Have you ever wondered how a small food startup with just four people became one of the UK’s leading names in the food-to-go industry? In this episode of Sales Leaders’ Secrets, Amanda Downs sits down with Lee Personius, founder and CEO of Tugo.

From humble beginnings in a rundown trading estate, Lee has grown Tugo into a £22 million business and he’s aiming to double that in the next decade. He shares how he secured early investment, won over big customers, and maintained a close-knit team culture along the way.

Tune in to learn more about leadership, growth, and why celebrating with pizza matters more than you think.

Here are the Highlights:

00:00 Introduction 

05:16 Early stage mistakes and growth

06:56 Startup journey with key support

11:23 Balancing family feel & performance

13:47 Why some people are built to be entrepreneurs

18:39 Developing a softer leadership style over time

21:48 Reliable support in tough times

24:28 Caution in crisis

27:54  Be clear on what you do

Join us each month between May and November for the Uspire webinar series “Become a Better Leader” and get valuable leadership frameworks and techniques to help you achieve sustainable growth that lasts. https://theuspiregroup.com/uspire-events/become-a-better-leader-webinar-series/

About Amanda Downs:

Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition.

She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book.

Connect with Amanda:

Website: theuspiregroup.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/

About The Uspire Partnership:

Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change.

Connect with Uspire:

Website: theuspiregroup.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/

About Lee Personius: 

Lee Personius is the Founder & CEO of Tugo Food, a forward-thinking foodservice company on a mission to make great food more accessible, sustainable, and adaptable. Tugo works with partners across the food industry to deliver smart, flexible food solutions that meet the demands of modern service without compromising on quality or values.

Under Lee’s leadership, Tugo has grown into a purpose-driven business that doesn’t just talk the talk. They’re proud to be a certified B Corp, a Gold-accredited Investors in People organisation, a Times Best Places to Work honouree, and a National Living Wage Employer. That people-first, sustainability-focused mindset is baked into everything they do—from product innovation to company culture.

With over 20 years of experience in business leadership and a deep passion for doing things differently, Lee brings a refreshingly grounded perspective to how companies can grow with integrity. In this episode, we’ll dive into his journey, how Tugo is reshaping foodservice, and what it means to build a company that’s both commercially smart and ethically sound.

Produced by Winter Audio.

Have you ever wondered what it truly takes to unlock the leadership potential in others and transform lives through a career in direct sales? In this episode of Sales Leaders' Secrets, host Amanda Downs sits down with Babette Ogden, a seasoned direct selling leader whose journey spans from her early days at Avon in South Africa to her current role as Regional Sales Manager for The 1:1 Diet (formerly Cambridge Weight Plan). 

Together, they dive into Babette’s inspiring story, unpack the unique challenges and life-changing impact of direct selling, and explore why building relationships and fostering confidence are at the heart of effective sales leadership. Make sure you tune in to listen to Babette’s sales leader secrets. 

Here are the Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

04:18 Launching a UK brand with American training

08:43 Expanded the consultant network from 2,500 to nearly 8,000

12:39 Build confidence through public speaking, foster genuine caring relationships over direct selling

14:00 Direct selling is about making a difference in people's lives

17:08 There is equal opportunity in direct selling

25:53 Believe in yourself, be brave, and stay true to your values

28:35 Unlocking potential through leadership.

Join us each month between May  and November for the Uspire webinar series “Become a Better Leader” and get valuable leadership frameworks and techniques to help you achieve sustainable growth that lasts. https://theuspiregroup.com/uspire-events/become-a-better-leader-webinar-series/

About Amanda Downs:

Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition.

She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book.

Connect with Amanda:

Website: theuspiregroup.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/

About The Uspire Partnership:

Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change.

Connect with Uspire:

Website: theuspiregroup.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/

About Babette Ogden:

I've spent the last 35 years in the direct selling industry, and I still wake up every day excited about what I do. This business has given me the chance to help people change their lives—whether it’s finding more freedom, building confidence, or reaching financial goals. I'm incredibly proud to be the recipient of the 2019 DSA award for Excellence in Field Sales Development, one of the highlights of my career, but what means the most to me is seeing others grow and succeed through this amazing opportunity.

Connect with Babette: https://www.linkedin.com/in/babette-ogden-5a515317/

Are you ready to redefine your sales leadership approach? Join your host, Amanda Downs, as she sits down with Katey Coleman, Associate Director at Carl Zeiss. With over seventeen years of experience, Katey shares her journey from being a young sales manager at only 20, to leading cross-functional teams today. Discover her secrets to maintaining team engagement, fostering emotional intelligence, and navigating the challenges of stakeholder management. Whether you're on the cusp of your leadership journey or looking to refine your skills, this episode is full of insights that will elevate your sales leadership. Tune in and unlock new strategies to empower your team and achieve business success!

Here are the Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

03:37 Keeping remote teams engaged

08:46 The importance of understanding the people around you

13:49 Advice for effective stakeholder management

18:24 Leading with authenticity and vulnerability 

23:53 Katey's tips for future sales leaders

Join us each month between April and November for the Uspire webinar series “Become a Better Leader” and get valuable leadership frameworks and techniques to help you achieve sustainable growth that lasts. https://theuspiregroup.com/uspire-events/become-a-better-leader-webinar-series/

About Amanda Downs:

Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition.

She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book.

Connect with Amanda:

Website: theuspiregroup.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/

About The Uspire Partnership:

Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change.

Connect with Uspire:

Website: theuspiregroup.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/

About Katey Coleman:

With over 17 years of commercial leadership experience in the fast-paced FMCG sector, Katey Coleman has mastered the art of driving exceptional business results while leading with authenticity.

Throughout her distinguished career, Katey has successfully led field teams, national account managers, and entire commercial functions for some of the industry's most prestigious blue-chip manufacturers. Today, she brings this wealth of expertise to the optical industry, where her strategic vision continues to create meaningful impact.

What truly distinguishes Katey is her unwavering commitment to authentic and vulnerable leadership. She firmly believes this approach represents not merely a passing trend, but the future of effective leadership. Katey genuinely walks the talk—driving performance while leading with heart and fostering environments where teams thrive through genuine connection.

What drives successful sales leaders to embrace change and thrive in an ever-evolving marketplace? In this episode of Sales Leader Secrets, Amanda Downs talks to Pete Gillett, a pioneer in CRM systems and lead management, to uncover the secrets behind leading customer connections and fostering team motivation. Discover how Pete's journey to becoming a dynamic sales leader offers invaluable insights into nurturing a productive workplace culture and leveraging the power of personalised marketing in the digital age. Get ready to be inspired by a leader who not only champions innovation but also values the importance of a supportive and health-conscious team environment.

Here are the Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

06:44 COVID impacted fundraising significantly

08:53 B2B marketing often neglects lead management despite high exhibition spending

13:23 They appreciate constant change and development.

16:46 We allow flexible operation with clear objectives, focusing on outcomes and direction despite changes.

17:49 Leaders should slow down and focus on listening to others 

23:15 Lead with fairness, honesty, and hard work

27:04 Just do it; success often follows overcoming initial fear and loneliness.

27:53 Choosing a business partner requires complementary skills to ensure success and avoid conflicts.

32:10 Personalised handwritten notes stand out and are valued over generic emails. 

Join us each month between March and November for the Uspire webinar series “Become a Better Leader” and get valuable leadership frameworks and techniques to help you achieve sustainable growth that lasts. https://theuspiregroup.com/uspire-events/become-a-better-leader-webinar-series/

About Amanda Downs:

Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition.

She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book.

Connect with Amanda:

Website: theuspiregroup.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/

About The Uspire Partnership:

Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change.

Connect with Uspire:

Website: theuspiregroup.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/

About Pete Gillett:

Pete Gillett is a seasoned tech entrepreneur and industry leader with over four decades of experience in database marketing and CRM. He is the CEO and founder of Zuant, a pioneering company launched in 2007 that specialises in CRM applications for mobile devices. Under Pete’s visionary leadership, Zuant has become a leading provider of tools that enable businesses to capture, manage, and analyze customer data in real-time, enhancing marketing communications and sales performance.

In addition to his role at Zuant, Pete is also the Managing Director of Marketpoint Global. Since 1982, Marketpoint has been delivering powerful, data-driven marketing solutions designed to maximize sales and marketing performance for clients across various industries. Pete’s work at Marketpoint reflects his commitment to innovation and his straightforward approach to achieving optimal results.

Curious about the secrets behind a thriving family business in the world of vitamins and supplements? Amanda Downs sits down with Holly Thallon Steenson, the Managing Director at Viridian Nutrition, the UK’s leading brand in pure vitamins and supplements. Holly shares her unique journey from event management to stepping into her family's business, emphasising the importance of values, curiosity, and championing causes that matter. This episode offers invaluable sales insights and motivational advice. Join us and learn how to cultivate purpose, passion, and success in your business journey!

Here are the Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

05:56 Transitioning to a family business

10:30 Team communication during times of change

14:54 Overcoming self-doubt with mentorship

19:48 Cultivating a connected company culture

24:31 Leadership and family in business

Join us each month between March and November for the Uspire webinar series “Become a Better Leader” and get valuable leadership frameworks and techniques to help you achieve sustainable growth that lasts. https://theuspiregroup.com/uspire-events/become-a-better-leader-webinar-series/

About Amanda Downs

Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition.

She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book.

Connect with Amanda:

Website: theuspiregroup.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/

About The Uspire Partnership:

Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change.

Connect with Uspire:

Website: theuspiregroup.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/

About Holly Thannon Steenson:

Holly has grown up in the natural products industry and carved out her own career in business and events management, before following in the footsteps of her mother and Viridian Nutrition Founder and Co-owner Cheryl Thallon into the ethical vitamin company. With her hands-on approach to retail and technology, and enthusiasm for the specialist natural products sector, Holly is making her own mark at Viridian. She regularly gives presentations and industry insights into good practice to support and enhance specialist health retail offering.

Holly’s values and beliefs are firmly rooted in sustainable, environmentally friendly and ethical health solutions, which form the Viridian mission. Her fresh approach enables her to connect with the current wave of ethically conscious shoppers. In 2024, on the company’s 25th anniversary, Holly stepped into the role of second generation managing director, continuing the Viridian mission of nourishing health and happiness for everyone via the specialist independent food stores.

Unlock the secrets of sales leadership with Os Quiros, a sales visionary who transformed his career from selling shoes in his school holidays to becoming the CEO of National Organic Products. In this episode your host Amanda Downs sits down with Os to talk about his remarkable journey, exploring the wisdom and strategies he gathered along the way. From his early steps in sales at Colgate-Palmolive to reshaping team dynamics at Kerry Foods, Os's experiences offer insights to any sales leader aspiring to inspire and drive success. Join us for a conversation filled with lessons on leadership, culture transformation, and personal growth!

Here are the Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

01:59 Os' sales leadership journey

07:23 Sales strategy challenges and evolution

14:29 Empowering team responsibility and growth

19:15 Relying on the team around you

24:23 Values and principles for effective leadership

30:23 Personal development and reflections

33:45 Os' sales leaders' secrets

Join us each month between February and November for the Uspire webinar series “Become a Better Leader” and get valuable leadership frameworks and techniques to help you achieve sustainable growth that lasts. https://theuspiregroup.com/uspire-events/become-a-better-leader-webinar-series/

About Amanda Downs

Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition.

She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book.

Connect with Amanda:

Website: theuspiregroup.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/

About The Uspire Partnership

Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change.

Connect with Uspire:

Website: theuspiregroup.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/

About Os Quiros:

Os is an experienced FMCG leader with over 28 years in the Drinks, Food, and Health & Beauty industries. As CEO of National Organic 160 Products, he is focused on driving the expansion of the Bunalun brand across the UK and Europe, looking to make organic food more accessible while ensuring consumers can enjoy high-quality, great-tasting, and nutritious organic meals.

Before leading National Organic 160 Products, Os held senior leadership roles in Ireland at Kerry Group and Pilgrim’s Food Masters, navigating the fast-paced world of Meats & Dairy while building high-performing teams and delivering consistent growth for some iconic food brands like Dairygold, Denny and Cheestrings.

Passionate about innovation, sustainability, and talent development, Os has completed executive programs at Columbia and Berkeley universities, strengthening his strategic and change management expertise

Connect with Os:https://www.linkedin.com/in/oswaldo-quiros-mba-67119924/

What are the secrets behind running one of the world’s most iconic department stores? Amanda sits down with Anna Moir, the Deputy Retail Director at Harrods, who shares her extensive knowledge gleaned from three decades in the industry. From core leadership qualities to harnessing talent during peak times, and the importance of authentic leadership, Anna provides invaluable advice for aspiring retail leaders. Tune in to uncover the intricacies of retail management, especially during peak times and learn what it takes to thrive in such a dynamic environment. Join us for an episode rich in wisdom, practical tips, and inspirational advice

Here are the Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

05:12 Dream job: Leading Harrods' iconic food hall.

08:09 Strategically position talent for success during peak season.

11:20 Leading COVID at John Lewis was transformative.

13:54 Hybrid work model allows remote and on-site work, balancing safety and connectivity.

18:55 Discombobulated? Use internal guardrails and collaborate.

21:09 Build relationships, invest in your team, and trust intuition.

25:28 Supportive managers gave me opportunities, encouragement, and belief.

31:39 Stay attentive to your team's subtle cues.

About Amanda Downs

Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition.

She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book.

Connect with Amanda:

Website: theuspiregroup.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/

About The Uspire Partnership

Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change.

Connect with Uspire:

Website: theuspiregroup.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/

About Anna Moir:

Let me introduce myself as Anna Moir, currently loving the last two years as Deputy Retail Director at Harrods. I am lucky as Retail has afforded me a fantastic career, where I have lead shops for most days of my 30 years in Retail. In fact having worked for House of Fraser, Selfridges, Waitrose & John Lewis, I have always fulfilled both operational roles in central functions and roles at the sharp end in shops.

 I would describe myself as an authentic leader and stand by this approach to achieve the best outcomes, enabling me to lead with energy, integrity & resilience during my many roles and challenges. I am also proud to feel genuine joy from leading teams, who achieve great things together. I am committed to operational excellence and thrive with cross functional working and foster great stakeholder relationships.

I still enjoy the customer centricity of my roles and ensuring every decision I make has the customer needs at the forefront. Role modelling personal & organisational values is a non-negotiable for me and I have been driven to be an inspiration for my two children, along-side the people I lead.

 When I am not in the shop, I enjoy the company of good friends, travelling for experiences and enjoying live music as the perfect antidote, for the pressures of a demanding role.

Unlock the secrets to becoming an extraordinary sales leader with insights from Shaun Smith, General Manager at Birds Eye UK and Ireland. Hosted by Amanda Downs, we're getting into the essence of mastering sales and leadership basics, the necessity of relentless improvement, and the unrivalled value of passion and authenticity in your professional journey. Shaun shares his 20+ years of expertise, stories of significant career milestones, and his heartfelt advice on leadership, customer relations, and creating a lasting positive legacy. 

Here are the Highlights:

05:53 Understanding business end-to-end on tight margins.

11:57 Competitors and change drive innovation and adaptability.

14:46 Coaches and mentors significantly influenced Shaun's leadership.

18:29 Authenticity improves success in larger organisations.

22:32 How Shaun's grandfather's advice influenced him.

24:56 Master the basics and take true accountability.

27:12 Sell passionately, work hard, lead purposefully, and inspire growth.

Join us each month between September and January for the Uspire webinar series “Build Your Commercial Leadership” and get valuable leadership frameworks and techniques to help you lead your team to sustainable revenue growth. Register here https://theuspiregroup.com/uspire-events/uspire-discover-build-your-commercial-leadership/

About Amanda Downs

Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition.

She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book.

Connect with Amanda:

Website: theuspiregroup.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/

About The Uspire Partnership

Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change.

Connect with Uspire:

Website: theuspiregroup.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/

About Shaun Smith:

Shaun has over 20 years of FMCG experience having worked in numerous commercial roles on some of the UK & Ire’s most loved and recognisable brands including Waburtons, Lurpak, Cravendale, Aunt Bessies and more recently Birdseye and Goodfella’s Pizzas. 

Today he leads the Birdseye UK & Ire commercial business as their General Manager. He is a people-centric leader who relishes leading teams to realise their potential by working collaboratively and cross-functionally with customers to grow both for categories and brands.

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

How can a leadership philosophy centred around kindness, integrity, and genuine care make you a pioneer? Amanda Downs sits down with Charly Andrews, a revolutionary leader who turned a stadium into a hub of community resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. From transforming locations to orchestrating unforgettable events and concerts, Charly shares her unique insights on building meaningful relationships, leading with kindness, and thriving through challenges. Tune in to discover how mastering the art of empathy and authenticity can skyrocket your success in sales and leadership.

Here are the Highlights:

06:26 How Charly managed sales during the pandemic.

11:20 Choosing artists based on audience spending habits.

15:21 Establishing permanent showgrounds for annual events.

17:51 Charly's passion for making a difference through smiles.

21:53 Trust and empower your team for success.

23:25 Unkind leadership teaches the importance of kindness and support.

27:24 Authenticity builds trust in sales and leadership.

Join us each month between September and January for the Uspire webinar series “Build Your Commercial Leadership” and get valuable leadership frameworks and techniques to help you lead your team to sustainable revenue growth. Register here https://theuspiregroup.com/uspire-events/uspire-discover-build-your-commercial-leadership/

About Amanda Downs

Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition.

She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book.

Connect with Amanda:

Website: theuspiregroup.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/

About The Uspire Partnership

Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change.

Connect with Uspire:

Website: theuspiregroup.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/

About Charly Andrews:

Head of Commercial Sales at the Bath and West Showground, Charly Andrews is a passionate leader, with a strong desire to not only excel, but also inspire others to do so. Winner of the miaList Individual of the Year 2023, Charly focuses on excellent revenue results paired with the wellbeing of others, where a real passion for breaking the mental health stigma really shines through. From being called ‘too emotional’ to battling her own mental health struggles, Charly is proving that there is strength in vulnerability.

Connect with Charly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlyandrews/

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk

Join us as we explore the business of vertical farming. Amanda sits down with Jon Cummings - a seasoned leader who has seamlessly navigated between retail buying and supply chain management. He brings a wealth of experience to the ever-evolving world of vertical farming. Sharing stories from his time in the meat industry, his strategic moves across major players like Kerry Foods and Morrisons, and his latest venture as the Commercial Director of Fisher Farms. Tune in to discover the secrets behind his success, as he reveals the art of cross-functional collaboration, the nuances of leading diverse teams, and the revolutionary potential of vertical farming. 

Here are the Highlights:

05:35 How working at Asda shaped my business perspective.

09:19 Kerry Foods excels in cross-functional collaboration.

11:19 Managing brands vs. own label contracts differ.

19:40 New job, same pattern. 

20:26 Working at an innovative agri tech startup.

24:11 Impostor syndrome when changing jobs.

27:43 Understanding diverse skills and building complementary teams.

Join us each month between September and January for the Uspire webinar series “Build Your Commercial Leadership” and get valuable leadership frameworks and techniques to help you lead your team to sustainable revenue growth. Register here https://theuspiregroup.com/uspire-events/uspire-discover-build-your-commercial-leadership/

About Amanda Downs

Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition.

She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book.

Connect with Amanda:

Website: theuspiregroup.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/

About The Uspire Partnership

Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change.

Connect with Uspire:

Website: theuspiregroup.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/

About Jon Cummings:

James joined NESI in 2022, bringing over 17 years of extensive experience in FMCG. With a background in commercial and marketing roles across retail, online, food service, and horeca channels, he has a profound understanding of consumer dynamics.

Focused on consumer-centric strategies, James is dedicated to leading and developing high-performing teams. He is passionate about fostering engagement throughout the organisation to drive optimal outcomes for NESI, our customer partners, and our teams.

He holds an MBA from Alliance Business School, further enriching his strategic capabilities and leadership acumen.

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk