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.