In this season finale of The Fearless Foodie Podcast, Amy dives headfirst into the reality faced by food and retail professionals as the chaos of Christmas approaches. She shares raw, personal reflections from her own journey through burnout and recovery, using those lessons to offer a toolkit of practical strategies for surviving — not just soldiering through — the busiest time of year in the industry. Amy unpacks what real resilience looks like (hint: it’s not about ignoring your own needs), tackles the power of saying “no,” and reminds us all that "good enough" really can be good enough. The episode blends honest storytelling, bold advice, and real-world tips to help listeners reclaim their energy, set boundaries, and truly thrive through the holiday rush—and beyond. If you’ve ever felt the seasonal squeeze or wondered if it’s okay to pause and ask for help, this episode is your permission slip.

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.

In this week’s episode of The Fearless Foodie Podcast, Amy Wilkinson is joined by Bethan Grylls from Food Manufacture for a refreshingly honest and laughter-filled chat about “leading from the bottom” in the food and retail sector. Together, they break down what modern leadership looks like, why flat hierarchies are gaining momentum, and how giving frontline workers a bigger voice can make a massive difference—whether it comes to team motivation, reducing turnover, or making jobs feel meaningful. We dig into real stats from McKinsey and FDF, industry trends, and plenty of “been-there” stories, tackling the labour shortage challenges in food manufacturing head-on. You’ll get actionable advice on fostering psychological safety, reframing mistakes as opportunities, and why leaders who listen more than they talk are shaping the future of work. Plus, there’s the usual dose of fearless, relatable banter—from sandwich line disasters to rapping at industry conferences (don’t worry, nobody actually raps).

In this refreshingly honest episode of The Fearless Foodie Podcast, Amy Wilkinson sits down with her friend and purpose-driven comms agency co-founder, Nyree Ambarchian. Together, they dive deep into what it means to shake up the rules in workplaces - from banishing rigid working hours, to championing pay transparency, and tackling the guilt so many working parents carry. Nyree shares her journey from corporate conformity to building Jack and Grace, a company obsessed with improving work for people (especially parents) and amplifying organisations doing good worldwide. Expect relatable stories, genuine laughs, and blunt truths about why many of us feel like we’re the problem at work—when it’s the system, not us. If you’re tired of outdated workplace norms, ready to challenge some “microplastic” rules, or just want permission to skip the guilt and pick your kid up from school, this episode is your permission slip.

In this episode of The Fearless Foodie, Amy Wilkinson is joined by food industry veteran and coach, Gail Paddy, for a refreshingly honest conversation about what it really takes to thrive in food and retail. Gail shares her inspiring (and delightfully unplanned!) journey from passionate “foodie” teen to senior leadership roles at top retailers like Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Morrisons. They dive deep into the highs, lows, and learning curves of life in food retail—from building a career without a strict game plan, to navigating the fast-paced demands of the sector, to busting the myth that you can “have it all” as a leader and parent. The conversation is loaded with real-world lessons: the importance of flexibility, the power of cross-functional experience, the impact of supportive work cultures, and hard-won wisdom on working motherhood and guilt. Gail also demystifies what happens behind retail’s closed doors, offers advice for suppliers and aspiring foodies, and dishes on her transition from corporate director to consulting, coaching, and mentoring. If you’re looking for a relatable, empowering take on building a career (and life) you love in the food industry—this one’s for you.

In this episode of The Fearless Foodie Podcast, host Amy Wilkinson is joined once again by guest co-host Danny Franklin, Group Commercial Director at IFP UK. Together, they dig right into one of the industry’s most talked-about (and frankly, overused) words: authenticity. Getting honest about what it means to be “yourself” at work, Amy and Danny pull no punches as they unpack the boundaries, the benefits, and the absolute need for professionalism – all through the lens of food industry leadership. Danny opens up about his own journey, the pressures he’s faced to “fit in,” and why working-class roots and lived experiences deserve a place in boardroom conversations. Amy gets straight to the point about the exhaustion of pretending, the fine art of vulnerability without oversharing, and how authenticity fuels trust and psychological safety in teams. No fluff—just the honest truth about why some spaces aren’t a fit, navigating corporate cultures, and the practical steps you can take today to lead as the real you (without turning your next team meeting into an episode of oversharing nightmares). Packed with relatable stories, laughter, and practical wisdom, this episode is a heart-to-heart for anyone ready to lead with more courage and less corporate-speak.

In this episode of The Fearless Foodie Podcast, Amy Wilkinson sits down with Breige Donaghy, Director of Product Development & Innovation at Tesco, for an honest chat about what really makes retailer and supplier relationships tick in today’s food industry. Drawing from her two decades of experience (and a career that’s spanned roles at both Tesco and Co-op), Breige spills the secrets from inside Britain’s biggest retailers—and gets real about the future of food, development, and innovation. Together, Amy and Breige uncover what true partnership looks like beyond the numbers, budgets, and (let’s face it) relentless day-to-day pressure. They discuss why being customer-obsessed is non-negotiable, how to effectively harness data and insights for results, the art of critical friendship, and how trust and collaboration can transform a “nice idea” into real, transformational progress. From career growth to leadership philosophy, this episode offers wisdom (and laughs) for anyone in food manufacturing, retail, or those seeking to gain insight into how significant change occurs.

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

In this episode of The Fearless Foodie podcast, host Amy Wilkinson is joined by co-host Bethan Grylls, editor of Food Manufacturer, for a refreshingly honest and bold conversation about the value of curiosity in the workplace—especially in food and retail. Together, they ditch the myth that you have to know everything to be credible and dive deep into why asking questions (even the “stupid” ones) is at the heart of authentic leadership, innovation, and personal growth. Amy and Bethan share candid stories from their own careers, reflecting on moments where they felt intimidated by seasoned industry pros, and how pushing through the awkwardness to ask questions actually opened doors and sparked progress. There’s a real emphasis on building psychological safety at work and creating environments where curiosity is celebrated, not shut down. Along the way, they swap acronyms, dissect the fears around being judged, poke fun at food industry jargon, and—yes—riff on tigers and AI (because what self-respecting foodie podcast wouldn’t?). Whether you’re just starting out in the food industry, managing a team of veterans, or somewhere in between, this episode is packed with practical takeaways and real talk to help you get braver about speaking up, getting curious, and leading with honesty.

In this episode of The Fearless Foodie Podcast, Amy sits down with executive coach Angharad Ross to get unapologetically honest about having bold, brave conversations at work—especially in the fast-paced world of food and retail. Drawing from their experience in commercial roles and coaching, Amy and Angharad explore why tough conversations are so complex (hint: blame your brain!), how to work with that natural anxiety, and practical ways to get more comfortable with discomfort. From the boardroom to your own front door, they remind us that the trickiest conversations are often the ones closest to home—and avoiding them does more harm than good. Get ready for real talk on effective communication, honesty, and negotiating (even with your own husband about the car settings), with a few laughs along the way. Whether you’re negotiating with a retailer or hashing things out with a teammate, this episode is packed with wisdom, actionable strategies, and a hefty dose of empathy for anyone working in food manufacturing, retail, or beyond.

In this episode of The Fearless Foodie Podcast, Amy is joined by guest co-host Danny Franklin, Commercial Director at IFP labs. Together, they dive into the gritty realities—and hidden perks—of managing people who are, on paper, “more qualified” than you. If you’ve ever suffered imposter syndrome after getting promoted, felt your nerves spike when leading a more experienced team, or questioned what “leadership” really means in the fast-paced food industry, this episode is your antidote. Amy and Danny get honest about the value (and limits) of traditional qualifications, the power of hard-won experience, and why the very best leaders know how to tell a story, connect a team, and build trust. Danny shares his own journey from leaving school at 16 with no GCSEs to running multiple companies, and the duo tackle common anxieties around managing former peers or “subject-matter experts.” Spoiler: It’s all about self-awareness, soft skills (which, let’s be honest, are anything but soft), and owning your own unique strengths—even the ones that don’t come with a certificate.

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.

Welcome to the first episode of The Fearless Foodie Podcast! In this honest and empowering episode, Amy Wilkinson, coach, speaker, and genuine straight-talker, shares why she’s continuing the conversation in food and retail, filling the gap left when Lucy stepped away as co-host of Oh For Food’s Sake. Amy opens up about her own industry journey—complete with the lows of burnout and the highs of building community—and sets the tone for her new solo adventure: tackling real, sometimes tough topics with compassion and a sprinkle of humour (no perfection or performance required!). Amy shares the vision for the refreshed podcast, teasing upcoming guests, new segments, and her mission to make the food industry a more supportive, honest, and human place. Whether you’re a veteran of Oh For Food’s Sake or completely new to Amy’s world, you’ll walk away feeling understood, less alone, and fired up to be just that little bit bolder in your own career.

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

In this final episode of "Oh for Food’s Sake," we get honest about the beauty (and challenge) of letting go. After more than four years and 200+ episodes, your trusted food industry duo are wrapping up this chapter as co-hosts, reflecting on the journey, what brought them to this decision, and—most importantly—why knowing when to move on is so vital, both professionally and personally. Sharing their own experiences of leaving jobs, businesses, relationships, and their comfort zones, we get real about the emotional rollercoaster of change, the difference between quitting and evolving, and why making space for new opportunities isn’t just brave—it’s essential. This episode is a heartfelt, down-to-earth conversation for anyone at a crossroads, especially food industry professionals who wonder what might be possible if they let go of what’s no longer serving them.

In this episode of Oh For Food’s Sake, we’re diving deep into one of our favourite (and often misunderstood) topics: the Stage-Gate process in food manufacturing and innovation. We pull back the curtain on what really makes Stage Gate both a launching pad for innovation and—when done wrong—a source of chaos, stress, and spreadsheet-induced headaches. You’ll get the low-down on why having a clear, well-communicated process is essential, how soft skills are just as important as systems, and what happens when businesses ignore the realities on the ground. We also get honest about the industry’s slow adoption of technology, how to get buy-in at every level, and even tackle the hot topic of AI: should we run scared, or can it actually be our new best mate? If you’re feeling swamped by endless spreadsheets, chasing artwork, or wondering how to get the rest of the business on board, this one’s for you. We keep it real about the highs, the lows, and the daily grind—and dish out practical advice for thriving (not just surviving) in food product development.

In the next episode of Oh For Food’s Sake, we sit down with Andrew Thornton—entrepreneur, speaker, change agent, and author of "Putting the Heart Back into Business." We dive deep into what it really means to run a values-led, purpose-driven business in an industry that’s all too often obsessed with profit over people. From innovative retail at Budgens to pioneering plastic-free zones before it was cool, Andrew shares the story of his career, his evolving ethos, and the pivotal moments that shifted him from chasing profits to championing purpose. Together, we debunk the myth that the bottom line has to come at the expense of people or the planet and get real about the practicalities of change in food. Andrew’s experience proves that when you focus on all stakeholders—your employees, customers, community, suppliers, and the environment—profit takes care of itself. Plus, Andrew shares some of the creative and practical tools he’s used (from gratitude rounds to the power of checking in before meetings) to make work more human and effective. Whether you’re a challenger brand, a corporate warrior, or somewhere in between, this episode will leave you inspired to think differently and build a food business that’s good for more than just the shareholders.

In this week’s episode of Oh For Food’s Sake, we dig into the hot topic of Gen Z in the food industry. If you’ve ever heard a colleague moan that “Gen Z just don’t want to work,” or felt frustrated trying to figure out what really motivates the next generation, you’re absolutely not alone. Amy (a proud Gen X) and Lucy (a self-confessed “elder millennial”) get real about tackling stereotypes and decoding what Gen Z actually needs at work while sharing some personal confessions from their own early careers (yep, we’ve all hidden mistakes at some point!). We take a brutally honest look at why these generational differences matter for everyone in today’s food businesses. There’s plenty of chat about what’s driving Gen Z—from craving meaningful work that aligns with their values to needing environments where it’s genuinely safe to make mistakes. The episode also serves up practical advice on embracing the strengths Gen Z brings and reveals just how hilarious it is when two millennials can’t tell their Tik Toks from their reels. Most of all, there’s a heartfelt reminder: our industry thrives when we stop blaming each other, start listening, and adapt together.

In this episode of Oh For Food’s Sake, we welcome the “Houmous Queen” herself, Ramona Hazan, founder of Mediterranean Dip Co and the face behind the now much-loved brand, Ramona’s. Amy and Lucy dive into the true story behind Ramona’s 20-year “overnight” success—spoiler alert: it’s packed with relentless perseverance, genuine love for food, and a fair amount of schlepping chickpeas around London in a red Peugeot. Ramona shares the reality of building a food business from scratch, surviving countless rejections, and finally breaking into a retail landscape dominated by own-label giants. We cover her journey from computer engineering in South Africa to becoming a staple name in the dip’s aisle, the challenges and grit behind scaling up, and why staying close to your brand’s heart matters more than ever. We don’t shy away from the real talk: Ramona gets candid about failures (seaweed houmous, anyone?), mental resilience, the importance of profit in business (not just awards or hype!), and learning to take up space as a woman in leadership. This episode is jam-packed with brutal honesty, practical advice for food industry pros, and plenty of laughs. Whether you’re knee-deep in new product development or just contemplating your first pitch to a supermarket, there’s a dose of inspiration and reality check here for everyone.

In this episode of Oh For Food’s Sake, we dive into the realities of changing job functions within the food industry. Whether you’re feeling stuck, craving new challenges, or navigating burnout, this episode offers practical support and honest conversations about why you might want to pivot—and how to make it happen. Drawing on Amy’s (definitely NOT linear!) career journey through technical, process, commercial, marketing, and coaching roles, and Lucy’s bold pivots from recruitment to launching her own food startup, we unpack the emotional rollercoaster of making significant changes at any career stage. We discuss transferable skills, facing imposter syndrome head-on, and why learning what makes you tick can open unexpected doors. If the thought of moving into product development, commercial, category, or simply “something different” has ever crossed your mind, this episode is for you.