This weeks guest is the effervescent Zoe Fox - Head of Business Development at The Coconut Collab and host of brilliant consumer brand podcast Getting to Grow.

Well versed in brilliant conversations, it was nice to dig into all things Zoe, her motivations, passions, career history and of course all about her podcast.

Zoe is full of energy, and equally full of wisdom.

You're gonna love it!

If you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous brand.

They have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today!

Don't forget to check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-head

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Setup

01:33 Zoe Fox's Journey to Coconut Collaborative

06:00 Growth and Team Dynamics at Coconut Collaborative

08:31 Product Development and New Launches

09:47 Passion for Coconut Collaborative and Team Culture

10:53 Key Partnerships and Business Growth

13:01 Modeling Career Reflections

15:07 Starting the Podcast and Its Evolution

18:52 Themes from Conversations with Founders

20:05 Balancing Work and Personal Life

23:06 Embracing Chaos and Productivity

25:02 Motivation and Inspiration from Upbringing

28:23 Navigating Highs and Lows in Life

31:56 Future Aspirations and Goals

34:49 Advice for Aspiring Founders

Today's guest is Lawrence Moore - Commercial Director at Oato

Lawrence shares insights from his extensive career in FMCG, from Belvoir Farms to Red Bull, and the innovative approach behind Oato's fresh oat milk.

Discover lessons on brand building, manufacturing, and leadership in the competitive food and drink industry.

If you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous brand.

They have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today!

Don't forget to check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-head

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

04:40 Transition to Retail and Unique Selling Proposition

15:27 Challenges and Successes in the Retail Space

22:11 Starting a Career in Sales

28:01 Growth and Management in the Drinks Industry

33:13 Building a Brand and Company Culture

43:15 Finding Balance and Personal Growth

This weeks guest is the brilliant Charlie Pugh Cordero - Growth Lead at Foreva Farmers.

They are making quintessentially British drinks, crafted with 100% natural ingredients straight from their Herefordshire farm. The farm operates on renewable energy, ensuring that every can of Foreva Farmers' you enjoy leaves a minimal environmental footprint.

I loved getting to hear about the brand from Charlie, and all about his career.

He's a lovely guy - and this episode is a beauty, ENJOY!

If you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous brand.

They have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today!

Don't forget to check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-head

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Foreva Farmers and Charlie Pugh Cordero

03:39 Sustainability in Beverage Production

06:14 Charlie’s Journey to Foreva Farmers

08:59 Growth Strategies and Market Presence

11:55 Product Range and Innovations

14:21 Sales Challenges and Successes

17:11 Future Aspirations and Partnerships

19:59 Advice for Aspiring Sales Professionals

22:31 Closing Thoughts and Personal Reflections

Today's guest is Lucy Williamson, brand manager at STOCKED

Now STOCKED make innovative meals in block format, with a passionate community of 'blockheads' and over 16,000 subscribers.

I loved chatting to Lucy, you're gonna love it too!

If you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous brand.

They have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today!

Don't forget to check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-head

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Stocked and Lucy's Role

04:00 The Unique Concept of Stocked Meals

06:47 Lucy’s Journey to Stocked

09:36 The Growth of Stocked and Team Dynamics

12:17 Out of Home Campaign: 'Nothing Cooler Than Frozen'

15:16 The Evolution of Frozen Food Perception

17:42 Lucy's Marketing Insights and Unilever Experience

20:29 Advice for Aspiring Marketers

29:10 Introduction to Challenger Brands and Team Impact

29:48 The Excitement of Shaping a Growing Brand

30:39 Challenges of Working in a Startup Environment

31:45 Balancing Multiple Roles and Overcoming Overwhelm

33:14 Team Bonding and Social Activities

34:55 Activities to Celebrate Wins and Team Insights

36:00 Deepening Role Understanding and Team Collaboration

36:58 Music as a Workday Companion

37:12 Upcoming Product Collaborations and Future Plans

38:45 Connecting with Stocks and Final Thoughts

Today's guest is my good friend Louis Bedwell.

Louis has spent 10+ years on the inside of the food industry - running innovation programmes with major retailers, backing early-stage brands through an investment fund, and leading a senior membership community focused on climate and health strategy.

His job is all about helping brands, retailers, and investors make better decisions about food, and he regularly posts great hot takes on LinkedIn.

It's a slightly different one today - but super insightful, you're gonna love it!

If you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous brand.

They have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today!

Don't forget to check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-head

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Louis Bedwell and His Work

02:54 The Responsibility of the Food Industry

07:14 Building Relationships in the Food Sector

07:35 Early Influences and Career Path

09:53 The Power of Challenger Brands

11:51 Success Stories from Challenger Brands

14:27 Insights from Big Brands on Challenger Brands

17:11 Responsibility in the Food Industry

17:36 Collaborative Solutions in the Food Industry

18:57 Retailers and Challenger Brands: A Supportive Ecosystem

22:08 Emerging Trends in Food: Protein and Authenticity

26:25 Maximizing Brand Impact: Focus on What Matters

29:37 Resilience in the Food Sector: Navigating Challenges

33:08 Advice for Aspiring Food Entrepreneurs

36:07 Future Goals: Funding and Innovation in Food

This weeks guest is Ellen Whysall, Business Development Manager at Pukpip.

A brand revolutionising frozen banana desserts. Discover insights on brand growth, product innovation, and navigating the food industry, perfect for aspiring food entrepreneurs and FMCG enthusiasts.

If you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous brand.

They have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today!

Don't forget to check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-head

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ellen Whysall and Pukpip

02:39 The Origin Story of Pukpip and Zara Godfrey

03:34 Saving Bananas: Sustainability and Food Waste Reduction

04:46 Ellen's Journey into Food and Drink Industry

06:20 Team Structure and Remote Work at Pukpip

07:58 Industry Events and Networking in Food Sector

08:46 Growing Up Around Family Business and Entrepreneurial Inspiration

10:02 Early Career and Passion for Food and Events

11:47 Transition from Events to Food and Drink Entrepreneurship

12:42 Starting at Pukpip and Early Achievements

14:14 Lessons from Family and Entrepreneurial Role Models

15:24 Skills from Event Management Applied to Food Business

16:57 Market Trends in Frozen Snacking and Product Range

18:01 Favorite Pukpip Products and Flavours

19:32 Impact of Frozen Products on Dietary Inclusion

20:51 A Typical Week at Pukpip and Summer Plans

22:23 Upcoming Events, Sampling, and Trade Shows

23:47 Where to Find Pukpip products

24:18 Highlights and Proud Moments at Pukpip

26:55 Challenges Faced and Lessons Learned

28:32 Advice for Aspiring Food and Drink Entrepreneurs

30:15 The Power of Personal Branding and Industry Engagement

32:11 Future Plans and Exciting Developments for Pukpip

33:42 Recommended Brands and Innovations in Food Sector

34:54 Music as a Reflection of Career and Personality

35:09 Connecting with Ellen and Final Thoughts

This weeks guest is Jess Wright - Sales and Marketing Director at Carvan Coffee Roasters.

Jess has a fantastic career history, working for brands inlcuding Coca Cola, Emily Crisps, Camden Town Brewery, &Soda and many more!

She now leads a team looking after the coffee side of the brilliant Caravan hospitality business.

There's so much in this, Jess is full of energy and personality - I know you're gonna love it.

Enjoy!

If you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous brand.

They have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today!

Don't forget to check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-head

Chapters

00:00 Meet Jess Wright: Career Journey and Role at Caravan Coffee Roasters

05:07 The Unique Culture at Caravan

11:36 Discovering Caravan and the Coffee Industry

13:37 A Day in the Life of a Sales and Marketing Director

16:14 Implementing Deep Work and Productivity Strategies

19:35 Early Aspirations and Career Beginnings

21:04 Educational Background and Initial Career Steps

22:42 Sales Experience at Coca-Cola

24:38 Transitioning to Startups and Unique Experiences

27:07 Working with Innovative Brands

30:51 Navigating Corporate Structures

32:42 Building Connections in the FMCG Community

36:30 Key Lessons from Career Experiences

38:25 Memorable Challenges and Resilience

41:05 Career Reflections and Future Outlook

This week's guest is the brilliant Aidan Conry, Head of Sales at Fearne & Rosie - A jam brand proud to produce a range using double the fruit (70%) and half the sugar compared to most jam's in the market!

Aidan shares insights into building a successful food brand, navigating retail partnerships, and the importance of authenticity and persistence in FMCG.

From early days of being a buyer, to working for brands ever since - there's plenty of words of wisdom in this episode, enjoy!

If you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous brand.

They have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today!

Don't forget to check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-head

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Aidan Conry and Fearn & Rosie

03:07 The Story Behind Fearn & Rosie

04:25 Aidan's Journey to Fearn & Rosie

06:47 The Team and Work Culture at Fearn & Rosie

09:41 Aidan's Early Aspirations and Career Path

12:20 Training and Development at ASDA

14:42 Transitioning to the Plant-Based Sector

17:20 The Disruption of Oato and Mighty

20:09 Key Highlights and Success Stories

22:38 Challenges and Setbacks in the Industry

25:29 Future Plans for Fearn & Rosie

28:01 Advice for Aspiring Food Entrepreneurs

30:29 Reflections on Career Progression

33:18 Aidan's Musical Anthem and Closing Thoughts

This week I speak to industry titan - Mike Hemming, The Commercial Director of LoveSum Dumplings

We discuss Mike's extensive background in the food industry, including his time at Cadbury, Green & Black's, Mars Pet Care and Peter's Yard.

Mike shares the founding story of LoveSum Dumplings, their vision for fresh dumplings in the UK, and the challenges they face in the retail market.

There's insights on working in both corporate and SME environments, and advice for aspiring food entrepreneurs.

There's SO much to dig into - ENJOY!

If you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous brand.

They have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today!

Don't forget to check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-head

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to LoveSum Dumplings

01:15 The Founding Story of LoveSum Dumplings

03:25 Mike's Journey to LoveSum Dumplings

05:56 Retail Success and Brand Growth

07:55 Lunar New Year and Sales Insights

11:29 Building a Factory and Overcoming Challenges

15:17 Career Path and Early Influences

18:27 Lessons from Cadbury's Experience

19:57 Lessons from Cadbury: Leadership and Culture

21:13 Transitioning to Green and Blacks: Authenticity and Innovation

23:44 The Unique Environment at Mars: People Management and Leadership

25:14 Scaling Peter's Yard: From Niche to Mainstream

29:52 Navigating Premium Markets: Strategies for Success

32:59 Focus on Core Products: Building a Strong Brand

37:02 Advice for Aspiring Food Entrepreneurs: Passion and Experience

Today's guest is the fantastic Hayley Costanzo - Managing Director at PÄRLA.

Now PÄRLA are revolutionising oral care and the toothpaste space with their range of innovative tabs and more recently their fully recyclable aluminium tube pastes.

Hayley is a TRUE unfounder, being there pretty much from day one - I loved unpicking the last 5+ years building the brand, and her lessons and learnings from brilliant brands like Innocent and Strong Roots too.

This is a corker, enjoy!

If you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous brand.

They have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today!

Don't forget to check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-head

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to PÄRLA and the Mission

03:26 Innovative Products: Tablets vs. Tubes

06:16 The Importance of Ingredients in Oral Care

09:01 Building a Brand Experience

11:58 Hayley's Journey to PÄRLA

14:34 Growth and Expansion at PÄRLA

17:24 Field Sales Experience and Its Impact

20:05 Challenges and Insights in Retail

21:00 Scrappy Beginnings and Creative Solutions

23:36 The Journey at PÄRLA: Growth and Responsibilities

26:50 Work-Life Balance in a Challenger Brand

30:24 Navigating Tough Times and Operational Challenges

34:51 Advice for Aspiring FMCG Professionals

38:22 The PÄRLA Anthem: Music and Team Spirit