On the last ever "Oh For Food’s Sake" episode, we open up about the process (and sometimes pain) of letting go—whether it’s stepping down from your own business, leaving a beloved job, or, in this case, moving on from a podcast that’s meant so much.

We discuss how the show itself began out of Lucy’s journey with letting go of "Pudology," and how leaving isn’t as sudden as it looks from the outside. Both share the behind-the-scenes doubt, fear, and tough conversations that come before big leaps.

Amy explains how leaving her corporate career was terrifying, but ultimately created space for greater creativity and meaning and Lucy gets honest about how hard it is to say goodbye to something that’s become part of her identity but knows it’s time to allow new projects (hello, YouTube!) to take root.

We break down the stigma around the word "quitting," reframing it as evolving or moving forward—and offer straight-talking advice for anyone feeling stuck or afraid to step into the unknown.

There’s practical wisdom here too: from reevaluating your routines and systems, to recognizing whether your fear is rational, to getting honest about what you’d do if you weren’t afraid of failure.

Lucy and Amy are as supportive as ever, reminding all listeners that it’s okay to change, growth is messy, and sometimes the bravest thing you can do is create the space for something new.

While "Oh For Food’s Sake" is ending, the journey isn’t: Amy will be back with a rebranded podcast, and Lucy is jumping into new content, so make sure you keep following their adventures!

Timestamps

00:00:00 – Lucy and Amy welcome listeners and reflect on four years of podcasting together and the decision to end the podcast.

00:02:14 – Discussing the challenge of letting go—why we stay stuck, fear of the unknown, and personal examples.

00:03:30 – Behind-the-scenes of previous big life changes: stepping away from Pudology, corporate careers, and relationships.

00:05:03 – Examining the negative connotations of "quitting" and why failure isn’t fatal.

00:06:21 – The emotional experience of change—grieving, fear, and reframing for growth.

00:07:44 – Celebrating continued friendship, personal growth, and being honest in pivoting.

00:09:48 – Letting go of limiting thoughts and internal narratives, not just jobs and external situations.

00:11:09 – Creating space—how making small changes enables bigger pivots.

00:12:29 – Using self-awareness tools (like human design) to recognize if something is no longer serving you.

00:14:33 – Looking back on tough decisions and only remembering the good, after growth.

00:17:29 – Lucy and Amy reflect on what they gained by letting go, and the different types of change in life and business.

00:19:37 – Identifying when you’re operating out of fear vs. intention. Practical ways to check in with yourself.

00:20:52 – The regrets we don’t want to have and how to make bold decisions intentionally.

00:22:21 – What’s next? Updates on Lucy’s YouTube channel and Amy’s rebranded podcast.

00:24:51 – Thanking listeners, sharing the journey and what’s coming in their next chapters and an invitation to join the mailing list and connect for future news and resources.

00:26:19 – Final sign-off.

Links and Resources:

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

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

Find her on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation from Amy.

Oh For Food's Sake is sponsored by Microsearch Laboratories https://micro-search.co.uk/ and Point 74 https://www.point74.co.uk/

Welcome to another episode packed with insights, laughter, and brutally honest takes on what it’s really like working behind the scenes of food innovation. Lucy starts us off by sharing why Stage Gate is close to her heart—yep, she’s our resident “systems geek”—and Amy jumps in to champion the power of people and soft skills.

Together, we break down how Stage Gate is supposed to be a framework that supports swift, safe, and high-quality product launches, not just another dreaded hoop to jump through.

We explore why most folks in the food biz end up learning systems by osmosis rather than by proper training, and how the lack of clear, regularly reviewed processes leads to unnecessary pressure, repetition, and confusion—especially when every team seems to be stashing their own spreadsheet empire.

We spill the beans on how they’ve helped businesses map out what’s actually going on, often leaving people gobsmacked at the sheer complexity of bringing a product to shelf.

The conversation doesn’t shy away from the frustrations: outdated tech (“We’re still using Excel from 1995, what’s that about?”), squeezed timelines, and the struggle to get leadership onboard with investing in proper product development systems. We put a spotlight on the importance of soft skills and why junior and seasoned team members alike need better training and support—not just chucked in to ‘figure it out’.

Listener questions spark discussion about AI’s (potentially huge) role in freeing up time for the creative, human parts of innovation, and how vital it is to educate business leaders about making Stage Gate a business-wide priority, not just an NPD headache.

In trademark Oh For Food’s Sake style, the episode concludes with a call to constantly review systems, embrace new tech with open arms, and invest in people—because systems are only as good as the folks using them.

Timestamps

00:00 – Why Stage Gate is vital in the food industry
00:54 – What Stage Gate is (and isn’t)
02:18 – Lucy’s journey with Stage Gate + early food industry experiences
04:25 – Why people and systems must work together
05:23 – What Stage Gate actually does & where it goes wrong
07:27 – Product development as the “gatekeeper” role
08:24 – It’s not just NPD’s job: Why Stage-Gate is a business process
10:07 – The chaos of poor systems: too many spreadsheets
11:23 – The industry’s slow adoption of technology
12:45 – Workshop revelations: Realising the true complexity of launches
14:25 – The knock-on effects of a broken process
15:50 – What needs to change: Reviewing and modernising Stage-Gate
17:23 – Making frameworks flexible and people-focused
18:59 – Investing in soft skills and ongoing support
19:28 – Embracing tech and AI as tools, not threats
20:39 – Top takeaway: Systems + people = successful innovation
21:30 – Audience questions: Leadership buy-in, off-the-shelf systems, AI worries
24:54 – Training the next generation and the need for mentorship
26:55 – Wrap up and calls to action

Links and Resources:

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

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

Find her on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation from Amy.

Oh For Food's Sake is sponsored by Microsearch Laboratories https://micro-search.co.uk/ and Point 74 https://www.point74.co.uk/

See you next time!

This week, we peel back the layers on what running a genuinely heartful business looks like in food and retail.

We welcome Andrew Thornton, legendary for shaking up the industry and for always bringing his signature purposeful approach to everything from the shop floor to the boardroom. Andrew tells the story of his journey from his first job in a Dublin newsagent—serving the iconic Fergal Quinn—to launching a consulting company and eventually taking on supermarket ownership in the heart of North London.

We talk about Andrew’s midlife crisis (where instead of buying a Porsche, he bought two supermarkets!), the challenges and triumphs of making Thornton's Budgens a haven for people, planet, and innovation, and the world-first plastic free zones that changed the industry’s approach to plastics. Andrew unpacks how shifting focus away from short-term profits actually made good business sense, and why psychological safety and authenticity matter—as much in retail as in life.

You’ll also hear why describing what people are doing well can make all the difference, what gratitude really looks like at work, and how slowing down at the start of a meeting can transform how people show up. Andrew even shares the story of the “giant tomato display”—a beautiful example of what happens when people are empowered to bring their full creative selves to work.

We wrap up with a bold look at the big challenges facing the industry (hello, UPFs and microplastics), and why real innovation—driven by diverse voices and new tech—is our way forward. Oh, and we don’t shy away from the fun either, because if work isn’t enjoyable, what’s the point?

Timestamps

00:00 From Dublin News Agent to Foodie

05:22 Musgrave's Long-Term, Stakeholder-Focused Strategy

09:21 Testing Reusable Packaging Initiative

10:46 Team's Dedication Over Personal Glory

15:59 Inflow Matrix Exercise for Success

18:37 Purpose Over Profit

23:36 Reducing Costs with Natural Sweetener

25:52 Tech and AI Revolutionizing Food Industry

29:14 Unconventional Meeting Approaches

33:10 Encouraging Innovation Through Open Dialogue

35:30 Gratitude vs Negativity Hardwiring

37:59 Start Meetings with Positives

41:40 "Essential Human Needs Reminder

43:58 "Share and Review Episode"

Links and Resources:

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

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

Find her on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation from Amy.

Oh For Food's Sake is sponsored by Microsearch Laboratories https://micro-search.co.uk/ and Point 74 https://www.point74.co.uk/

See you next time!

We kick off this episode by confronting a very familiar narrative: Why is everyone blaming Gen Z for “not wanting to work”?

On Oh For Food’s Sake we refuse to let stereotypes go unchallenged. We ground the conversation in our blend of experience: decades in food manufacturing and retail, coaching, and plenty of mistake-covering confessions from the good old days.

Together, we share what they see on the ground: Gen Z is anything but lazy; instead, they’re hungry (pun intended!) for jobs with purpose, value alignment, and workplaces that actually support their well-being.

We hit on some key shifts: Gen Z isn’t learning everything by “osmosis” in the office, thanks to remote working and career launches during the pandemic. This means they need a different kind of support than “just get on with it”.

Amy shares candid voice notes from a Gen Z herself—juggling a degree apprenticeship, a side business, and a big corporate job—showcasing the real drive behind the headlines.

We share practical advice on bridging the generational gap and we don’t shy away from the frustrations but challenge leaders to stop “dinosaur-ing” and lean into more inclusive, empowering management.

If you’re an older-gen listener struggling to engage with Gen Z, or a younger industry pro trying to get your managers on-side without feeling like a cliché, there’s something for you here.

Timestamps

00:00 Supporting Gen Z in Remote Work

06:36 Gen Z: Bridging Generational Gaps

07:21 Empowering Through Contextual Understanding

11:48 Empowerment Through Structured Support

18:32 Understanding Gen Z Motivation

21:21 Regular Feedback & Nurturing Essential

25:19 Fostering Mutual Understanding at Work

27:40 Bridging Gen Z and Managers

Links and Resources:

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

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

Find her on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation from Amy.

Oh For Food's Sake is sponsored by Microsearch Laboratories https://micro-search.co.uk/ and Point 74 https://www.point74.co.uk/

See you next time!

Ever wondered what goes into growing a food brand from a tiny home kitchen to supermarket shelves across the nation?

Ramona Hazan tells all—chickpeas in the living room, rolling suitcases packed with houmous through Soho, and years of “no’s” from major retailers.

We discuss her unique approach to new product development (hint: feed your friends, watch what disappears first), her experience transitioning from the stability of wholesale to the daunting world of retail, and why perseverance trumps any “overnight success” narrative.

Amy and Lucy reminisce about their days developing dips and marvel at just how tough it is for brands to break into own-label-heavy categories.

Ramona discusses her rebrand from Me Too Foods to Ramona’s, the accidental timing with the #metoo movement, and the genius move of putting herself—and her story—front and center on every pot.

This episode also shares some hard truths about starting a food business: the need for financial grit, a healthy disrespect for instant gratification, and constant, sometimes crazy, belief in what you’re doing. We also discuss launching new products (think tzatziki, kalamata olive houmous, and even tikka masala options) and why product quality and loyalty matter most.

We get straight into gender, self-belief, and leading with authenticity—why women need to stop waiting for permission and instead “just get the job done.” Ramona’s take on handling setbacks, balancing family and work, and empowering the next generation is refreshing and motivating.

Expect honest advice, warmth, and plenty of those moments that make you feel, “Oh, for food’s sake—I’m not alone in this.”

Timestamps

0:01:55 Ramona’s Backstory: From Engineer to Food Entrepreneur

00:03:31 Early Days: Making houmous at Home, First Sales

00:04:39 Growth Steps: Moving to Small Units, Expanding Production

00:07:10 Brand Evolution: Me Too Foods to Ramona’s Rebrand00:08:37 Breaking into Retail

00:11:14 The Challenges of Building a Brand & Customer Loyalty

00:13:19 Personal Resilience: How to Keep Going Despite Setbacks

00:16:35 Factory Culture: Quality, Teamwork, and “Love” in Production

00:20:17 New Product Launches: Ramona’s Latest Dips

00:23:04 The Lows: Product Flops and Facing Failure

00:25:28 Profitability and Practical Advice for Food Startups

00:27:24 Women in Food: Mindset, Leadership, and Self-Belief

00:32:13 Balancing Work, Parenting, and Business Realities

00:37:18 Where to buy Ramona’s products and how customers can connect directly.

00:38:37 Wrap Up and Outro

Links and Resources:

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

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

Find her on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation from Amy.

Oh For Food's Sake is sponsored by Microsearch Laboratories https://micro-search.co.uk/ and Point 74 https://www.point74.co.uk/

See you next time!

We kick off by acknowledging what so many of us feel: sometimes, your career just needs a shakeup. Lucy and Amy talk candidly about hearing from food industry professionals who want to move into different functions—especially product development—but feel unsure how to leap. Amy’s career story smashes the myth that jumping from function to function is a weakness. Quite the opposite—it brings unique perspectives and resilience that many employers are desperate to find (even if they don’t always know how to spot it).

Our chat covers identifying what lights you up at work, the value of speaking with people in roles you’re interested in, and why your skills are probably far more transferable than you think. We also get honest about “the fear”—imposter syndrome, self-doubt, age (“I’m too young/too old!”), or feeling stuck at any stage.

We share tips for mapping your strengths against new job specs and building the confidence to sell those skills, even when you feel out of your depth.

We also talk about the importance of leveraging your network, seeking mentors and advocates, and finding small ways to get “on the radar” for future opportunities. If you’re thinking, “it’s a risk to change roles,” we reframe that—sometimes the best talent is found off the beaten path.

For those worried about skills gaps, we discuss practical ways to start bridging them (think LinkedIn Learning, shadowing colleagues, short courses, or our own MPD Fundamentals programme!) without getting lost in endless qualifications.

Above all, we emphasise that feeling bored or burnt out isn’t a life sentence: you CAN pivot your career, reignite your spark, and thrive in the food industry—whatever your starting point.

Timestamps

00:12 – Introduction and purpose of the episode
01:25 – Why people want to change job functions
02:13 – Amy’s (very non-linear) career path
04:19 – Common reasons for pivoting: boredom, burnout, new life stages
07:28 – Discovering what lights you up at work
08:49 – The importance of networking and “day in the life” insight
11:54 – Negotiation skills (and the secret everyone negotiates)
13:13 – Recognising your own strengths and being brave
14:11 – Mindset: sometimes you need to “feel the fear and do it anyway”
16:24 – Overcoming internal and external barriers to changing roles
18:20 – Getting the right support: mentors, coaches, advocates
21:00 – It’s never too late (or too early!) for a career change
21:46 – Outro and listener invitation

Links and Resources:

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

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

Find her on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation from Amy.

Oh For Food's Sake is sponsored by Microsearch Laboratories https://micro-search.co.uk/ and Point 74 https://www.point74.co.uk/

See you next time!

This week, we unwrap our thoughts on the rapid rise of GLP-1 drugs and the ripple effect they’re having on the food industry. As these medications suppress appetite and cut down on the relentless mental chatter many people feel about food, what happens to the classic patterns of eating—and, by extension, to the businesses that rely on them?

Lucy shares personal anecdotes about the sensory and habitual aspects of eating, above and beyond simple hunger. At the same time, Amy draws parallels to the emotional journey faced by those who’ve had gastric surgery.

Together, we highlight why this drug-fuelled drop in cravings—especially for calorie-dense snacks—will likely prompt fast and creative adaptation by manufacturers, retailers, and restaurants.

The episode also examines the ethical nuance: GLP-1 drugs are readily accessible to those who can afford them, but is this tech-driven appetite control just the next “celebrity fad” or a real tool for public health? And what about unintended consequences, like fibre-deficient diets or rising consumer inequalities?

We also talk practicalities for food developers: it’s time to rethink portion control, boost fibre, and perhaps get creative with “healthier treats.”

We round things off by reminding us that food isn’t just fuel—it’s social, emotional, and deeply human. Whether you’re ready or not, the intersection of pharma and food is here, and this episode helps you get a grip on what’s coming next.

Timestamps:

00:01:15: GLP1 Drugs and the Food Industry

00:01:30How GLP1 Drugs Work

00:03:59 Appetite, Food Noise & The Human Side

00:06:53 Broader Societal Implications

00:09:56 Demographics & Accessibility

00:13:32 What Does It Mean for Food Businesses?

00:17:01 Product Innovation & The Future of Treats

00:21:48 Wrapping Up & Call to Action

Links and Resources:

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

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

Find her on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation from Amy.

Oh For Food's Sake is sponsored by Microsearch Laboratories https://micro-search.co.uk/ and Point 74 https://www.point74.co.uk/

See you next time!

In this episode Lucy reveals how her 21 years in the food industry have shaped her approach to consultancy.

She shares her passion for the process side of product development, highlighting how her expertise in stage gate processes and stakeholder engagement distinguishes her consultancy services from others.

Throughout the episode, we discuss the key differences between interim roles and consultancy, emphasising the creative liberties and strategic advantages consultancy offers.

A key theme is identifying and addressing business problems rather than rushing to implement presumed solutions.

Both hosts stress the value of consultants in providing a broader market perspective, connecting networks, and introducing best practices to optimise product development and launches and Lucy’s stories and advice offer business owners and aspiring consultants a practical guide to navigating the dynamic food industry.

Timestamps

00:00:00 - Transition into consultancy and its perks

00:01:27 - Understanding the role of a product development consultant

00:02:52 - The varied nature of consultancy work

00:05:11 - Lucy’s passion for the process side of product development

00:09:07 - Day-to-day examples of consultancy work

00:14:31 - Differences between interims and consultants

00:18:17 - What businesses should consider when hiring a consultant

00:21:32 - Challenges and rewards of being a consultant

00:24:06 - Building and utilising your network

Links and Resources:

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

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

Find her on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation from Amy.

Oh For Food's Sake is sponsored by Microsearch Laboratories https://micro-search.co.uk/ and Point 74 https://www.point74.co.uk/

See you next time!