and mentoring.

[00:00:15] - Lucy and Amy introduce the episode’s focus on mentors, advocates, and allies.

[00:01:30] - Amy and Lucy reflect on their experiences with the Flourishing Food mentoring scheme.

[00:03:09] - Lucy shares how her mentoring relationship helped her rebrand and find direction in her business.

[00:07:01] - Amy explains the importance of structure in mentoring meetings and how to get the most out of them.

[00:07:58] - Amy shares her experience with her mentor, Debbie Davies.

[00:11:28] - Differences between coaching and mentoring.

[00:18:38] - Importance of sponsors and advocates and how to find them.

Links and Resources:

Website Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/

FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/ohforfoodsake

LinkedIn: 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/

See you next time!

Susan begins by sharing her the challenges she experienced with engaging in IFST as a student and early career professional engaging in IFST, which stemmed from geographical and time-related issues. Things took a turn when she transitioned into freelance consultancy, a shift that allowed her to get more deeply involved. Starting with the Midlands branch, she eventually took the lead in establishing the IFST Food Innovation Special Interest Group during the pandemic. This group created a much-needed space for product developers to collaborate, share ideas, and find support during a difficult time.

The conversation moves to the launch of the Innovation Toolkit in 2023.

Designed for product developers, this resource is a treasure trove of practical tools, including creative ideation methods, innovation processes, project management strategies, and trend analysis. It’s clear from Susan’s description that the toolkit is a must-have for anyone in product development, whether they’re new to the industry or seasoned professionals.

Susan also highlights the importance of bridging academia with real-world industry experience. She believes that combining theory with hands-on learning makes education more impactful and engaging, bringing lectures to life in a way that resonates with learners.

As the discussion continues, Susan reflects on the value of IFST as a professional network, particularly for freelancers and consultants who often feel isolated in their work. She emphasises the importance of staying connected to a community that supports growth, offers learning opportunities, and encourages collaboration.

We also dive into Susan’s career journey, including her pivot from working with branded goods to focusing on ingredient innovation. She shares insights into risk management and the need for flexibility in product development processes. Susan encourages food professionals to revisit the basics, like the NPD Fundamentals course, which she sees as beneficial for anyone looking to stay current and enhance their understanding of industry practices.

The episode concludes with Susan and the hosts encouraging listeners to explore IFST’s resources, including the Innovation Toolkit, which will soon be integrated with the NPD Fundamentals course for even greater value.

Timestamps

• [0:00] - Introduction
• [2:30] - Susan’s early challenges with IFST
• [8:45] - Founding the Innovation Group during the pandemic
• [11:20] - Innovation Toolkit launch in 2023
• [15:35] - Bridging academic and industry experience
• [19:10] - Why IFST is a lifeline for food professionals
• [30:12] - Transitioning from branded businesses to ingredients
• [33:45] - Revisiting fundamentals and staying flexible
• [40:15] - Encouragement to explore IFST resources

Links and Resources:

Website Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/

FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/ohforfoodsake

LinkedIn: 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: https://micro-search.co.uk/

See you next time!

Lucy welcomes listeners to the first episode of 2025, acknowledging the unique pressures and chaos that food industry professionals face in January.

Together, Amy and Lucy share four practical strategies to help listeners prioritise their work, set boundaries, plan recovery time, and maintain connections with their support network.

Throughout the episode, they touch on personal anecdotes and practical examples, making the advice relatable and easy to implement.

We emphasise the importance of ruthless prioritisation, setting clear and communicable boundaries, planning both short micro breaks and longer recovery times, and staying connected with friends and mentors in the industry.

Lastly, we encourage listeners to decide on one actionable step from their tips and implement it to improve their work life.

Timestamps

00:00:16 - Lucy welcomes listeners and introduces the episode's focus on strategies for a busy January.

00:01:34 - Discussion on the post-launch review stage and the typical January busyness in the food industry.

00:02:59 - Tip #1: Prioritise ruthlessly. 00:04:20 - Tip #2: Setting boundaries and communicating them.

00:07:11 - Sponsor Break: Microsearch Laboratories.

00:07:51 - Continuation of Tip #2.

00:09:49 - Tip #3: Planning recovery time and small rewards.

00:10:38 - Discussion on the importance of finding micro breaks.

00:15:05 - Tip #4: Connecting and reaching out to your support network.

00:16:30 - Wrap-up and invitation for listeners to share their chosen strategies.

Links and Resources:

Website Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/

FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/ohforfoodsake

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oh-for-food-s-sake/

You can follow us here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oh_forfoodssake/

Oh For Food's Sake is sponsored by Microsearch: https://micro-search.co.uk/

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.

See you next time!

In this episode, we’re joined by Tor Hunt Taylor, Marketing Director at The Collective, to explore the challenges and opportunities of driving sustainability in the food industry. Tor shares her thoughts on the importance of networking and transparency, emphasizing how platforms like B Corp are instrumental for staying informed on advancements and navigating policy changes. These connections have proven vital in The Collective’s ambitious mission to achieve carbon neutrality by 2025. She explains the company’s current reliance on carbon offsetting and their plans to transition to insetting through regenerative farming practices, particularly in dairy farming, where milk production heavily contributes to carbon emissions.

The conversation delves into the hurdles faced by farmers attempting to adopt regenerative methods, including policy gaps and market pressures. Despite these challenges, the positive environmental impacts seen on farms that have embraced these practices offer hope and proof of concept. Tor also discusses how consumer behavior plays a critical role in driving sustainability. While interest in sustainable products is growing, price and taste often outweigh environmental considerations in purchasing decisions. Clear and simple communication about the benefits of regenerative farming is key to aligning consumer habits with sustainable goals.

We tackle the controversial topic of ultra-processed foods and the confusion surrounding this term. Tor highlights the need for better research to guide policies and inform consumers, especially given that some processed foods can still offer significant nutritional benefits. The discussion also touches on The Collective’s innovative approach to product development, including their new adult pouch range inspired by the success of their kids' snacks. This product line targets the adult snacking market with a focus on health and sustainability and has already received positive feedback. Sainsbury’s adoption of the range, paired with engaging and humorous marketing campaigns, showcases the brand’s commitment to connecting with consumers through relatable content.

Tor also shares insights into The Collective’s marketing strategy, which prioritizes impact over budget. By leveraging small, collaborative teams and using social media insights to engage with their audience, The Collective demonstrates how thoughtful, resourceful marketing can drive consumer engagement and build brand loyalty.

This episode offers a wealth of insights for anyone interested in the intersection of food, sustainability, and consumer behavior. From practical strategies to inspiring stories, it’s a conversation filled with actionable takeaways and food for thought.

Timestamps

0:00 - Introduction and guest welcome Tor Hunt Taylor

3:35 - Networking and transparency in sustainability

12:22 - Achieving carbon neutrality: Offset vs. inset

19:01 - Regenerative farming practices and challenges

27:45 - Consumer behaviour in sustainable product adoption

33:30 - Ultra-processed foods controversy and research needs

42:15 - Innovation at The Collective: Adult pouch range

51:40 - Marketing strategy: Connecting with consumers through humour and relatability

58:20 - Team dynamics and collaborative culture at The Collective

1:04:10 - Conclusion and call to action

Links and Resources:

Website Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/

FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/ohforfoodsake

LinkedIn: 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.

See you next time!

Lucy opens up about how working with coaches and mentors has been a game-changer, giving her the clarity and confidence to push forward in both life and business. She even shares a courageous journey through the small claims court process, which she found hugely empowering and a significant growth opportunity.

Amy shares her own story of navigating a tricky client relationship, the freedom that comes with being your own boss, and why trusting your gut can save you a world of stress. Plus, we explore the highs, the lows, and how delegation became Amy’s superpower during a tough personal health challenge.

We encourage listeners to reflect on past challenges and use these experiences to propel personal and professional growth. Lucy shares a personal story about revisiting a past business area, comparing her feelings of discomfort to PTSD, only to find pride in her mature handling of these feelings. Amy recaps questions for reflecting on 2024, advocating for the value of reflection to set future goals.

The episode underscores the theme of discomfort as a catalyst for growth. It discusses Lucy’s realisation of not being the right fit for a client’s needs and quickly finding someone else to assist. Amy shares her struggle with losing her voice and the subsequent growth it led to in her business by trusting her team more.

We wrap up with a heartfelt discussion on personal growth, celebrating mutual achievements, and teasing upcoming topics for 2025.

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction

02:30 - Lucy's life-changing experience with a financial coach

07:15 - Acknowledging and valuing oneself

12:45 - Amy's insights on handling challenging clients

18:10 - The advantages of being self-employed

24:00 - Reflecting on past challenges for growth

30:20 - Lucy’s personal story on revisiting past business areas

35:45 - Amy’s method of year-end reflection

42:00 - The theme of discomfort as a growth catalyst

47:30 - Lucy’s approach to handling client fit issues

53:15 - Amy’s struggle with her "voice" and delegating work

58:00 - Importance of mentorship and coaching

1:01:30 - Final reflections and advice for 2024

Links and Resources:

Website Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/

FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/ohforfoodsake

LinkedIn: 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.

See you next time!