If your career path looks more like a bowl of spaghetti than a straight ladder, you’re not alone — and you’re probably doing better than you think.

Katie Harvey shares her journey from dropping out of university and starting work as a kitchen assistant in a factory, through procurement and sales roles, to leading a large food team. It’s a story rooted firmly in the realities of food manufacturing — long hours, changing roles, and learning on the job.

Amy and Katie talk candidly about why non-linear careers are common in food and retail, and how curiosity, asking “why”, and being willing to say yes before you feel ready can open unexpected doors.

They also dig into leadership on the ground: how to listen properly in 1:1s, why psychological safety matters in factories and offices alike, and how investing in the right training (not generic box-ticking) helps teams grow sustainably.

There are practical takeaways for anyone managing people — especially in high-pressure environments — plus a refreshing reminder that “soft” skills are often the hardest, and most valuable, ones to master.

Timestamps

00:00 Why decisions don’t need to be perfect, and adapting on the go

00:15 Welcome to Fearless Foodie and the purpose of this episode

00:41 Upcoming live recording at IFE, Excel London

01:23 The myth of straight-line careers and introducing the squiggly journey

02:10 First meeting and sharing real “squiggly” career stories

02:53 Career origin story, pivoting from university to a factory role

04:09 Moving into procurement, learning from scratch, and persistence in job hunting

06:11 The joy and lessons of procurement, curiosity, and wider exposure

07:16 Sideways career moves, transferable skills, and supporting women at work

08:38 Navigating tough years in sales and adapting to new challenges

09:43 Stepping into leadership, imposter feelings, and the power of being yourself

11:28 Feeling proud and choosing continuous learning

12:59 Why career pressure on young people is unnecessary and what really matters

15:25 The core transferable skills: communication, curiosity, and empathy

17:07 Creating psychological safety and why empathy matters at work

19:00 Sponsor shoutout

20:05 Recap and real talk about “soft” skills that are actually hard

20:18 Decision-making, learning from mistakes, and supporting team growth

24:02 Investing in training that fits the team, not one-size-fits-all

25:06 Supporting new starters, focusing on progress, and easing the pressure

28:00 Handling credibility questions and leaning into fresh perspectives

31:21 Team diversity, playing to strengths, and getting the support you need

33:56 Letting go of perfection and opening up to new experiences

34:47 Advice for leaders: listen more in 1:1s

35:51 Optimism for the next generation and keeping the fearless energy

36:23 Wrap-up and sharing the episode with someone who needs real career honesty

Connect with The Fearless Foodies

The Fearless Foodie Newsletter straight to your inbox. No fluff, no spam: https://foodies.fearlessfoodies.co.uk/podcast

Connect with Amy here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amywilkinsoncoach/

Links and Resources:

If this episode resonated — especially the parts about being a woman in food and navigating the career squiggles — Fearless Women: Empowered to Rise is designed for women in the food and retail industry who want to lead with confidence and clarity, without burning themselves out:  https://fearlessfoodies.co.uk/fearless-women-rise/

And join our FREE network at https://fearlessfoodies.co.uk/fearless-women-connect/ Website 

Work with Amy on leadership, culture & team development: https://fearlessfoodies.co.uk

This conversation is about busting one of the most common myths in food and retail: that when teams struggle, it’s because they don’t care or aren’t capable.

Amy and Donna share what they see again and again while coaching pressured teams — from unspoken rules and quiet toxicity to “too-nice” cultures where nothing difficult ever gets said. They explore why leaders often default to training requests, even when the real issue sits deeper in behaviours, systems, and relationships.

You’ll hear why surface-level fixes rarely work, how emotional labour and burnout creep in unnoticed, and why projects often feel heavier than they need to. Donna brings a grounded, retail-savvy perspective on what actually helps teams move forward — including the power of asking braver questions and inviting honest feedback.

This isn’t about blame or quick fixes. It’s about understanding how work really feels on the inside — and what shifts when leaders stop patching over problems and start addressing what’s unspoken.

Timestamps

01:28

03:02

04:34

06:02

07:14

08:30

10:04

12:01

13:05

14:27

15:23

16:52

18:36

20:18

22:08

23:18

24:31

26:10

28:19

29:33

30:53

32:13

33:19

34:33

35:57

37:11

38:29

Connect with The Fearless Foodies

The Fearless Foodie Newsletter straight to your inbox. No fluff, no spam: https://foodies.fearlessfoodies.co.uk/podcast

Connect with Amy here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amywilkinsoncoach/

Connect with Donna here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-ward-higgs-8194a969/

Useful Links and Resources:

Team Framework Quiz

https://fearlessfoodies.co.uk/team-framework-quiz/

The Power of Mattering: How Leaders Can Create a Culture of Significance: 

https://amzn.eu/d/aZUaZw1

Work with Amy on leadership, culture & team development: https://fearlessfoodies.co.uk

A big Thank you to Our Sponsors:

Link to our sponsors IFP Labs: https://www.ifp-labs.com/

Amy and Sarah start by clearing up one of the industry’s most common misconceptions: what IGD actually does. Far from being “just another acronym,” IGD operates as an independent charity, reinvesting profits into insight, capability building and talent development to support the long-term health of the food system.

The conversation moves into the realities of driving change at scale — from balancing commercial competition with genuine collaboration, to navigating regulation, competition law and political complexity. Sarah shares how IGD creates spaces where conversations happen that simply wouldn’t elsewhere, helping align retailers, manufacturers and suppliers around shared challenges.

They also explore the Food Strategy Advisory Board and the “Good Food Cycle,” breaking down what these initiatives mean in practice for people at the coalface — not just policymakers. Topics include food inflation, sustainability, skills shortages, recruitment challenges, and the pressure many leaders feel trying to do the right thing in a stretched system.

Throughout, Amy and Sarah keep it practical: how to stay informed without drowning in data, why independence and balance matter when interpreting insight, and how leaders can protect their energy while staying engaged in an industry that never stands still.

Timestamps

00:00:12
Introduction and welcome, with an overview of IGD’s leadership and purpose.

00:02:05
Personal background, career journey, and the influences that shaped it.

00:04:56
What IGD is, what it stands for, and its role as a strategic, independent institute.

00:06:05
A look at IGD’s work across insights, training, forums, and talent development.

00:08:13
How IGD’s influence has evolved, bringing collaboration across the food system.

00:11:19
Why balance, independence, and challenging unconscious bias matter in industry data.

00:14:42
Bridging the gap between government and industry through strategic advisory work.

00:17:49
The Good Food Cycle, policy updates, and why food strategy must be iterative.

00:23:12
Staying informed and proactive through webinars and industry updates.

00:24:10
What’s next: upcoming initiatives, programmes, and events.

00:27:07
Staying inspired, leading change, and protecting your energy in food leadership.

00:29:38
Final reflections, IGD’s open-door approach, and how to get involved.

Connect with The Fearless Foodies

The Fearless Foodie Newsletter straight to your inbox. No fluff, no spam: 

Connect with Amy here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amywilkinsoncoach/

Connect with Sarah here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahbradburyigd/

Useful Links and Resources:

Episode about the “Mmmake Your Mark” campaign: https://fearlessfoodies.co.uk/podcast/the-mmmake-your-mark-initiative-inspiring-careers-in-food-and-drink/

Join our FREE network for women in food and retail at https://fearlessfoodies.co.uk/fearless-women-connect/ Website 

Work with Amy on leadership, culture & team development: https://fearlessfoodies.co.uk

A big Thank you to Our Sponsors:

Link to our sponsors IFP Labs: https://www.ifp-labs.com/

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.uk

Links and Resources:

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefearlessfoodiepod

You can follow us here on Instagram: @thefearlessfoodiepod

Find Amy on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation.

IFP Labs sponsors the Fearless Foodie Podcast https://www.ifp-labs.com/en/index.php

Courage in leadership is often misunderstood. In food manufacturing and retail, it’s rarely about bold speeches or dramatic decisions — it shows up in everyday moments: speaking up in meetings, saying no to unrealistic demands, or addressing issues before they escalate.

In this conversation, Amy Wilkinson and Melissa Hague explore what courageous leadership really looks like in high-pressure food environments. Melissa shares why vulnerability isn’t a weakness but a prerequisite for trust, and how leaders often use “armour” — such as busyness, perfectionism or people-pleasing — to protect themselves at work.

They discuss the outdated expectation that leaders should “know it all”, and how this mindset can quietly undermine innovation, team confidence and problem-solving on factory floors, in technical teams and across commercial functions.

Amy reflects on how her own leadership shifted through working with Melissa — letting go of the need to fix everything, creating space for others to step up, and becoming more comfortable with imperfection.

The episode also offers practical guidance for handling difficult conversations: staying curious instead of defensive, managing emotional responses, and resisting the urge to take work back rather than developing others.

Ultimately, this is a grounded, human conversation about leading in a way that is sustainable — for you and your team — in an industry that asks a lot of its people.

Timestamps

0:00 Finding Courage with Melissa Haig
03:23 Why Leadership Starts with Self-Reflection
08:47 Everyday Courage and Vulnerability at Work
11:00 How Courage Fuels Innovation
16:16 Leading by Empowering Your Team
19:44 Why Leadership Isn’t People-Pleasing
24:51 Why Mindset Comes Before Feedback
27:08 Leading Through Challenge
31:21 Practical Advice for Personal Growth
32:48 Fearless Foodie: Choosing Courage

Connect with The Fearless Foodies

The Fearless Foodie Newsletter straight to your inbox. No fluff, no spam: 

Connect with Amy here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amywilkinsoncoach/

Connect with Melissa here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-hague/

Useful Links and Resources:

If this episode resonated — especially the parts about being yourself at work, navigating senior roles, and not having to pretend — Fearless Women: Empowered to Rise is designed for women in the food industry who want to lead with confidence and clarity, without burning themselves out:  https://fearlessfoodies.co.uk/fearless-women-rise/

And join our FREE network at https://fearlessfoodies.co.uk/fearless-women-connect/ Website 

Work with Amy and Melissa on leadership, culture & team development: https://fearlessfoodies.co.uk

A big Thank you to Our Sponsors:

Link to our sponsors IFP Labs: https://www.ifp-labs.com/

This episode is for anyone who has ever felt they needed to “fit in” at work rather than show up as themselves.

Amy Wilkinson is joined by Fran Ball, Senior VP for UK Supply Chain at Arla Foods, for a thoughtful and refreshingly honest conversation about leadership, culture, and the human side of performance in the food industry.

Fran shares her career journey — from engineering and entrepreneurial businesses to leading one of the UK’s most complex supply chains — and reflects on how leadership expectations and workplace culture have evolved over time.

Together, they explore what authentic leadership really looks like in practice: building trust through vulnerability, setting boundaries, and modelling behaviours that give others permission to do the same. Fran also offers a behind-the-scenes look at Arla’s long-term approach to inclusion, including its “30 by 30” gender strategy, built around attracting, developing, and retaining diverse talent.

Crucially, the conversation moves beyond women-only initiatives to focus on balance and allyship, why inclusion must work for everyone, and how small, practical changes can have a big impact on retention and engagement.

The episode closes with a powerful reflection on choice — being honest with yourself about whether you can truly be yourself at work, and what it means to have the courage to say no.

Timestamps

00:00:00
Setting the tone: choosing authenticity over imitation, and a desire to help others do the same.

00:00:10
Episode introduction and how the conversation began, first meeting at the Food Manufacturer Awards.

00:01:53
Career highlights across supply chain, engineering, and leadership, and how each chapter shaped the journey.

00:04:46
Reflections on how COVID shifted perceptions of the food industry and strengthened pride in the profession.

00:07:37
What “bringing your whole self to work” really looks like in practice, beyond corporate slogans.

00:09:40
Why leaders sharing personal struggles creates vulnerability and psychological safety at work.

00:13:43
The power of pausing, simple self-care, and recognising when you’re overwhelmed.

00:14:43
A deep dive into gender diversity strategy, practical actions, and what real culture change requires.

00:18:32
Why everyday inclusion matters, and how improving workplace basics can make a real difference for women.

00:22:09
Why allyship, including the role of male colleagues, is critical for meaningful progress.

00:23:15
How diversity and inclusion drive better ideas, stronger results, and a sense of belonging at work.

00:26:00
On being a role model, choosing authenticity, and not having to sacrifice your whole life for your career.

00:31:47
Looking ahead: attracting new talent, telling the real story of the industry, and why purpose matters.

00:34:23
Closing reflection: are you truly being yourself at work? Sometimes the bravest move is simply saying “no”.

Connect with The Fearless Foodies

The Fearless Foodie Newsletter straight to your inbox. No fluff, no spam: https://foodies.fearlessfoodies.co.uk/podcast

Connect with Amy here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amywilkinsoncoach/

Connect with Fran here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fran-ball-aa59003/

Useful Links and Resources:

If this episode resonated — especially the parts about being yourself at work, navigating senior roles, and not having to pretend — Fearless Women: Empowered to Rise is designed for women in the food industry who want to lead with confidence and clarity, without burning themselves out:  https://fearlessfoodies.co.uk/fearless-women-rise/

And join our FREE network at https://fearlessfoodies.co.uk/fearless-women-connect/ Website 

Work with Amy on leadership, culture & team development: https://fearlessfoodies.co.uk

A big Thank you to Our Sponsors:

Link to our sponsors IFP Labs: https://www.ifp-labs.com/

Organisational change doesn’t just test systems—it tests people.

In this straight-talking episode, Amy unpacks what actually helps when teams are navigating uncertainty: the emotional impact leaders carry, the unspoken fear beneath resistance, and the small, consistent actions that build trust when big answers aren’t available.

She explains the powerful difference between “change” (the external stuff: org charts, new faces, shifting priorities) and “transition” (the internal process everyone goes through as they try to regain stability and clarity). 

She shares why leaders (and teams) don’t just resist change—they resist loss of control, safety, and connection, and how that can show up as everything from tunnel vision to overwork, withdrawal, or just uncharacteristic quiet.

Building real psychological safety is at the core of her advice. She offers hard-won, practical tips, be honest about what you know and don’t know, keep communications predictable (even if your updates are “no update”), and don’t disappear when the going gets tough. She makes a strong case for not just surviving but leading with authenticity and empathy—showing your own vulnerability in a professional way and giving your teams permission to do the same.

The episode also tackles the not-so-glamorous “what NOT to do” list: going silent, pretending everything’s normal, making promises you can’t keep, punishing emotions, and trying to carry the emotional load alone. She calls out the power of external support—from team coaching to facilitated learning sets—especially when morale is taking knocks from too much uncertainty.

To wrap up, Amy leaves us with three foundational principles: clarity, consistency, and compassion. 

They might sound simple, but they’re the secret weapons for any team navigating change. If you’re feeling stretched and need a pep talk (with a side of real talk), you’ll definitely want to give this one a listen.

Timestamps

00:00 "Leading Through Uncertainty"

03:19 "Leading Through Emotional Transitions"

09:49 Navigating Fear Through Team Support

10:52 "Creating Fearless Spaces for Change"

15:16 "Consistency Creates Calm"

17:34 Compassionate Leadership and Connection

21:50 "Allowing Space for Emotions"

Connect with The Fearless Foodies

The Fearless Foodie Newsletter straight to your inbox. No fluff, no spam: https://foodies.fearlessfoodies.co.uk/podcast

Connect with Amy here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amywilkinsoncoach/

Useful Links and Resources:

Leading Through Uncertainty – free download: https://foodies.fearlessfoodies.co.uk/leading-through-uncertainty

If support would help, I work with leaders and teams during periods of change through:

Leadership workshops

Facilitated ways-of-working sessions

1:1 coaching

Team coaching

Change workshops for Teams

If you want to talk things through, you’re very welcome to drop me an email to explore how Fearless Foodies can help: [email protected]  

What is true innovation and why does it matter?

Nell Masey O Neill and Amy Wilkinson get painfully honest about how “innovation” gets thrown around everywhere in the food industry, but rarely means what it should. Nell breaks down the difference between real innovation and the kind that just ticks boxes, sharing her experience as a nutritional biochemist who’s been in the technical, research, and leadership hot seats.

The discussion peels back what keeps big businesses stuck on the safe, short-term stuff—process, control, reporting—and why it’s startups and agile teams who seem to get the “fun” jobs of game-changing innovation. 

But, as both speakers remind us, saying yes to true innovation isn’t just for the tiny disruptors. The episode is jammed with tools and mindsets for traditional companies and leaders who want to create cultures that are brave enough to try, fail, and actually learn.

Want to know why collaboration goes beyond sitting in the same room, and why mastering “real talk”—including giving feedback, pausing to reflect, and really listening—makes all the difference? 

They cover it all, sprinkling in the practical: from small daily habits to building reflection into your team’s routine, and why a little courage (and a lot of honesty) goes a long way.

If you’re sick of innovation theatre and ready for something that actually moves the needle, you’ll feel seen, and walk away with real steps you can start today.

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.uk

Links and Resources:

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefearlessfoodiepod

You can follow us here on Instagram: @thefearlessfoodiepod

Find Amy on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation.

IFP Labs sponsors the Fearless Foodie Podcast https://www.ifp-labs.com/en/index.php

We kick off with Laura’s backstory - how a proud northerner with zero agri-food experience stumbled into a decades-long love affair with the meat industry.

Laura and Amy get real about how people often have no idea about the breadth of careers in food, or the quirks that make this industry so colourful. 

Laura opens up about launching Meat Business Women as a safe, supportive network for women in meat and food manufacturing.

Both dig into the practicalities - why so many women struggle to prioritise networking and personal development, and how the ready-made community of MBW makes it less awkward (and, frankly, a lot more effective).

We also explore the bold vision behind the Food Business Charter, pushing for 40% female representation in meat and food manufacturing by 2035, and what it means for businesses of all sizes. 

Laura shares how collecting and leveraging robust data isn’t just a tick-box exercise but a way to actually move the needle - unlocking challenges faced by both women and men and creating more flexible, inclusive workplaces.

Finally, Laura opens up about stepping back operationally to make space for new leadership at MBW, the challenge (and relief) of handing over her “first baby,” and moving forward as an executive coach and consultant - proving that personal growth and change really are a lifelong journey.

If you’ve ever felt like an imposter, questioned how to progress in food, or just needed a nudge to prioritise yourself, this episode brings comfort, practical strategies, and permission to hit “pause” and reflect on your own journey.

Timestamps

00:16 – Welcome and intro to Laura Ryan: her portfolio career and passion for personal development
02:30 – Laura’s accidental entry into the meat industry and why she stayed
04:53 – The hidden world of food industry careers and retention challenges
05:42 – What is Meat Business Women? From humble beginnings to global influence
07:27 – The power (and pain) of networking, and why women often overlook it
09:46 – Data, partnerships, and practical tools to drive real change
11:40 – MBW’s expansion into the broader food industry
12:06 – Tangible member benefits: mentoring, events, community, and a unique industry language
13:26 – How MBW focuses on BOTH business skills and personal growth
15:16 – The origin and ambition of the Food Business Charter and its practical impact
17:57 – Accountability, action, and supporting businesses at every stage of the journey
18:48 – Laura’s UN experience and MBW’s global mission
21:17 – Why a data-driven approach resonates with senior leaders
22:56 – The importance of male allies and MBW’s inclusive model
23:47 – Universal workplace challenges: how flexibility helps everyone
24:57 – How modelling and normalisation of flexibility unlock culture change
25:55 – What’s next: industry-wide surveys and why YOUR data matters
29:29 – Laura’s transition, growth mindset, and making space for new leadership
33:47 – The superpower of coaching and why it’s not just for executives anymore
35:35 – How to connect with Laura and final calls to action

Links and Resources:

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefearlessfoodiepod

You can follow us here on Instagram: @thefearlessfoodiepod

Find Amy on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation as @amywilkinsoncoach.

Link to our sponsors IFP Labs: https://www.ifp-labs.com/

Join our next intake of Fearless Women: Empowered to Rise: https://fearlessfoodies.co.uk/fearless-women-rise/

And our FREE networking at https://fearlessfoodies.co.uk/fearless-women-connect/

Get in touch with Laura here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauravryan/

Get involved in the MBW Gender representation report here: https://www.meatbusinesswomen.org/what-we-do/gender-representation-report-2026.html