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.