What does it really take for a family name to outlive nations, generations, and empires? In this live episode of Getting to Grow, host Zoe Fox sits down with Arthur Edward Guinness — the 4th Earl of Iveagh — to explore the extraordinary 266‑year legacy behind Ireland’s most iconic brand.From one man’s 9,000‑year lease in 1759 to a dynasty that shaped philanthropy, culture, and global brewing, this conversation uncovers the never‑told human stories behind the Guinness name — the triumphs, the losses, and the values that built a brand into a legacy.Arthur opens up about:→ How the Guinness family turned a Dublin brewery into a global symbol→ The battles, both literal and personal, that shaped their fortune→ What it means to preserve heritage while leading in a changing world→ Why legacy matters more than ever in an era obsessed with speed→ The unseen role of the women who kept the Guinness story alive→ How the modern descendants carry tradition, philanthropy, and identity forwardIf you’ve ever wondered how legacy is crafted — not inherited — and what it really means to build something that lasts centuries, this episode pulls back the velvet curtain on one of the most enduring family stories of all time.Connect:Zoe Fox: https://www.instagram.com/gettingtogrow/https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-fox-377033b0/Guinness:https://www.instagram.com/guinness/
What does it really take to build a brand that stands for something — not just sells something? In this live episode of Getting to Grow, host Zoe Fox brings together three powerhouse marketers from brands like BrewDog, Subway, Method, and The Coconut Collaborative to unpack the brutal truths behind building, scaling, and surviving in the modern FMCG world.From rebellious campaigns to full-blown flops, this episode dives deep into the real talk no one shares — what works, what backfires, and why your “next big idea” might actually be your biggest mistake.The panel reveals:→ The biggest brand fail that went viral for the wrong reasons — and the hard lessons learned→ Why knowing your “True North” matters more than any trend or hashtag→ How to stop “brand FOMO” and stay focused when everyone’s chasing viral moments→ The secret to scaling a small brand without losing your purpose→ How Method turned a cleaning product into a cult obsession (hint: rhubarb)→ Why real marketing starts with talking to your customers — not your competitors→ The new PR reality: fewer journalists, tighter budgets, and why brand utility wins over hypeIf you’ve ever wondered how challenger brands break through, how top marketers think under pressure, or what actually makes a campaign stick, this episode is your inside pass to the boardroom, the brainstorm, and the breakdowns.Connect:Zoe Fox: https://www.instagram.com/gettingtogrow/https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-fox-377033b0/Sarah Warman:https://www.instagram.com/sarahfwarman/Holly Rix:https://www.instagram.com/hollyrix/We Are All Marketing:https://www.instagram.com/weareallmarketing/
What does it take to turn a city trading career and a kitchen obsession with activated snacks into a best-selling brand with viral reach? In this episode, Zoe Fox sits down with Cathy Moseley, founder of Boundless Snacks, to unpack Cathy’s journey from London trading floors to creating the UK’s go-to gut-friendly snack.Cathy reveals:→ Why leaving her six-figure city job was the scariest—and best—decision she ever made→ How she went from kitchen trials to supermarket shelves with no prior food industry experience→ The messy, relentless challenge of finding manufacturers, surviving setbacks, and getting those crucial first listings→ Her mission to make gut health accessible, tasty, and fun for everyone→ Real talk about resilience, team-building, and refusing to let early rejections define Boundless→ Navigating bold flavors, product innovation, and standing out in a crowded snack market→ Why the highs only matter because of the lows—and what keeps her going in the toughest timesIf you’re curious about food & drink innovation, challenger brands, entrepreneurship outside your comfort zone, or just love a founder’s wild leap, this episode delivers.What does it take to leave behind a six-figure career in city trading and turn a kitchen experiment into a viral, gut-health snack brand loved by millions? In this episode, Zoe Fox sits down with Cathy Moseley, founder of Boundless Snacks, to explore her journey from financial markets to the aisles of major supermarkets.Connect-Zoe Fox-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gettingtogrow/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-fox-377033b0/Cathy Moseley, Founder-Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathy-moseley-a549851b5/?originalSubdomain=ukBoundless-Website: https://weareboundless.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eatboundless/
What does it take to turn a kitchen recipe for fiery ginger beer into a brand stocked in major retailers and beloved by customers? In this episode, Zoe Fox sits down with Will Englander, founder of The Root Co, to unpack Will’s journey from London management consultant to the driving force behind UK’s most exciting ginger-based beverage brand.Will reveals:→ How a life-threatening accident in Japan set him on a bold path to entrepreneurship→ Why “naivety” was his secret weapon in scaling manufacturing—from blender batches at home to supermarket shelves→ The messy, persistent hustle of field sales, brutal rejections, and winning first retail listings→ Navigating ingredient sourcing, developing a transparent supply chain, and the impact of B Corp certification→ Hard lessons in branding, recipe development, and learning to thrive on feedback→ The emotional drivers behind his leap—from job security to spending precious time with family→ Building a challenger drinks brand in a world dominated by sugary sodas and tight pub contractsIf you’re curious about food & drink innovation, startup resilience, the nuts and bolts of FMCG, or just love a mad founder’s story, this episode delivers.Connect:Zoe Fox:Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gettingtogrow/LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-fox-377033b0/Will Englander, Co-Founder-Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/willenglander1/LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-englander-609ba8109/The Root Co:Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/the.root.co/Website: https://rootcodrinks.co.uk/Hashtags: #gettingtogrow #gettingtogrowpodcast #fmcg #foodanddrink #drinks #gingerbeer #startup #entrepreneurship
What does it take to turn bubbling jars of kombucha into a supermarket success story?In this episode, Emma Thackray shares her journey — from running Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in the UK, to discovering fermented foods in America, and finally co-founding Hip Pop, one of the UK’s fastest-growing gut health drinks brands.She talks about scrappy beginnings (literally selling cans out of her car), raising millions of pounds in investment, and the wild reality of scaling a challenger brand into Sainsbury’s, Co-op, and beyond.We also cover…→ What happens when everything goes wrong on moving day→ Why flavour — not fads — drives Hip Pop’s success→ How Emma raised investment without a background in FMCG→ The lessons from rebranding for mass market growthIf you’re into food & drink, startups, or the behind-the-scenes of building a modern brand — you’ll love this one.Zoe Fox:https://www.instagram.com/gettingtogrow/https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-fox-377033b0/Emma Thackray, Co-Founder--Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmathackray/Drink Hip Pop:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drink.hip.pop/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrinkHipPopWebsite: https://drinkhippop.com/#gettingtogrow #gettingtogrowpodcast #fmcg #foodanddrink #drinks #hippop #kombucha #startup #entrepreneurship
He was selling tea from his uni bedroom…Now it’s a multi-million-pound brand with shops across the UK.Mike Turner co-founded Bird & Blend Tea Co. to shake up the tea industry—creating a brand people wanted to be part of, not just shop fromBut building a values-led brand came with hard choices:→ Saying no to investors who didn’t “get it”→ Scaling without compromising creativity→ And figuring out how to lead a team when you never planned to be a “boss”In this episode, we dive into the scrappy early days, Mike’s obsession with community, and how he & his co-founder Krisi turned tea into a movement.Whether you're scaling a business or just love a good founder story—this one’s for you.Zoe Fox—YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gettingtogrowpodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-fox-377033b0/Mike Turner, Co-Founder —LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeajturner/Bird & Blend Tea Co—Website: https://www.birdandblendtea.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/birdandblendtea#gettingtogrow #gettingtogrowpodcast #fmcg #foodandbeverage #tea #bird&blendtea #bird&blend #hotbeverage
Jens Knoop turned a childhood memory into one of the UK’s most beloved luxury chocolate drinks — Knoops.
Here’s how he did it…
In this episode, we dive into the journey of building Knoops from a single idea into a nationwide brand. He shares the creative process behind developing over 20 different chocolate percentages, talks about maintaining quality while scaling, and reflects on how his German roots shaped the brand’s vision.
You'll also hear about the challenges of the chocolate industry, brand expansion, and Jens’ philosophy of "chocolate happiness."
If you love food branding, founder stories, or premium product strategy — this one's packed with real gems.
Jens Knoop — Founder of Knoops:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knoopschocolate/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jens-knoop-1a15a446/
Knoops Chocolate:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knoopschocolate/
Website: https://knoops.co.uk
Zoe Fox
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gettingtogrowpodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-fox-377033b0/
#gettingtogrow #gettingtogrowpodcast #fmcg #foodandbeverage #chocolate #jensknoop #knoops #hotchocolate #darkchocolate #gourmetchocolate #craftchocolate
What does it take to become one of the most influential voices in the drinks industry?
In this episode, Dawn Davies shares her wild journey — from running legendary fine dining spots with no experience, to becoming the head buyer at The Whisky Exchange.
She talks about curating spirits from across the globe, making million-pound decisions, and why she’ll always back brands that stand for something.
We also cover…→ Industry myths→ How consumer tastes are shifting→ What it takes to earn shelf space today
If you're into drinks, branding, or the business of taste — you’ll love this one.
Dawn Davies, Head Buyer at The Whisky Exchange
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawndaviesmw/
The Whisky Exchange
Website: https://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whiskyexchange/
Follow Zoe Fox
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gettingtogrow
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-fox-377033b0/
#gettingtogrow #gettingtogrowpodcast #fmcg #foodandbeverage #alcohol #thewhiskeyexchange #whiskeyexchange #wine #spirits #beer #drinks #dawndavies
In this episode, we dive into the story of Better Nature and how co-founder Elin Roberts helped bring tempeh to the masses. From early-stage experiments to landing on Tesco’s shelves, Elin shares the behind-the-scenes of building a purpose-driven food brand in an industry dominated by big players.We cover what it takes to educate customers about something new, how to stand out in the alt-protein space, and why tempeh might just be the future of plant-based eating.If you're passionate about food, sustainability, or building something that matters, this one’s for you.Elin Roberts, Co-Founder of Better NatureInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/elin.mari/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elinmroberts/Better NatureInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/betternaturetempeh/Website: https://betternaturetempeh.co/Follow Zoe FoxYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gettingtogrowLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-fox-377033b0/#gettingtogrow #gettingtogrowpodcast #fmcg #foodandbeverage #tempeh #plantbased #betternature #betternaturetempeh
She never planned on becoming a founder — but Olivia Louise Jenkins’ journey from a steady 9–5 to building a global jewellery brand is anything but ordinary.
In this episode, we dive into how Olivia co-founded D. Louise, the challenges she faced juggling a full-time job while launching, and the viral moments that changed everything.
From bootstrapping her first collections to navigating the pressures of massive growth, she shares the raw truth behind building a business she never expected to run.
If you're a creative, side hustler, or dream of starting something of your own — Olivia’s story will hit home and inspire action.
Olivia Jenkins, Co-Founder of D. Louise
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olivialouise.jenkins/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-jenkins-055663151/
D. Louise Jewelry
Website: https://www.dlouise.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/d.louise/
Follow Zoe Fox
From indulgent desserts to gut-friendly yoghurts, James Averdick has launched some of the UK’s most loved food brands — including GU, Coconut Collaborative, and now Spooners!
In this episode, we dive into…
→ James’ journey of founding multiple successful food businesses→ His thoughts on brand-building in the FMCG world→ What it takes to create products that truly connect with people
He shares lessons from growing GU into a premium dessert powerhouse, navigating sustainability with Coconut Collaborative, and why Spooners might just be his boldest move yet.
Whether you’re building a CPG brand, curious about the food startup space, or just want a behind-the-scenes look at launching hit products — this one’s packed with insight!
James Averdieck, Founder of GU, Coconut Collaborative, and Spooners
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jim_averdieck/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-averdieck-333b45b5/
Follow Zoe Fox
What does it take to shake up the premium drinks industry?
Raissa de Haas, co-founder of Double Dutch Drinks, shares how she and her twin sister, Joyce de Haas, built a brand that’s redefining mixers with bold flavors and innovation.
In this episode, we dive into…
→ The journey of launching Double Dutch,
→ Challenges of scaling in a competitive market, and
→ Strategies behind building a strong brand.
Plus, we explore innovation in the drinks industry and what’s next for premium mixers.
If you’re into entrepreneurship, the drinks industry, or building a standout brand, you won’t want to miss this conversation!
Raissa de Haas, Co-Founder of Double Dutch Drinks
Double Dutch Drinks
Follow Zoe Fox
YouTube: /gettingtogro
LinkedIn: /zoe-fox-377033b0
How do you take a brand from startup to industry leader?
Vince Lawson, CMO of Biotiful Gut Health, shares how he’s pioneering Biotiful Gut Health and making gut health more accessible to everyone.
In this episode, we dive into the challenges of…
→ Launching and marketing health-focused brands
→ The science behind Kefir and natural probiotics
→ Strategies for building brand loyalty in competitive markets.
Plus, we explore the future of dairy, plant-based alternatives, and clean-label products.Whether you're an entrepreneur, marketer, or health enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights on branding, scaling, and the future of wellness.
Zoe Fox
YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/@gettingtogrowpodcast]
LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-fox-377033b0/]
Vince Lawson, CMO of Biotiful Gut Health
LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/vince-lawson-015a93b/]Biotiful Gut Health
Website: [https://biotifulguthealth.com/]
In this episode, we dive into the journey of building Grubby, the challenges of scaling a food subscription business, and the unexpected pivots along the way. From dealing with the name controversy to navigating the complexities of forecasting, I share insights into what it really takes to grow a direct-to-consumer brand in the food industry. We also explore customer retention, the early struggles of launching during lockdown, and how we adapted to serve NHS workers during the pandemic. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a food industry enthusiast, or just curious about what happens behind the scenes, this episode is packed with valuable lessons.
Cafe Pod, a UK-based coffee company, was co-founded by Peter Grainger and his colleagues in 2011. Grainger's inspiration for the company came during a trip to Cape Town, where he recognized the cultural significance of coffee and the potential for high-quality coffee pods in the UK market. He, along with two friends from his previous job, identified a gap for Nespresso-compatible coffee capsules, leading to the establishment of Cafe Pod to offer a better coffee experience at home. Zoe Fox: https://www.instagram.com/gettingtogrow/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-fox-377033b0/ Find Peter on socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cafepod_peter/ Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-grainger-86162612/ Website: https://www.cafepod.com/
In this episode, Juliet Barrat, co-founder of Grenade, shares the incredible journey of turning a bold idea into a game-changing name in sports nutrition. From their early vision of being the “Red Bull of Sports Nutrition” to navigating tough moments like having just £27 in the bank, Juliet gives a behind-the-scenes look at the determination, creativity, and grit it takes to succeed. She talks about the importance of timing, the power of standout packaging, and how delivering a phenomenal product built Grenade’s reputation as a leader in the industry.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, a fan of success stories, or someone curious about what sets challenger brands apart, this episode is packed with insights. Juliet discusses why they avoided protein bars initially, how their unique grenade-shaped container became a symbol of innovation, and the role of gut instinct in decision-making. With stories of experimenting with products on military friends and landing unexpected shelf placements in major retailers, it's a fascinating conversation about the highs, lows, and lessons of building a business that disrupted an entire market.
Zoe Fox:
https://www.instagram.com/gettingtogrow/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-fox-377033b0/
Sponsored by:
- Sam Lawrence Recruitment: Personalized recruitment solutions for finding the right opportunities and team members.
- We Are All Marketing: Results-driven marketing and storytelling strategies to help businesses grow.
- The Coconut Collaborative: Delicious plant-based, dairy-free treats, including creamy yogurts and indulgent desserts.
In this episode I talk to Will & Abbie Sandbach of Amie Wines! We dive into the biggest challenges of juggling time while running a business. From managing production mishaps to balancing an e-commerce store, marketing, events, and creating new product ranges—it’s a wild ride! 🏃♂️💼 We talk about avoiding burnout, finding moments to step back, and why downtime is crucial for staying sane in the chaos. If you’ve ever felt like you’re sprinting on a treadmill that won’t slow down, this one’s for you. Tune in to hear relatable struggles, practical advice, and a little encouragement to hit pause when you need it. Don’t miss this candid chat—watch the full episode now! Zoe Fox: https://www.instagram.com/gettingtogrow/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-fox-377033b0/ Amie Wines Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drinkamie/ Website: https://drinkamie.com/
Zoe Fox: https://www.instagram.com/gettingtogrow/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-fox-377033b0/ Sam Matanle, CO-Founder BATCH LDN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samuelmatanle/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-matanle/ Website: https://batchldn.com/
Join us for an insightful discussion on scaling your brand from $5 to 50 Million with some amazing industry leaders. Featuring success stories from: - Vlora Salihi (UK&I Sales Director Tony's Chocolonely) - Pip Murray (Founder, Pip & Nut) - Jon Walsh (Founder, Bio&Me) - Shani Higgs (Head Of Sales PerfectTed) This episode explores key strategies for growth. Learn about staying true to your brand's ethics, leveraging media for expansion, the importance of science-backed products, and being first to market. This panel shares valuable insights on supply chain management, rapid business growth, building the right team, and the risks involved in entrepreneurship. Discover how these brands overcame challenges and built stellar teams to achieve remarkable success. Whether you're a startup founder or an established business owner, this episode offers practical advice and inspiration for taking your brand to the next level! All guests' links Pipp Murray - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pippamurray/ Shani Higgs - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanihiggs/Vlora Salihi - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vlora-salihi-21432647/Jon Walsh - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-walsh-57b211/ Liked this episode? I'd love for you to tell me who else you'd like me to have on 👇 https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-fox-377033b0/ https://www.instagram.com/gettingtogrow/
In this episode, we dive deep into the world of branding and marketing with Mark Allen, the founder of Lunchbox and the man behind the "Getting to Grow" branding. We cover a lot of exciting topics in this mini-pod!
- The difference between brand strategy and brand identity
- Mistakes brand owners often make and how to avoid them
- The importance of building a community for a brand, and when it's not the best focus
- The differences between B2C and B2B branding, and where the biggest opportunities lie
- Mark's dream brand to work on and the excitement around brand revivals
Timestamps:
00:55 - The man behind Getting To Grow
03:56 - Mark's origin story
09:02 - Brand Strategy vs Brand Identity
11:06 - Balancing Brand Marketing vs Performance Marketing
13:00 - Mistakes brand owners make
14:26 - How important is a community for a brand?
15:59 - Why run clubs are popping up everywhere?
17:20 - Do some industries need to focus on brand more than others?
18:42 - Dream brand Mark would like to work with?
This insightful conversation covered a wide range of branding and marketing concepts, providing valuable insights for businesses of all sizes looking to stand out and connect with their audience.
Find Mark on socials:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-allen-a4a3249a/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markallennn/
Looking for branding work, reach out to his agency Lunchbox!
Lunchbox: https://www.lunchboxbranding.com
Keep up to date with my shenanigans and live events (there's one every month!!): https://www.instagram.com/gettingtogrow/
I post about marketing weekly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-fox-377033b0/
Until next time!
-zf
