Today, we are thrilled to welcome Rachel Chatterton, a food industry trailblazer who has been pivotal in Holland & Barrett’s major transformation. Rachel shares her experiences at H and B, where she’s helped add quality years to life through sustainable and ethical sourcing of food products. She reveals how the company switched from a vitamin-heavy assortment to offering an expansive range of nutritious foods by cultivating a driven and dynamic food development team. Rachel also discusses her impressive career journey, from starting at Sainsbury's to opening Starbucks's reserve store in Milan. We delve into the personal strategies she employs to balance the demands of a high-profile role with personal well-being and why their new adaptogenic kombuchas have wowed consumers. To finish, Rachel hints at the upcoming store refits designed to make H and B a destination for both health and hospitality on the high street.

Timestamps:

- 00:02:50 – Rachel's food industry background and transition into Holland & Barrett

- 00:08:15 – Discussing the 360 new food lines at Holland & Barrett

- 00:13:40 – The strategic role of stock holding and quick testing methods

- 00:18:25 – Engaging people and sharing a vision in food development

- 00:24:10 – Amy and Lucy’s insights on work-life balance in the food industry

- 00:33:00 – Consumer uptake and the future of Holland & Barrett in retail

- 00:42:55 – Rachel expressing thanks and final thoughts on networking in the food industry

- 00:47:30 – Hosts Amy and Lucy offer final anecdotes and encouragement to listeners

Links and Resources:

Website Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/

FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ohforfoodsake

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oh-for-food-s-sake/

You can follow us here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oh_forfoodssake/

For industry consulting from Lucy, connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.

For further support with industry coaching and facilitation from Amy, find her on Instagram or LinkedIn.

See you next time!

Charlie Jenkins joins us as we explore the significance of a safe space for neurodiverse employees in the food industry.

Throughout the episode, Charlie recounts their personal experiences with autism, from the struggles of asking clarifying questions to finding a role that complements their unique abilities.

We commend Charlie's self-discovery and applaud Asda's exemplary support for neurodiverse and disabled employees. We offer insights into the distinctions between common human behaviours and neurodiverse traits while acknowledging influencers' roles in raising autism awareness. An essential conversation revolves around accommodating flexible working and recognising productivity benefits when a workplace embraces neurodiversity. Furthermore, advice is shared on fostering a workplace culture of equity and individual accommodation.

Timestamps

- 00:04:15 - Charlie discusses the challenges of asking questions in the workplace.

- 00:10:30 - Journey of embracing autism and finding suitable work roles.

- 00:17:50 - Recognition of Asda's exemplary workplace accommodations.

- 00:24:00 - Discussion on misconceptions surrounding neurodiversity.

- 00:33:15 - Personal experiences with autism authenticity in the workplace.

- 00:42:10 - Benefits of flexible working arrangements for neurodiverse individuals.

- 00:50:05 - Advice for incorporating neurodiversity in work settings.

Links and Resources:

Website Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/

FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ohforfoodsake

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oh-for-food-s-sake/

You can follow us here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oh_forfoodssake/

For industry consulting from Lucy, connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.

For further support with industry coaching and facilitation from Amy, find her on Instagram or LinkedIn.

See you next time!

Join us this week as we sit down with Ellie Vince to explore her journey with dyspraxia. After facing difficulties with tasks such as reading aloud and coordination, Ellie was diagnosed with dyspraxia, leading to the need for specialised equipment in her job. Ellie's initial hesitation in disclosing her condition at work transitions into impactful advocacy, demonstrating how employers can better understand and support employees like her.

We discuss the statistics highlighting the prevalence and misunderstanding of dyspraxia among UK adults and stress the importance of inclusivity at the workplace through thoughtful accommodations. Furthermore, we dissect how hiring processes and workplace cultures can become more supportive of neurodivergent individuals, such as by providing training, designating mentors, and promoting awareness.

Ellie also shares her academic journey, professional aspirations, and how her neurodivergence complements her creative learning style. We emphasise the significance of sharing experiences and fostering open discussions about neurodiversity to reduce stigma and embrace differences.

Timestamps:

- 00:05:45 - Ellie Vince's academic challenges with dyspraxia

- 00:12:34 - Revealing dyspraxia at work and advocating for inclusivity

- 00:24:50 - Strategies for businesses to support neurodivergent employees

- 00:37:19 - Embracing neurodiversity in recruitment processes and workplace environments

- 00:51:03 - Importance of raising awareness and fostering safe spaces for discussions

- 01:08:57 - Ellie's aspirations and joy in finding a supportive workplace

Links and Resources:

Website Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/

FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ohforfoodsake

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oh-for-food-s-sake/

You can follow us here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oh_forfoodssake/

For industry consulting from Lucy, connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.

For further support with industry coaching and facilitation from Amy, find her on Instagram or LinkedIn.

See you next time!