Welcome to the FIRST episode of The Unfounders.

I knew I had to kick the series off with a bang, and who better than the boy in green taking over LinkedIn - ⁠Max Jones⁠.

Max is a Sales Exec aka Energy Spreader over at Perfect Ted - THE fastest growing natural energy brand in the UK (as if they need any introduction).

I LOVED speaking to Max, he's so full of infectious energy (obviously) and we unwrapped all sorts of gold in this conversation.

Thanks for tuning in and let me know what you thought of this episode ⁠here⁠ or in the comments below!

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠here⁠.

Max's other awesome instagram ⁠@TheMulletSociety

Welcome to The Unfounders,

Unwrapping Employee Stories In the Startup World

Teams Make Brands - Not Just Founders

I’m here to shine a spotlight on the often unsung heroes.

The Unfounders is dedicated to amplifying the narratives of those unseen in the startup realm.

Join us in celebrating the heartbeat of entrepreneurial success.

The people behind the people behind the brand.

Hosted by Mitch Lee

In this weeks episode, Mitch sits down to chat with the brilliant ⁠Nicole Allison⁠ - Head of Sales at ⁠Boundless⁠.

With a degree in Contemporary Theatre & Performing Arts, what made her make the switch to selling delicious gut friendly snacks?

We dive into her time at Redbull, AG Barr and the transition from a corporate and 'being a number' to truly becoming part of a brand and making a difference.

I LOVED this episode - there is so much value to be found and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Thanks for tuning in and let me know what you thought of this episode ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ or in the comments below!

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from?

Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

Craig Jackson is Head of Foodservice at Wildfarmed and an absolute legend!

Since we met on a panel this year at the Bread & Jam Food Service Summit, we've struck up a great friendship and I'm constantly learning from him.

In this episode we dive into Craigs time at Wildfarmed, reflecting on lessons and learnings from previous experience at Lyreco, SG World, Tchibo, Coffee World and Minor Figures.

He's been smashing it in the foodservice world winning listing in Bidfood, Brakes and major National brands up and down the country.

There is SO much value in this episode! Thanks for tuning in and let me know what you thought of this episode ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ or in the comments below!

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from?

Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

Today's guest is Ben Nagy - Head of Out of Home & Wholesale at Flawsome Drinks.

We dive into his passion for the health and fitness space, leading to working for all sorts of great brands such as The Collectiv, For Goodness Shakes, MOJU, Plenish, Savse & more.

Ben has had an incredible impact already in his time at Flawsome, winning foodservice listings left right and centre.

He's a force in the space - and does it all with a smile. I love chatting and hearing his journey, I hope you do too!

Thanks for tuning in and let me know what you thought of this episode ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ or in the comments below!

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from?

Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

Todays guest is Ruth Fittock Managing Partner at Tomorrow Brands who focus on helping purpose-driven brands of tomorrow launch & succeed in the UK.

Ruth has a whole host of experience in a number of brilliant brands including Vitamin Water, Popchips and Simply Roasted - as well as being a Virgin Startup Mentor and advisor at Bold Bean Co.

After helping launch and run Vitamin Water's field marketing actives in the UK, Ruth went on to join as a founding member and Senior Marketing Manager in the UK arm of Popchips.

Taking this love of bagged salty snacks, Ruth helped launch the incredible game-changing HFSS compliant crisp brand Simply Roasted as Marketing Director.

We dive into al these experiences and more - this is one not to miss! Ruth is a super knowledgable, brilliant force in the FMCG space and it was great chatting.

Thanks for tuning in and let me know what you thought of this episode ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ or in the comments below!

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from?

Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

Andy Allen is an absolute powerhouse in the FMCG industry and a brilliant ambassador for challenger brands too.

From launching & selling his own brand of premium pork scratchings with Snaffling Pig. To leading and advising in brands such as Biffs, Oggs, Willicroft, Olly's and so many more.

Andy has been instrumental in the creation of Bidfood Open Doors Program and now sits as an Entrepreneur in Residence in the company a few days a week.

We dive into that whole process, why it's important, what it means, how it even came about plus so much more.

There is A LOT of value in this episode - I hope you enjoy it.

Thanks for tuning in and let me know what you thought of this episode ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ or in the comments below!

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from?

Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

In this episode, I sit down with Nadine Maggi , whose career journey is anything but typical.

After 5 years in the armed forces, she kicked off her HR career at Hallmark, starting as a filing administrator and working her way up to International HR Director.

From there, she jumped into the food and drink world, taking on roles as HR Director and transitioning to Managing Director at Hain Celestial.

After a family-focused year off, Nadine found herself drawn to the ethics and mission of Sweet Freedom and made the move.

We chat about her bold transition from HR to MD, what it’s like going from managing thousands of employees to under 10, and everything in between.

Nadine is refreshingly open, honest, and vulnerable

This is one you won’t want to miss.

Thanks for tuning in and let me know what you thought of this episode ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ or in the comments below!

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from?

Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

Today I am joined by the brilliant Jack Simmonds, former Director at Hisbe (How It Should Be) and now Head of Operations & Finance at Gamely.

From working in the finance world at Bank of England and Deutsche Bank, Jack joined the team at Innocent which clearly left a lasting impression.

His next move was to Nestle, however missing that challenger buzz and energy, when the chance to join a social enterprise with two amazing founders at HISBE came his way, he took the leap (and pay cut).

This led to an amazing 10 year stint in a truly amazing ethical, award winning independent retailer. Sadly however earlier this year it went into administration.

We dug into all sorts of areas in this conversation, from doing work for good, the culture and mindset instilled at Innocent, to why games are so important to help us connect in away from the digital world.

Jack is so lovely, and this conversation was pure joy.

Thanks for tuning in and let me know what you thought of this episode ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ or in the comments below!

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from?

Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

New Intro Jingle Credits to All Good Folks - Free Flowin' from Uppbeat

Today I am joined by not one, but two wonderful guests! Marking Director Adam Joe Parker and Sales Director Emma King aka 'Refounders' at Ocean Saver.

We discuss what the term Refounder actually means, why it was important to distinguish and how it's helped bring a new life and personality into the Ocean Saver brand. (As well as those fishy puns!)

And why the oceans need saving - and how Ocean Saver are doing this, challenging the major brands in the space (and calling out the greenwashing too!)

With Adam we discuss the differences between working at big P&G brands like Oral B, to small exciting challenger brand Parla.

Plus Emma's journey from Kiddylicious to the team at Ocean Saver and SO much more.

Adam & Emma are a dynamic duo! Thanks for tuning in and let me know what you thought of this episode ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ or in the comments below!

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from?

Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

New Intro Jingle Credits to All Good Folks - Free Flowin' from Uppbeat

How does a product or recipe go from idea - to a supermarket shelf or cafe menu?

Who actually helps craft those delicious drinks & foods we all know and love?

Well Olivia (Lilly) Abrahmsohn is one of those people working behind the scenes in the product development world.

She's been knocking up amazing products for the likes of Innocent, Rebel Kitchen and most recently Joe & The Juice for years and now runs her own consultancy firm Tastebud Tickler to help brands with their NPD.

This conversation was fascinating! From discovering her skills and passion for taste - to the story of how she landed a role at innocent with a hot apple crumble.

Thanks for tuning in and let me know what you thought of this episode ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ or in the comments below!

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from?

Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

Today I have the honour of speaking with two incredible women at Virgin Atlantic - Beverage Development Manager, Shiada Drysdale and Inflight Food & Beverage Development Manager Hari Ghotra.

Shiada has over 25 years working in Aviation (17 of those at Virgin) and now looks after 'anything that pours on board.' She is a huge champion for challenger brands, having helped onboard Trip, Perfect Ted, NICE Wine, Tom Savano and more.

Hari is an accomplished chef, has released multiple cookbooks and is the founder of the UK's biggest Indian digital food platform HariGhotra.co.uk. We discuss where her passion for cooking came from, her time as a Microbiologist at Birds Eye, working in 1 star Michelin Indian restaurant Tamarind collection and more.

This conversation covers:

• The importance of operational practicalities & relationships with suppliers
• Allergens on board
• Keeping the food & drink exciting & on-trend
• What it's like to work for Virgin
• When things didn't go well... (Covid and finding wine)
• Witnessing Richard Branson trying food that Hari got on board
• And SO much more

It was an absolute honour and a privilege for me to speak to Shiada and Hari.

Thanks for tuning in and let me know what you thought of this episode ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ or in the comments below!

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

(New Intro Jingle Credits to All Good Folks - Free Flowin' from Uppbeat)

Ready for a bonus episode?

Here is the live recording of a panel that took place at the first ever YF Ops Fest event held at Candy Kittens HQ last month.

I had the pleasure of chairing a stellar line to dive into the biggest supply chain problems and how to overcome them with:

Georgia Riches - Liquid Death

Daniel Hayward - Candy Kittens

Ann Holt - GRUBBY

This was SUCH a brilliant conversation - huge thanks to Phil Peters for asking me to get involved and to the AV team who expertly captured the audio for this.

As always, if you liked this episode let me ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ or in the comments below!

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

What if boxed and canned wine could be premium?

Well that's exactly what LAYLO do - and boy do they do it well!

Today's guest is the wonderful Daisy Larkan, BDM at Laylo and the co-owner of First Draft Bar & Kitchen with her husband.

We dive into the stigma around boxed and canned wine, and why it's whats on the inside that counts!

From sustainability & freshness of boxed wine, to being a book editor to making the decision to open a venue with her husband - we dug into SO many fascinating topics that I loved!

As always, thanks for tuning in and let me know what you thought of this episode ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ or in the comments below!

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from?

Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

New Intro Jingle Credits to All Good Folks - Free Flowin' from Uppbeat

Holleigh and I connected over her involvement on Zach Taylor's new incredible hard kombucha brand Stiff Tea as I was obsessed with the bran as soon as I saw it.

We talked about the experience of bringing someone else's brand to life - and how she fell into the consultancy world (and accepting this title!)

We dug into all her various experience in managing bars, working at music festivals, the beer industry - and the amazing work she does as a trustee for Home Start Manchester.

This was such a fun conversation - super varied, but so much value of course!

As always, thanks for tuning in and let me know what you thought of this episode ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ or in the comments below!

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from?

Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

New Intro Jingle Credits to All Good Folks - Free Flowin' from Uppbeat

Today I am joined by OOH National Account Manager Tash, from DASH

(The fact it rhymes is not lost on her don't worry!)

DASH have developed a delicious range of sparkling waters, infused with wonky fruit and no sugar, sweeteners or calories.

In this conversation we dig into what it's like to take on the big players in the soft drink space head on.

Tash's time working at some other amazing brands including Blanco Nino, MOTH and the masters of data, Worldpanel by Kantar.

And even life working on a super yacht...

As always, thanks for tuning in and let me know what you thought of this episode ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ or in the comments below!

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from?

Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.

New Intro Jingle Credits to All Good Folks - Free Flowin' from ⁠Uppbeat

Today I am joined by the delightful ⁠India Rawlin⁠ - Brand Manager at ⁠TrueStart Coffee⁠.

India's career path is fascinating - travelling the world to places like India, Mozambique, Argentina and New Zealand whilst working in a number of different businesses along the way.

The stories and lessons she's picked up along the way have so much value, and add to the impact she's now providing at TrueStart.

We dig into their first major OOH campaign that created a PR reach of well over 5 million - as well as a major uplift in rate of sale, and followers too.

This was such a fun conversation - fuelled by delicious coffee of course.

As always, thanks for tuning in and let me know what you thought of this episode ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ or in the comments below!

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from?

Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.

New Intro Jingle Credits to All Good Folks - Free Flowin' from ⁠Uppbeat

Emily Smith is Head of Sales at Mooncup - pioneers of forward thinking, sustainable, plastic & chemical free period products.

She is a powerful voice in the community - fighting for positive change when it comes to period care and menstrual health inclusivity.

Emmy is a passionate yoga teacher, running classes alongside her sales role.

This conversation was fascinating - especially as a male knowing very little about the space, but now with a daughter, something I am aware I should be clued up on.

We dug into the balancing act (pun intended) of sales and yoga, why language is so important around how period products are communicated, what more businesses can do to look after their employees and so much more!

As always, thanks for tuning in and let me know what you thought of this episode ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ or in the comments below!

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from?

Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

New Intro Jingle Credits to All Good Folks - Free Flowin' from Uppbeat

How do you get people OBSESSED by beans? Well that's exactly what Bold Bean have done!

Today I am joined with Martha Jensen, the amazing Brand Manager at Bold Bean Co.

Unless you've been living under a rock, you have probably seen and heard all about them, with many celebrity admirers like Jordan North, Ottolenghi, Nigella and Tim Spector.

We dig into how they've built such an amazing brand

What it's like to work remotely and stay connected

How they continually engage their customers online, and via subscription

Her time working at the amazing SmartWorks charity and Rude Health

And SO much more

As always, thanks for tuning in and let me know what you thought of this episode ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ or in the comments below!

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from?

Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.

New Intro Jingle Credits to All Good Folks - Free Flowin' from ⁠Uppbeat

This podcast was recorded on Jessamy’s last day as Country Manager at Karma Drinks - and it’s a beauty!

Jess is such a powerhouse in the FMCG world and she does it all with a smile.

We discuss her time at Popchips, working under our previous guest Ruth Fittock and what that whole experience was like.

Working her way up at Karma drinks across a 5 year career all the way to Country Manager.

Freelance consulting for brilliant brands like Everleaf and Arrowtown Drinks where she was involved in the latest gorgeous brand refresh.

The importance of mental health in the workplace and how to support founders as second in command.

Her catchphrase “If it’s not organised, then it’s not fun” 

And SO much more

Now going freelance, I have no doubt she’s going to continually add value and drive impact in the space. For now, enjoy the episode!

As always, thanks for tuning in and let me know what you thought of this episode ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ or in the comments below!

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from?

Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.

New Intro Jingle Credits to All Good Folks - Free Flowin' from ⁠Uppbeat

Happy New Year! Today's guest is the charming Sam Johnstone - Commercial Manager at Living Things Soda.

In this episode we discuss fractional working, what that means, the pro's and cons and way's of making it work.

His time working for a number of amazing challenger brands like Minor Figures, Hunter & Gather, Eleat, Saved and more.

Why he's now gone back to working full time for just one brand.

And SO much more

As always, thanks for tuning in and let me know what you thought of this episode ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ or in the comments below!

Also, check out the ever growing Unfounders Song Selection playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.

Intro Jingle Credits to All Good Folks - Free Flowin' from ⁠Uppbeat

Today's guest is Jorge Longman - National Account Controller at the gut-health superstars Bio & Me.

I met Jorge at a YF course for category management last year and I KNEW I had to get him on.

He's a man who know's his stuff, and this conversation is rich with insights and tangible lessons for anyone working in the world of retail.

We dive into:

His first sales role at American Tobacco after moving away from the idea of being a PE Teacher.

Moving on to The Big Prawn Company and the lessons along the way.

Joining Natural Balance foods (TREK & NAKD) and starting to thrive in a food & drink brand he truly believed in.

The experience of working through a major acquisition by Lotus bakeries and the changes that caused.

And why Bio & Me is such an exciting brand to be a part of.

Plus SO much more.

As always, thanks for tuning in and let me know what you thought of this episode ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ or in the comments below!

Also, check out the ever growing Unfounders Song Selection playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.

Intro Jingle Credits to All Good Folks - Free Flowin' from ⁠Uppbeat

Rosie Long is an FMCG superstar, with incredible experience in brands like Tea Pigs, Indie Bay and more.

She's now the Managing Director at Blue Turaco Coffee - But what makes their coffee so special? Well POWERFUL COFFEE = POWERFUL IMPACT

Blue Turaco is the first coffee brand in the UK that is owned by an African farmer - Wycliffe Sande.

We discuss his story of being a farmer & founder and why they're on a mission to champion robusta coffee.

How they support direct trade with small hold farmers in Uganda and why this level of transparency is the backbone to what they represent.

What’s it like having a founder out of the country for a third of the year?

Various lessons Rosie learnt from her time in the industry.

And so so much more!

As always, thanks for tuning in and let me know what you thought of this episode ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ or in the comments below!

Also, check out the ever growing Unfounders Song Selection playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.

Intro Jingle Credits to All Good Folks - Free Flowin' from ⁠Uppbeat

Today's guest is a biggie! ⁠Tom Forsythe⁠ was one of the brilliant people behind Sainsbury's Future Brands program, a pioneering program designed to help challenger brands thrive in retail.

He's now back in the world of challenger brands as the Managing Director at ⁠Good & Proper Tea⁠ along with founder and wife ⁠Emilie Holmes⁠.

In this conversation we dig into:

- Tom's early career experience at PwC

- Why accelerators & incubators are so important for the industry

- Potential watch outs brands need to be aware of when joining these programs

- What it's like to be back the other side as a challenger now battling it out in the sector against some big competition

- What Good & Proper Tea do differently to stand out, from events, to positioning, to sourcing etc

And SO much more...

As always, thanks for tuning in and let me know what you thought of this episode ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠ or in the comments below!

Also, check out the ever growing ⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro Jingle Credits to All Good Folks - Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠

Today's guest is the wonderful ray of sunshine Lydia Granger - Content Marketing Manager at BOL Foods.

We are huge fans of the BOL range at home, from their soups and meal pots, to their new power shakes set to do big things in 2025.

Lydia went from studying art and language at University, into a few internships in design agencies.

From here she ended up in the world of FMCG and has been with BOL for nearly 4 years.

It was great to understand how her passions and skills turned into a career.

What her role as content marketing manager entails, and why she's all about building community.

As always, thanks for tuning in and let me know what you thought of this episode ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠ or in the comments below!

Also, check out the ever growing ⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro Jingle Credits to All Good Folks - Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠

Dean Wilson Hartles is the Director of Food & Drink Concessions at The Restaurant Group (TRG) and has been there for 11 years now.

In this conversation I loved digging in to how Dean fell into the world of cheffing by accident as a teenager just over some inspiring conversations with the chefs on his break.

How he worked his way up in the industry in various kitchens, working under the incredible Mark Hix. To eventually earning a 2 AA Rosette during his first year as Head Chef.

We talked about how special his time was working in the world's oldest museum kitchen at the V&A Museum and cooking for David Bowie.

What it's like to operate within food & drink at an airport, where people expect their food to be on the table within just 15 minutes!

Plus how they like to work with suppliers, franchise partners and SO much more.

As always, thanks for tuning in and let me know what you thought of this episode ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠ or in the comments below!

Also, check out the ever growing ⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro Jingle Credits to All Good Folks - Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠

Life's heavy enough... Your beer doesn't have to be!

Today's guest is Luke Chadwick - On Trade Manager at Local Beer

Local are on a mission to lighten up the beer industry with their award-winning, lower-calorie, floaty session pale ale

Luke made the move from banking to beer, stepping away from the corporate life at Santander and diving head first into the drink space.

He is SUPER passionate about the local pub community. From the landlords, the staff, the chefs, and of course the customers.

I loved digging into his journey as to where this passion stemmed from, his working journey and what made ultimately change direction to join the Local movement.

As always, thanks for tuning in and let me know what you thought of this episode ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠ or in the comments below!

Also, check out the ever growing ⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro Jingle Credits to All Good Folks - Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠

In the final episode of our 3 part Mission Kitchen special, I have the pleasure of sitting down with Kerry Hopkins - Head of Brand at Pollen + Grace.

Pollen + Grace have been championing healthy, fresh, plant-based food for a decade now, and they don’t show any signs of slowing down.

I loved digging into Kerry’s time there pretty much since day one! What is it about her role that’s kept her engaged for 10 years, how has the brand evolved and changed.

What challenges have they had to overcome, and what does the future hold for them?

There truly is SO much richness to be had here and I am a HUGE fan of the brand!

As always thanks to our fantastic sponsor ⁠Mission Kitchen!⁠

If you're a chef, baker of food brand looking to grow, then head on over to book a tour at their site in Nine Elms, London today.

Check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠

Chapters

00:00: Introduction to Pollen and Grace

02:29: The Brand Story and Mission

04:52: Evolution of Pollen and Grace

06:40: Brand Messaging and Market Positioning

08:51: Team Structure and Work Environment

10:34: Brand Evolution and Packaging Changes

14:20: Challenges and Learning Experiences

16:46: Product Development and Feedback Loops

20:28: Market Trends and Consumer Behaviour

22:48: Personal Journey into the Food Industry

24:45: Passion and Commitment to the Brand

27:17: Future Plans and Innovations

30:31: Community and Networking at Mission Kitchen

33:18: Conclusion and Recommendations

In part 2 of our Mission Kitchen special, Mitch sits down with ⁠Jack Parton⁠, Marketing Director at ⁠Sylt Pickling⁠.

We discuss the innovative concept of pickling liquids, the importance of reducing food waste, and his journey in the food industry.

Jack shares insights on community engagement through events, the support provided by Mission Kitchen for startups, and the challenges faced in entrepreneurship.

Jack also emphasises the significance of work-life balance and the value of being part of a supportive community in the food business.

As always thanks to our fantastic sponsor ⁠Mission Kitchen!⁠

If you're a chef, baker of food brand looking to grow, then head on over to book a tour at their site in Nine Elms, London today.

Check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠

Chapters

00:00: Introduction to Silk Pickling

04:04: The Concept of Home Pickling

07:14: Team Structure and Growth

09:05: Passion for Cooking and Culinary Journey

11:40: Events and Community Engagement

17:00: Mission Kitchen and Its Impact

22:50: Challenges and Learning Experiences

34:09: Final Thoughts and Advice

Today's guest is Mike Spurr, the R&D lead at The Good Pulse Co. A company specialising in plant-based cheese made from split peas.

Mike shares his journey from nearly 20 years at PepsiCo to the startup world, discussing the challenges and innovations in food science

The conversation delves into the importance of communication, curiosity, and the lessons learned from both successes and failures in R&D

Mike emphasises the need for boldness in asking questions and the value of understanding consumer needs in product development and his anecdotes are brilliant.

I LOVED this one!

As always, thanks for tuning in and let me know what you thought of this episode ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠ or in the comments below!

Also, check out the ever growing ⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro Jingle Credits to All Good Folks - Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Mike Spurr and The Good Pulse Co.

05:05 - Understanding P-Power Technology and Product Development

09:43 - Transition from Corporate to Startup: A Personal Journey

14:50 - Communication and Collaboration in Teams

17:25 - The Roots of Curiosity: From Childhood to Food Science

25:56 - Career Path: PepsiCo and Lessons Learned

31:12 - Investing in R&D for Better Products

36:29 - The Challenges of Big Corporations

42:45 - Learning from Tough Times

54:04 - People Development in Large Organizsations

57:40 -Advice for Aspiring R&D Professionals

Today's guest is the fantastic Liv Marshall - Head of Commercial at White Rabbit.

In this episode we discuss Liv's journey from Unilever to leading a pioneering gluten-free brand.

She shares insights on the evolution of White Rabbit's product range, the importance of consumer feedback, and the challenges faced in the food industry.

Liv emphasises the significance of working for brands that align with personal values and the impact of strong leadership in fostering grow.

Plus SO much more!

As always thanks to our fantastic sponsor Mission Kitchen!

If you're a chef, baker of food brand looking to grow, then head on over to book a tour at their site in Nine Elms, London today.

Check out the ever growing ⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠

Chapters:

00:00: Introduction to Liv Marshall and White Rabbit

03:19: The Evolution of White Rabbit

05:10: Product Highlights and Business Growth

06:56: The Role of Gluten-Free in Food Service

07:32: Liv's Day-to-Day as Head of Commercial

09:48: Liv's Career Journey: From Unilever to White Rabbit

14:09: Lessons from Unilever: The Big Business Experience

19:39: Transitioning to Oatly: Seeking Growth and Challenge

23:15: Diverse Backgrounds and Team Dynamics

27:35: Transitioning from Oatly to White Rabbit

31:42: Rebranding and Product Evolution

37:20: Consumer Engagement and Feedback

40:06: Learning from Career Challenges

42:44: Advice for Aspiring Professionals

43:33: Celebrating Female-Led Brands

44:54: The Journey and Lessons Learnedtro Jingle Credits to All Good Folks

This is part 1 of a 3 part, in-person special filmed live at Mission Kitchen.

In this first installment, Mitch sits down with Alex Locke - Brand Manager at plant-based cheese brand Mondarella.

Alex shares insights into the plant-based cheese market and her career journey working in brands like Yankee Candle, The Food Doctor and Ocado.

We also dive into the collaborative spirit fostered within Mission Kitchen and how Mondarella use the space. Leading to unique buyers boxes with chutney and crackers made on site.

Plus SO much more!

As always thanks to our fantastic sponsor Mission Kitchen!

If you're a chef, baker of food brand looking to grow, then head on over to book a tour at their site in Nine Elms, London today.

Check out the ever growing ⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠

Today's guest is the wonderful Holly Barnes - partnership manager at BlendSmiths. She shares her journey and insights into the world of artisanal hot drinks.

The conversation explores the origins of BlendSmiths, the importance of quality ingredients, and the role of partnerships in building a successful brand.

Holly discusses the challenges faced in the industry, the significance of hospitality experience, and some exciting NPD that has just been released!

As always thanks to our fantastic sponsor Mission Kitchen!

If you're a chef, baker of food brand looking to grow, then head on over to book a tour at their site in Nine Elms, London today.

Check out the ever growing ⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro Jingle Credits to All Good Folks - Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠

Today's guest is Ian Wilkinson Sales Director at the powerhouse of a brand Hunter & Gather. They focus on providing real foods with clean ingredients in a world full of UPF's.

In the last 12 months, the business has flown from £6.5 million to £11.1 million and with 80% of that coming from online and D2C sales!

In this conversation we talk about the importance of building a community as a way of fostering customer loyalty.

We dig into Ian's career working at brands like Danone, Twinings, Britvic and AB World Foods and the lessons he's learnt along the way.

Why it's so important to be passionate about what you do - and SO much more.

As always thanks to our fantastic sponsor Mission Kitchen!

If you're a chef, baker of food brand looking to grow, then head on over to book a tour at their site in Nine Elms, London today.

Check out the ever growing ⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro Jingle Credits to All Good Folks - Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠

00:00: Introduction and Background of Hunter & Gather

02:39: Growth and Market Trends in Health Foods

05:15: Company Culture and Team Dynamics

08:18: Sales Strategy: D2C vs Retail

11:15: Building a Community and Brand Loyalty

14:05: Navigating Retail Partnerships and Accelerators

17:06: Ian's Career Journey and Sales Philosophy

18:44: The Journey into Sales

21:08: Transitioning to ABF and Twinings

24:08: Growth and Leadership at Twinings

26:26: From Big Business to Scale-Up

27:43: Lessons from Big Corporations

31:37: Navigating Challenges and Mistakes

34:56: Strategic Focus in a Growing Business

38:01: The Soundtrack of a Career

Today's guest is the wonderful Sophie Hall - Operations + Product Manager at Spoon Cereals.

Operations is rarely given the spotlight it deserves despite it being the backbone of a business. You can't grow a brand if you can't get products from A to B and everything that's involved in making that happen!

Brands need people as passionate about Ops like Sophie to help take care of things and it was great to dig into her journey, some of the tools she uses to streamline processes, her love of Disney - and SO much more.

There is SO much richness in this - I really hope you enjoy it!

As always thanks to our fantastic sponsor Mission Kitchen!

If you're a chef, baker of food brand looking to grow, then head on over to book a tour at their site in Nine Elms, London today.

Check out the ever growing ⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro Jingle Credits to All Good Folks - Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠

00:00: Introduction and Background

02:13: Spoon Cereals: The Brand and Its Mission

04:41: Sophie Hall's Journey into Operations

07:21: Experiences at Rude Health and Snowbird

09:37: Getting Hired at Spoon Cereals

11:58: Work Culture and Team Dynamics

14:39: Challenges in Operations

16:57: Operational Efficiency and Lessons Learned

17:12: Navigating Challenges in Operations

18:12: Leveraging AI for Efficiency

20:41: Career Learnings and Personal Growth

22:29: Innovations in Product Development

22:59: Sustainability and Upcycling in Food Production

25:16: Empowering Women in Business

27:22: Essential Tools for Small Teams

29:23: The Spirit of Trying Everything

"Take yourself around the counter - if you have a problem or an issue, take that barrier out the way"

Today's episode is with David Morrin, the Commercial Director at Whole Foods Wholesale Ireland, shares his extensive experience in the health food industry.

He discusses the differences between the Irish and UK markets, the importance of building relationships with brands, and the evolving trends in health and wellness products across his 20 year career.

We discuss the need for empathy in customer service, and the value of storytelling in brand success.

David also provides valuable insights on how brands can effectively approach Whole Foods and navigate the complexities of the Irish market.

There is SO much richness in this - I really hope you enjoy it!

As always thanks to our fantastic sponsor Mission Kitchen!

If you're a chef, baker of food brand looking to grow, then head on over to book a tour at their site in Nine Elms, London today.

Check out the ever growing ⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro Jingle Credits to All Good Folks - Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠

Chapters

00:00: Introduction to David Moran and Whole Foods Wholesale

01:45: David's Journey and Role at Whole Foods

04:40: Understanding the Irish Market for Brands

07:58: Trends in Health Products Over 20 Years

09:50: Sourcing Products and Customer Insights

11:29: Navigating Compliance and Market Trends

13:31: Impact of Brexit on Trade and Opportunities

15:20: The Importance of Customer Relationships

17:51: David's Career Path and Educational Background

23:49: Lessons from Hospitality Experience

24:34: Empathy in Business Relationships

26:22: Brand Evolution and Identity

28:25: Navigating Market Entry Strategies

30:49: Success Stories and Learning from Experience

34:45: Managing Expectations and Communication

38:57: Approaching Distributors Effectively

Ever wondered what it's like to build a fantastic workplace from the inside out? This week, we're diving deep with Sarah Fairbairn, the Head of People at MOTH Drinks, and she's spilling all the secrets!

Sarah shares her journey through various roles in HR, highlighting her experiences at Made.com, Moth Drinks and more.

She discusses the challenges faced during the administration of Made.com (missing out on maternity leave), the importance of employee engagement and retention strategies, and her insights from working in Dubai's SME landscape.

Sarah emphasises the significance of personal development and creating a supportive workplace culture, while also teasing exciting future developments at Moth Drinks including their latest delicious NPD!

This episode is full of tips on how to build a great workplace, and how to find a job you'll love.

If you're interested in how companies grow, or just want to hear an inspiring story, you'll love this!

As always thanks to our fantastic sponsor Mission Kitchen!

If you're a chef, baker of food brand looking to grow, then head on over to book a tour at their site in Nine Elms, London today.

Check out the ever growing ⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro Jingle Credits to All Good Folks - Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠

00:00: Introduction to Sarah Fairbairn and Moth Drinks

02:57: The Importance of a Head of People in Startups

05:51: Recruitment Strategies and Company Culture

09:08: Knowing When to Hire: A Startup Perspective

12:10: Collaboration and Inclusivity in Business

15:03: Moth's Working Culture and Flexibility

18:03: The Role of HR in Modern Business

20:57: Sarah's Career Journey and Education

25:53: Navigating Career Transitions

28:30: Challenges in HR During Crisis

31:30: Learning from Experience

32:52: Working in Dubai's SME Landscape

34:57: Implementing Effective HR Processes

39:37: Retention Strategies and Employee Engagement

43:50: Future Plans and Exciting Developments

Today I speak to one of the most inspirational 26 year olds I have ever met!

Lewis Alexander Baxter is the COO of Kurogo, a personal branding agency, and we discuss the importance of building a personal brand no matter whether you're an entrepreneur, or an employee.

Lewis also opens up about his experiences with grief and mental health after losing his mother, emphasising the need for open conversations around these topics.

He's super passionate about getting more young people in charities having started one when he was 18.

He also shares insights from his TEDx talk (which he had to prepare for in 10 days) and why he encourages others to embrace their emotions while navigating their personal journeys.

We also touched on his future aspirations and new ventures in the functional drinks space with FUNC (watch this space).

This is a really open honest conversation and I am so grateful to Lewis for sharing so candidly.

As always, thanks for tuning in and let me know what you thought of this episode ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠ or in the comments below!

Also, check out the ever growing ⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro Jingle Credits to All Good Folks - Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠

Chapters

00:00: The Importance of Personal Branding

04:18: Building a Personal Brand: Strategies and Tips

06:52: The Role of Personal Branding in Career Advancement

09:51: Lewis's Journey and Involvement in Charities

12:37: The Impact of Mental Health on Career Choices

15:20: Youth Representation in Charities

19:18: Empowering Youth Through Charity Engagement

21:16: Navigating Grief and Mental Health

25:23: Balancing Education and Personal Challenges

29:36: The Impact of TEDx Talks on Mental Health Awareness

32:42: Finding Purpose in Helping Others

37:04: Advice for Those Struggling with Mental Health

40:41: Celebrating Achievements and Future Aspirations

In today's episode, Nat Slade, Head of Sales and Partnerships at Dirtea, discusses the innovative world of functional mushrooms and their health benefits.

We discuss her journey from recruitment in healthcare to leading sales at Dirtea, emphasising the importance of team culture, wellness initiatives, and the brand's commitment to quality.

Nat also highlights the challenges faced in the industry, the significance of building relationships, and offers valuable advice for aspiring professionals in sales and FMCG.

There truly is SO much richness to be had here and I am a HUGE fan of the brand!

As always thanks to our fantastic sponsor ⁠Mission Kitchen!⁠

If you're a chef, baker of food brand looking to grow, then head on over to book a tour at their site in Nine Elms, London today.

Check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠

Chapters:

00:00: Introduction to Dirty and Its Mission

04:20: Understanding Functional Mushrooms

07:19: The Dirty Product Range and Accessibility

10:26: The Versatility of Dirty Products in Food Service

13:10: Nat Slade's Career Journey and Transition to Dirty

19:20: Leadership and Team Development at Dirty

23:54: Navigating the Transition to Sales

24:51: The Shift to Mushroom Coffee

27:22: The Rise of Functional Foods

29:41: Balancing Work and Wellness

31:47: Building Team Culture at Dirty

33:43: Hiring for Success

37:31: Future Plans and Innovations

39:14: Overcoming Challenges in the Industry

43:14: Music and Motivation

44:17: Advice for Aspiring Sales Professionals

In today’s episode I’m joined by two fantastic guests from the brilliant Mr Organic. Head of Brand Stephanie Lee and National Account Manager Margaux Jacquot.

I loved digging into the origins, heritage and why behind the brand, as well as unpicking everything around how the range has expanded to over 120 product and counting, and the role independents play in their strategy.

The conversation delves into the importance of customer feedback, the recent rebrand, and the significance of quality in organic products - as well as both of their careers.

I LOVED this one, and hope you will too.

As always thanks to our fantastic sponsor ⁠Mission Kitchen!⁠

If you're a chef, baker of food brand looking to grow, then head on over to book a tour at their site in Nine Elms, London today.

Check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠

Chapters:

00:00: Introduction and Background of Mr. Organic

03:14: Product Development and Customer Feedback

05:43: Innovative Campaigns and Product Launches

08:46: Exploring New Product Lines

11:31: Rebranding and Market Positioning

14:00: The Importance of Organic and Health Trends

17:04: Personal Journeys and Career Paths

22:41: The Journey to the UK: Margaux's Story

26:11: Sales Experience: Learning from the Field

28:15: Passion for Food: The Driving Force

30:54: Career Development: Finding the Right Fit

32:54: Navigating Challenges: Lessons from Tough Times

36:45: Value vs. Cost: Educating Customers

39:23: Collaboration and Team Spirit

39:37: Music and Team Culture

Today's guest is Will Drinkwater Head of Operations at TRIBE.

Tribe make delicious, nutritionally focused products like flapjacks, brownies, cereals and more with the aim of supporting their community charity The Tribe Freedom Foundation, helping tackle human trafficking.

Will has been in the business nearly 10 years and I loved digging into his journey.

We dive into Tribe's origin story, the importance of operations in a growing business, sustainability efforts, team culture, and the challenges faced in the food industry.

Will shares insights on product development, collaborations, and the tools that help streamline operations, emphasising the community aspect of the brand and the shared experiences that come with running and working together.

I LOVED this one, and hope you will too.

As always thanks to our fantastic sponsor ⁠Mission Kitchen!⁠

If you're a chef, baker of food brand looking to grow, then head on over to book a tour at their site in Nine Elms, London today.

Check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠

Chapters:

00:00: Introduction and Overview of Tribe

01:55: The Story Behind Tribe's Founding

04:45: Tribe's Social Impact and Charity Initiatives

07:43: Recent Product Launches and Brand Refresh

12:00: Will's Journey into Operations

14:38: The Importance of Operations in Business

17:01: Managing Growth and Supplier Relationships

19:35: Operational Tools and Software

25:57: Team Culture and Work Environment

28:03: Building a Young and Dynamic Team

30:35: The Power of Shared Experiences

36:59: Navigating Operational Challenges

43:06: Sustainability and Industry Regulations

45:18: Finding Your Tribe in Business

Today's guest is the fantastic Katie Jewett, Chief Operating Officer at Momo Kombucha.

Katie shares insights into the journey of Momo, a brand known for its high-quality, authentic kombucha.

We discuss the challenges of scaling a business, innovative collaborations, and the importance of maintaining product quality amongst rapid growth.

Katie also reflects on her career path, team dynamics, and the supportive culture within startups.

I loved the emphasis throughout on the significance of curiosity and community - and hope you do too!

As always thanks to our fantastic sponsor ⁠Mission Kitchen!⁠

If you're a chef, baker of food brand looking to grow, then head on over to book a tour at their site in Nine Elms, London today.

Also if you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible new sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous new rebrand.

They also have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today!

Check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠

Chapters

00:00: Katie's Role at Momo Kombucha

03:36: Momo's Growth and Scaling Challenges

06:42: Collaboration with Tate and Unique Offerings

08:38: Momo's Market Position and Authenticity

11:20: Retail Partnerships and Seasonal Flavors

13:01: Katie's Career Journey and Insights

15:45: Building a Diverse Skill Set

18:32: Navigating Growth and Challenges

21:01: The Importance of Clarity in Communication

22:58: Fostering Team Culture and Bonding

25:33: Curiosity and Continuous Growth

28:46: Overcoming Operational Challenges

31:37: Exciting Future Plans for Momo

33:57: The Power of Community in Startups

36:14: Advice for Aspiring FMCG Professionals

Today's guest Rudi McGuinness is one of the most passionate, energetic and engaging young people I've ever spoken to.

Rudi is Head of Partnerships at Dig In, a company who provide boxes of essential items for students on their first day of university, and how this create meaningful connections between brands and young consumers in a time they are most receptive.

We touch on her vibrant journey from Spain to the UK, her experiences in hospitality, and her passion for engaging with Gen Z through innovative marketing strategies.

We also discuss the challenges of outreach in the marketing world, the cultural differences between Spain and the UK, and the importance of positivity in the workplace.

Rudi's diverse career path and her commitment to building community shine through in this engaging conversation - you're going to love it (and her!)

As always thanks to our fantastic sponsor ⁠Mission Kitchen!⁠

If you're a chef, baker of food brand looking to grow, then head on over to book a tour at their site in Nine Elms, London today.

Also if you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible new sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous new rebrand.

They also have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today!

Check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠

Chapters:

00:00: Understanding Diggin: The Concept and Its Impact

05:27: Rudy's Journey to Diggin: Personal Connection and Experience

09:48: Engagement Strategies: How Brands Connect with Gen Z

12:39: Challenges in Brand Outreach: The Ghosting Phenomenon

18:19: The Importance of Communication in Sales

20:33: Hospitality Experience: A Foundation for Sales Skills

21:54: Career Journey: From Hospitality to Insurance

26:52: Cultural Contrasts: Spain vs. London

36:09: Challenges in Business: Overcoming Obstacles

43:00: Connecting with the Community and Future Aspirations

In this weeks episode, I chat to Emily Churchill - Head of Marketing at Nice Wine.

She shares insights into the brand's innovative approach to the wine industry.

We discuss the company's mission to make wine more approachable and fun, the strategic positioning that has led to its widespread acceptance, and the creative marketing campaigns that have captured consumer attention.

Emily also reflects on her career journey, the importance of company culture, and the lessons learned from both successes and failures in marketing.

The discussion once again emphasises the significance of community, creativity, and adaptability in the fast-paced FMCG sector.

As always thanks to our fantastic sponsor ⁠Mission Kitchen!⁠

If you're a chef, baker of food brand looking to grow, then head on over to book a tour at their site in Nine Elms, London today.

Also if you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible new sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous new rebrand.

They also have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today!

Check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠

Today's guest is the wonderful Katie Arabella Ward - Senior National Account Manager at Pimentae

Pimentae make delicious Margaritas - Spicy, Tommy, Cucumber and my favourite - Grapefruit, which was also just named the best canned margarita by BBC Good Food

Katie swapped a career in beer into the world of tequila and I loved digging into all things drinks, managing customers and activations - and what they're doing as a brand to make noise.

I loved this chat - and hope you do too!

As always thanks to our fantastic sponsor ⁠Mission Kitchen!⁠

If you're a chef, baker of food brand looking to grow, then head on over to book a tour at their site in Nine Elms, London today.

Also if you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible new sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous new rebrand.

They also have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today!

Check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠

In this conversation, Will Orchard, the sales lead at Shandy Shack, shares insights into the unique offerings of the brand, which specialises in low-alcohol craft beer shandies. 

He discusses the journey of Shandy Shack, its collaborations, customer demographics, and the challenges faced during rapid growth and acquisition. 

Will also reflects on his unconventional career path, lessons learned from his time in the army, and the importance of maintaining brand identity post-acquisition. 

The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of the drinks industry and the significance of moderation in drinking culture.

Check out Will's side project The Observational Buffet here

As always thanks to our fantastic sponsor ⁠Mission Kitchen!⁠

If you're a chef, baker of food brand looking to grow, then head on over to book a tour at their site in Nine Elms, London today.

Also if you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible new sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous new rebrand.

They also have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today!

Check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Shandy Shack and Will's Role

06:04 Distribution and Collaborations

11:39 Will's Journey to Shandy Shack

16:58 Growth and Evolution of Shandy Shack

23:36 Building a Collaborative Team Culture

30:12 Transitioning to a Larger Organisation

36:32 Learning from Mistakes in Scaling

In this episode, I talk all thing operations with Phil Peters - Director of Supply Chain Services at YF.

YF are a consultancy designed to help innovative, high-growth consumer businesses achieve mainstream scale. They provide advice and a wide range of services to retailers, investors and the brands themselves - one of which includes operations, and that's where Phil comes in!

He shares insights from his early career, key lessons learned, and the significance of cash management in business. Phil emphasises the complexities of operations and supply chain - and is on a mission to celebrate these unsung heroes with OpsFest - running for the second time this year!

I loved this chat - without Operations there is no business! Enjoy

As always thanks to our fantastic sponsor ⁠Mission Kitchen!⁠

If you're a chef, baker of food brand looking to grow, then head on over to book a tour at their site in Nine Elms, London today.

Also if you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible new sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous new rebrand.

They also have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today!

Check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-head

License code: QWUZIDMAML7QE7ZI

Chapters:

00:00: Introduction to Phil and YF Consultancy

03:38: The Launch of Opsfest: A New Era for Operations

08:16: Phil's Journey: From Philosophy to Operations

17:44: Challenges in the Food Delivery Industry

22:03: Mental Health and Burnout in Operations

27:09: The Importance of Relationships and Flexibility

35:14: Operational Support for Brands

40:22: Connecting with YF and Future Opportunities

Today I have the honour and privilege of sitting down to talk with Laura Mimoun - Chief Marketing Officer at The Fulham Shore, looking after both The Real Greek and Franco Manca.

Laura's background is fantastic, having worked at Mondalez and PepsiCo, looking after brands such as Mini Eggs, Creme Egg, Green and Blacks and so many more.

Laura also had experience of being an entrepreneur herself, with the amazing Kaleido Salad Roll business.

And then taking the step back into employment for where she is today.

It's a brilliant story and SO much to gain from this - I really hope you enjoy it.

As always thanks to our fantastic sponsor ⁠Mission Kitchen!⁠

If you're a chef, baker of food brand looking to grow, then head on over to book a tour at their site in Nine Elms, London today.

Also if you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible new sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous new rebrand.

They also have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today!

Check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-head

License code: QWUZIDMAML7QE7ZI

Chapters

00:00: Introduction to The Unfounders Podcast

04:04: Revamping The Real Greek: A Culinary Journey

09:09: Balancing Two Brands: Franco Manca and The Real Greek

14:34: Laura's Career Journey: From Corporate to Entrepreneur

19:40: The Challenges of Running Kaleido and Moving On

26:18: Returning to Corporate Life

32:12: Exciting New Launches and Promotions

Today's guest is the brilliant Shane Stewart - Brand Director at XOXO Soda.

XOXO are a stunning prebiotic soda brand taking over Europe and The UK - and Shane is taking the helm leading all things brand.

I loved digging into his background and past journey, working at brands like Northern Bloc ice cream and Moju.

Shane also shares the work he's doing to remove stigma around grief, with his inclusive running club Step by Steppers that he created after sadly losing his father.

Shane is an absolute legend, and I really hope you enjoy this episode!

As always thanks to our fantastic sponsor ⁠Mission Kitchen!⁠

If you're a chef, baker of food brand looking to grow, then head on over to book a tour at their site in Nine Elms, London today.

Also if you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible new sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous new rebrand.

They also have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today!

Check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-head

License code: QWUZIDMAML7QE7ZI

Chapters

00:00: Introduction to XOXO Soda and Shane's Role

06:49: Consumer Trends and the Rise of Functional Beverages

11:38: Creating Moments of Joy with XOXO Soda

18:30: Balancing Work and Personal Life

25:15: Shane's Career Journey and Lessons Learned

30:31: Learning from Experience and Consumer Engagement

37:28: Overcoming Obstacles in Events and Operations

48:06: Turning Personal Loss into Positive Action

Today's guest is a marketing legend - Rory McEntee

Rory is now the Chief Marketing (/Mischief) Officer at GymNation - a mega gym taking over the UAE with their huge well equipped offering.

He's already causing a stir with 'The Coolest Class in Dubai' and other fantastic initiatives, but I wanted to dig into his background, and what it's like moving to Dubai whilst raising a young family.

So that's exactly what we did!

Rory reflects on his experiences at GymBox, Paddy Power, Pizza Express and more - discussing how finding the right people and teams to let you have freedom of creativity can lead to some amazing PR campaigns and brand awareness.

As always thanks to our fantastic sponsor ⁠Mission Kitchen!⁠

If you're a chef, baker of food brand looking to grow, then head on over to book a tour at their site in Nine Elms, London today.

Also if you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible new sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous new rebrand.

They also have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today!

Check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.

Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-head

Chapters

00:00: Introduction to Rory McKenty and Gym Nation

02:55: Moving to Dubai: A New Chapter

05:50: Innovative Marketing at Gym Nation

09:48: The Roots of Creativity

12:57: Career Progression in Marketing

17:36: Transitioning from Paddy Power to Pizza Brands

19:39: The Impact of AI on Marketing

24:53: The GymBox Experience and Highlights

25:39: Creative Freedom at GymBox

28:00: Innovative Marketing Strategies

32:34: Brand Collaborations and Creative Campaigns

35:13: Navigating Challenges in Marketing

38:36: Personal Reflections and Future Plans

41:35: Marketing in Dubai: A New Perspective