We kick off with Amy and Danny catching up and quickly getting to the crux: what does it really mean to be authentic at work, and why does the word so often make us cringe? The pair agree there’s a fine line between honesty and TMI, and dives into why being “yourself” never means dropping professionalism or using authenticity as an excuse for poor behaviour.

Danny reveals the internal conflict of trying to fit into extremely corporate cultures and the valuable lesson he learned when he realised some environments just aren’t made for everyone—and that’s okay. Instead, finding (or shaping) spaces where you can genuinely be yourself leads to better leadership, better relationships, and, not surprisingly, better results.

Amy opens up about her own struggles, from the exhaustion of keeping up a façade in high-pressure roles to the pivotal moment she decided to lead with openness about her own mental health challenges. Realness, the hosts agree, is contagious—it empowers teams to show up honestly and builds deep trust that is foundational in the food industry.

The episode is laced with witty banter, memorable one-liners (“If your whole self is a dick, don’t bring it to work”), and actionable takeaways for anyone aspiring to lead with integrity, vulnerability, and impact.

Whether you work on the factory floor, the boardroom, or somewhere in between, expect a refreshing, practical exploration of being true to yourself at work—without losing sight of boundaries and professionalism.

Timestamps

• 00:00:00 — Amy and Danny kick off the episode; quick intros and call-back to their earlier chat.
• 00:02:00 — Why “authenticity” gets a bad rap; setting the real agenda for “being yourself.”
• 00:04:27 — Where the “bring your whole self to work” mantra goes wrong (and how to set healthy boundaries).
• 00:05:13 — Oversharing at work—why it trips people up, especially moving into leadership roles.
• 00:10:02 — The value of being proud of where you’ve come from; how background shapes strong leadership.
• 00:13:32 — Danny’s story: Not fitting into a hyper-corporate culture, and why he decided that’s okay.
• 00:18:15 — Navigating big companies vs. running your own show; honesty about why some workplaces aren’t the right fit.
• 00:20:42 — Amy’s story: Dropping the armour after burnout and how realness built stronger team bonds.
• 00:22:58 — Creating psychological safety: Why vulnerability from leaders matters.
• 00:25:38 — When hiding mistakes (instead of owning them) can create real food safety risks.
• 00:26:01 — Why “being wrong” and giving your team a real voice is the magic sauce of good leadership.
• 00:28:24 — Re-capping the real meaning of authenticity—a blend of values, vulnerability, and professionalism.
• 00:30:10 — Knowing when a place isn’t for you; final takeaways on protecting energy and finding your fit.

Links and Resources:

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefearlessfoodiepod

You can follow us here on Instagram: @thefearlessfoodiepod

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

Microsearch Laboratories sponsor the Fearless Foodie Podcast https://micro-search.co.uk/

This week Amy dives deep with Breige Donaghy, who shares her journey from food science graduate to Tesco’s Director of Product Development & Innovation.

She explains the critical differences in retail philosophy between giants like Tesco and community-focused Co-op, and why that breadth of experience shaped the way she leads teams and builds supplier partnerships today.

Breige and Amy get hands-on discussing the realities of food development, including why product developers deserve more credit than just being “the fluffy ideas people.”

There’s a refreshingly open take on the weight (and the privilege) of driving sustainability, health, and resilient supply chains—plus how industry leaders need to wear many hats and adapt fast.

Straight-talking as ever, Amy teases out how supplier-retailer relationships are (finally) evolving beyond old-school commercial transactionalism. Breige details exactly what she’s looking for from supplier partners: honesty, data-driven thinking, critical friendship, and the guts to challenge the status quo.

For those on the supplier side, there’s invaluable advice on how to present insight, take calculated risks, and move from merely “delivering projects” to co-creating future food trends.

We also peel back the curtain on leadership—Breige shares her people-first approach and why empowering teams (with a signature “20% more” encouragement) is key to success. They conclude with actionable takeaways for anyone seeking to build bolder, braver relationships in the food retail industry.

Timestamps

00:00 "Two Decades in Retail Reflection"

04:25 Career Journey and Growth

09:15 Customer-Centric Approach in Business

10:23 Omnichannel Innovation and Collaboration

13:45 "Building Innovation through Partnership"

19:16 Embracing Failure: Lessons and Growth

22:47 Strategic Planning for Future Innovation

25:26 "People-First Leadership Style"

29:57 Harnessing Data for Retail Evolution

32:41 Omnichannel Retail and Behavioural Shifts

36:23 Balancing Skills for Future Development

40:33 "Be Bold and Customer-Focused"

41:53 "Fearless Foodie Wrap-Up"

Links and Resources:

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefearlessfoodiepod

You can follow us here on Instagram: @thefearlessfoodiepod

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

Microsearch Laboratories sponsor the Fearless Foodie Podcast https://micro-search.co.uk/

Welcome to Bethan’s Bite-Sized Bulletin - your quick-fire briefing on what’s happening across the food and drink industry. In under five minutes, journalist and Food Manufacture editor Bethan Grylls shares the latest headlines, trends and developments to keep you in the know.

Explore more industry news at foodmanufacture.co.uk

Links and Resources:

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefearlessfoodiepod

You can follow us here on Instagram: @thefearlessfoodiepod

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

Microsearch Laboratories sponsors the Fearless Foodie Podcast https://micro-search.co.uk/

Ever felt out of your depth in a big meeting, worried you’ll look silly if you ask a question? You’re definitely not alone. Amy and Bethan kick things off by shining a light on those moments of fear—reminding us that most people in the room are too busy worrying about their own questions to notice yours!

Bethan draws from her journalism career, explaining how curiosity is non-negotiable if you want to really get to the heart of things (and why it’s okay to not know all the food industry acronyms!).

The episode explores why asking questions is so powerful: it supports personal growth, drives business innovation, and builds real connections across departments. Amy unpacks the science behind our deep-seated fear of being “cast out of the pack”—hello, evolutionary fight-or-flight—and how to reframe those nerves so you don’t freeze up.

Additionally, the duo provides practical tips on making it safer for everyone to speak up, from rephrasing how you frame questions (“What questions do you have?” instead of “Does that make sense?”) to normalising not knowing everything as a leader.

Bethan and Amy also touch on our growing reliance on AI for answers—celebrating its usefulness but warning against losing those all-important human skills of communication and genuine curiosity.

And, in classic Fearless Foodie fashion, the episode ends with a challenge: ask one question you’re scared to ask this week because Fearless Foodies don’t let the fear of tigers (or awkward silences) stop real progress.

Timestamps

00:00 Embracing Uncertainty in Leadership

06:06 Encouraging Curiosity for Innovation

09:24 Overcoming Silos Through Collaboration

11:27 Effective Question Framing Techniques

16:34 "Understanding Intent at Work"

20:07 "Coaching Through Questioning"

24:00 "Embrace Curiosity, Ask Questions"

25:07 AI's Impact on Human Skills

27:43 "Seeking Emotion Through AI"

31:13 Unleash Your Fearless Spirit

Links and Resources:

https://fearlessfoodies.co.uk/podcast/overcoming-barriers-in-the-food-industry-with-bethan-grylls/

https://fearlessfoodies.co.uk/podcast/thriving-in-the-food-industry-how-let-them-thinking-elevates-your-career/

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefearlessfoodiepod

You can follow us here on Instagram: @thefearlessfoodiepod

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

Microsearch Laboratories sponsor the Fearless Foodie Podcast https://micro-search.co.uk/

This week, Amy is joined by Angharad Ross, executive coach, seasoned commercial leader and self-proclaimed collector of difficult conversations.

Together, they peel back the layers on why honest, clear communication is so essential in the food and retail industry, and why it’s so easy to shy away from it. The duo dig into the neuroscience behind why we avoid “hard chats” (spoiler: your brain is just trying to protect you), how fight or flight responses can turn a cost-benefit discussion into a full-blown emotional event, and how practising these conversations—at work and at home—makes a world of difference.

Angharad shares lessons from her years in FMCG, from getting thrown out of a retailer’s office by security to learning how to read the room and know when to hit pause. There’s a lot here for anyone eager to become a better negotiator, influencer, or just a braver communicator in their everyday work. Expect actionable tips: from prepping for meetings with empathy mapping, to using feedback models to open up conversations, to practical role play and visualisation exercises that calm the nerves.

Amy and Angharad also discuss the power (and, at times, the dark side) of empathy—how too much can make you put others’ needs miles ahead of your own, and how to find that sweet spot of honesty and mutual respect. The takeaway? To be clear is to be kind. Avoiding tough conversations is a recipe for resentment, confusion, and broken relationships—kindness means being up front, even when you’d rather hide under the duvet.

So, if bold conversations make you want to run a mile, join us for this chat. You’ll leave with the tools, mindset, and probably a laugh or two to start tackling the things you’ve been avoiding—at work and at home. Oh, and of course, you’ll find out why commercial people really do get so much practice at “the big chats.”

Timestamps

00:00:53 Introduction to Angharad Ross, her experience in FMCG, and the importance of difficult workplace conversations.

00:04:06 Breaking the myth that only commercial people negotiate (spoiler: everyone does).

00:06:35 Why brains fear tough conversations, plus the neuroscience behind it.

00:08:16 Navigating fear, discomfort, and managing relationships at work.

00:10:31 Reframing that “fight or flight” as a tool to communicate better.

00:12:02 Practical tools: prepping, pausing, planning what to say, and the power of role-play.

00:14:36 The importance of practising discomfort—on and off the job.

00:16:28 Visualisation hacks for folks who hate role-play.

00:18:11 Reading the room: knowing when it’s time to pause a tough chat.

00:20:02 How empathy mapping and prepping with curiosity helps (even if empathy isn’t your default).

00:21:19 Using feedback models to open up honest, non-defensive dialogue.

00:23:40 The dangers of too much empathy: don’t let your needs get lost.

00:25:39 Redefining “negotiation” as collaborative problem-solving.

00:26:43 Brene Brown wisdom: “To be clear is to be kind.”

00:27:43The sweet spot of just enough prep—don’t let nerves or procrastination win!

00:29:54 Key takeaway: Be honest, clear, and kind in every conversation.

Links and Resources:

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefearlessfoodiepod

You can follow us here on Instagram: @thefearlessfoodiepod

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

Microsearch Laboratories sponsor the Fearless Foodie Podcast https://micro-search.co.uk/

This episode is as down-to-earth as it gets. Amy kicks off with a reminder that fearlessness isn’t about having zero doubts—it’s about doing the scary stuff anyway. Enter Danny, who admits to feeling like an imposter when first asked to co-host, setting the honest and relatable tone of the chat. Danny’s story is a powerful testament to grit, curiosity, and learning on the job. He talks through climbing the career ladder without formal qualifications, managing teams of scientists, and the lessons he’s learned about leading people who might technically have “more” experience.

Amy and Danny break down the myth that great managers must be the most intelligent people in the room. Instead, they champion soft skills: self-awareness, emotional intelligence, the ability to listen, and helping everyone on the team recognise their own strengths. There’s plenty of humour as they jokingly dismantle the idea that “soft” skills are easy or unimportant—if anything, they’re the hardest (and most valuable) skills to master.

The conversation becomes practical, offering advice for new managers, individuals navigating “peer to boss” transitions, and anyone thrust into leadership before they felt ready. Amy shares actionable tips, such as writing down your wins and strengths, to combat imposter syndrome. At the same time, Danny describes his “jigsaw puzzle” approach to team leadership—delegating by strengths and always keeping the big picture in sight.

This one’s a must-listen for anyone feeling a bit out of their depth (hint: that’s most of us) and wanting fundamental, no-fluff strategies for thriving in food and retail.

Timestamps

00:00:12 Introduction & setting the tone

00:00:36 Meet Danny Franklin and episode topic: managing those more “qualified” than you

00:02:58 Danny’s backstory—climbing the ladder without academic qualifications

00:05:05 The transition from peer to manager, and learning to lead experienced teams

00:06:00 Age, qualifications, and why both matter less than you think

00:08:29 The real importance (and misnomer) of “soft skills” in leadership

00:09:28 Spotting and leveraging people’s strengths as a manager

00:11:06 Managing highly technical teams when you’re not the expert

00:14:38 The power and pitfalls of promoting top performers to managers

00:15:38 How to lead when you don’t know all the details

00:17:27 Danny’s “jigsaw puzzle” analogy for leadership

00:19:51 The value of team wins (not just individual glory)

00:22:31 Addressing ego and imposter syndrome in leadership

00:23:06 Strategies for building confidence as a manager

00:24:36 Real takeaways for leaders managing teams with more experience or knowledge

00:25:54 Why developing your team is a strength, not a threat

00:26:59 The bigger picture: leadership as assembling the jigsaw, not just being a piece

00:28:31 Closing thoughts & next episode teaser

Links and Resources:

https://fearlessfoodies.co.uk/podcast/from-music-to-microbiology-exploring-food-safety-with-danny-franklin/

https://fearlessfoodies.co.uk/podcast/thriving-in-the-food-industry-how-let-them-thinking-elevates-your-career/

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefearlessfoodiepod

You can follow us here on Instagram: @thefearlessfoodiepod

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

Microsearch Laboratories sponsors the Fearless Foodie Podcast https://micro-search.co.uk/

KEYWORDS:

Foodconsultant, foodindustrycoach, foodindustry

Welcome to Bethan’s Bite-Sized Bulletin - your quick-fire briefing on what’s happening across the food and drink industry. In under five minutes, journalist and Food Manufacture editor Bethan Grylls shares the latest headlines, trends and developments to keep you in the know.

Explore more industry news at foodmanufacture.co.uk

Links and Resources:

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefearlessfoodiepod

You can follow us here on Instagram: @thefearlessfoodiepod

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

Microsearch Laboratories sponsors the Fearless Foodie Podcast https://micro-search.co.uk/

It’s a new beginning for the podcast. Amy jumps right in by addressing the elephant in the room: going solo after 208 episodes with Lucy.

She reassures listeners that The Fearless Foodie Podcast is an evolution, not a departure—still focused on real experiences, honest answers, and practical help for everyone trying to thrive in the relentless (but brilliant) world of food and retail.

Amy gets real about the tough parts of food industry life: the toxic patches, the wobbly moments, the burnout she once suffered, and the loneliness that can creep in. But she doesn’t stop at sharing her story—she’s here to use her hindsight for your benefit, so you don’t have to make all the same mistakes.

Amy’s fearless approach isn’t about being shouty or never feeling scared; it’s about finding your own quiet confidence, putting up boundaries, and daring to say the hard truths kindly.

Looking ahead, Amy highlights what’s coming: wider topics beyond just product development, with leadership tools, cross-functional advice, and guest experts including Bethan Grylls (with her Bite Sized Bulletin on industry news) and Danny Franklin (offering wisdom from a straight-talking commercial director).

Expect candid chats on what “being authentic” really means (spoiler: it’s not about oversharing), the permission to ask for help, and balancing big careers with being human.

Amy leaves you the listeners with three practical, feel-braver challenges to try in the week ahead. She encourages everyone to connect, speak up (even if your voice is shaking), and be part of a Fearless Foodies movement for change—one honest conversation at a time.

Timestamps

00:00 – Amy introduces the new solo direction, her mission for the podcast, and the values driving Fearless Foodie.

03:05 – Reflections on burnout, vulnerability, and why she’s passionate about changing the industry culture.

04:48 – Behind-the-scenes: guest announcement, fresh episode formats, and broadening the conversation beyond product development.

07:36 – Debunking “fearlessness”—it’s not about being loud or perfect, but about resilience and doing it your way.

10:06 – Amy’s personal experience with severe burnout, what it taught her, and how it motivates her coaching and podcasting.

13:10 – Setting out the podcast’s goals: real talk, practical takeaways, and a safe community for food professionals.

15:19 – Wrapping up with three bold challenges for listeners to try this week, and a call for feedback on what you want from coming episodes.

Links and Resources:

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefearlessfoodiepod

You can follow us here on Instagram: @thefearlessfoodiepod

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

Microsearch Laboratories sponsor the Fearless Foodie Podcast https://micro-search.co.uk/

KEYWORDS:

Foodconsultant, foodindustrycoach, foodindustry